Night had settled deeply over the palace.
Most of the corridors were silent, the lamps burning low as the servants completed their final duties. The Empress's courtyard was especially quiet. After everything that had happened, the Dowager Empress had ordered stricter security around her chamber.
No one was supposed to enter without permission.
Inside her chamber, the Empress sat near the window, reading quietly.
She had only just begun to relax when—
Knock. Knock.
She froze.
Her eyes immediately moved toward the window.
At this hour?
Who could possibly be there?
She stood and approached cautiously.
Another soft knock came.
The Empress frowned.
She carefully opened the window.
Then her eyes widened.
Two figures stood outside.
Both were dressed as palace maids.
But the moment they lifted their faces—
The Empress stared in disbelief.
"Princess Zhi?"
"And Lady Chen?"
The two women smiled.
"Let us in quickly."
The Empress hurriedly stepped aside.
