Morning light bathed the Hall of Tranquil Grace in soft gold. The first sunlight touched the painted eaves, shimmering across silk curtains embroidered with cranes and plum blossoms. The smell of sandalwood and chrysanthemum tea filled the air, drifting lazily around the high room.
Seated at the center table, regal as a statue, was Empress Dowager Ronghua. Her posture was upright despite her age, her silver hair coiled perfectly beneath a golden phoenix crown. The years had etched lines across her face, but her eyes—sharp, cold, calculating—remained unclouded.
Across from her sat Lady Chen, the Emperor's favored concubine, in pale rose robes with a jade hairpin glinting at her temple. She poured tea with graceful movements, her tone soft and honeyed. "Your Majesty, you seem in better spirits today. Did you rest well?"
The Dowager took a measured sip, her gaze fixed on the rising steam. "As well as one can rest in a palace full of restless hearts."
