The Chen family residence stood behind three layers of guarded gates, its courtyards neat, symmetrical, and intimidating in their quiet order. Old cypress trees lined the stone paths, their shadows long even in the afternoon light, as if the house itself was listening.
Lady Chen arrived without ceremony.
Her carriage entered through the side gate, as instructed. No banners. No servants announcing her presence. To the outside world, this was merely a daughter returning home to visit her aging father.
But within these walls, nothing was ever simple.
She stepped down gracefully, her silk shoes barely making a sound against the stone. The servants bowed low, their eyes carefully lowered. No one asked questions. No one spoke unless spoken to.
She walked straight toward the inner study.
Her father, Chen Guowei, had not summoned her—but she knew better than to wait.
---
The Study of Secrets
Chen Guowei's study smelled of old paper, ink, and bitter tea.
