The Imperial Palace welcomed a rare kind of morning.
Peace.
For the first time in many nights, no frightened servants spoke of strange cries echoing through the halls. No maids whispered about unsettling dreams. Even the palace guards remarked that the night watch had been unusually quiet.
As dawn painted the palace roofs gold, servants smiled more easily.
"It was the first full night's sleep I've had in weeks."
"I didn't wake up even once."
"Perhaps the palace's bad fortune is finally leaving."
Hope, however small, had begun to return.
---
Inside the Empress's courtyard, Lian An was enjoying a quiet breakfast when one of her maids entered with a respectful bow.
"Your Majesty."
"A message has arrived."
The Empress looked up.
"For me?"
The maid nodded and presented a neatly folded letter.
Lian An unfolded it.
The elegant handwriting was unmistakable.
Lady Chen.
She read silently.
