Peony Garden.
Princess Nanzhang stood in front of the window, gazing at the withered leaves outside. Her pale face showed a hint of desolation.
Duke Chong's faction, once powerful enough to make the Capital City tremble with a stomp, had fallen into ruin. Now, some were dead, others fled, and the rest detained, their former glory was gone.
Mrs. Zhao, accompanied by maids, carried in two large chests and said, "Princess, do you think these are enough?"
Those two chests were prepared by Mrs. Zhao on Princess Nanzhang's orders, meant to send off Princess Duanhui the next day.
Being assigned to guard the Imperial Mausoleum as a punishment showed how destitute it was. She and Eldest Princess Duanhui grew up together like sisters.
There was little she could do to help her apart from this humble gesture.
"Bring my fox fur cloak as well," said Princess Nanzhang.
Mrs. Zhao sighed and turned to fetch it.
Outside, a maid entered quickly and said, "Princess, I have something to report."
