I had no choice but to act decisively—to ensure that no one dared repeat her mistake."
Her gaze softened as she finished, but her smile carried a quiet authority that brooked no argument.
"Oh, I see," Dowager Noble Consort Yun said, her voice soft and measured, though her eyes were fixed on Empress Dowager Zhao with feigned worry.
"It seems someone may be spreading malicious rumors about you, elder sister. You must investigate thoroughly… and find out who dares to do this."
Both women knew the sincerity in each other's words was only for show—an unspoken game of appearances—but neither betrayed the truth as they continued strolling through the palace gardens. After a while, they parted ways, each carrying her own thoughts beneath the composed smiles.
