When Hua Manman neared the palace gates, she found the area completely silent.
Other than the two guards standing by the gate, there was no one else in sight.
She lowered her head and walked over with a calm and unhurried pace.
When she reached the gate, the two guards stopped her.
One of them asked, "Which palace are you from? What are you doing here?"
Hua Manman presented her waist token.
"The Saint has just passed away, and the palace needs to prepare for the funeral. We've run short on supplies, so I've been ordered to leave the palace and purchase more."
The guard took the waist token, looked at it, then eyed her suspiciously.
"Isn't procurement always handled by the Imperial Secretariat? Why would they send a little palace maid like you? I don't think I've seen you before. Raise your head and let us have a look."
Hua Manman slowly raised her head.
At the same time, she suddenly threw a handful of dust!
