The note arrived just after morning court, folded into the petals of a lotus-shaped box and tied with golden thread. Lady Yuan broke the seal in silence, eyes scanning the short message twice before she lowered it into her lap.
She didn't speak for a long time.
Her old nursemaid—now little more than a silent shadow by her side—shifted nervously beside her.
"Does he still think it's a girl?" the woman asked quietly.
Lady Yuan said nothing.
"Your mother has made it clear," the woman continued. "It is better for you to sacrifice this one to get rid of the threat, boy or girl. You can always give him more later… once you're in your proper position."
Still, Lady Yuan did not answer. Her fingers toyed with the edge of the note before finally crumpling it into her fist.
Her chin lifted.
