At 9 to 11 PM, the Forbidden City was like a splendid coffin.
The windows of the palaces were tightly shut, letting out no hint of laughter. Although it was summer, a chill seeped through the soles of the stone floors. The wind howled through the palace paths, not to break the silence, but to measure its depth and breadth.
It held the Ning Dynasty's most exquisite rituals, the strictest hierarchies, the largest fortunes, the supreme power, as well as frozen youth, suppressed desires, and forgotten ambitions.
In the dark of the night, Bai Li changed into the grey attire of a eunuch, drawing her eyebrows to make herself resemble the little eunuch even more.
She followed behind Xu Xi, hurrying down the palace path, their hands tucked inside wide sleeves, heads lowered, walking in a vast shadow.
The little eunuchs of the Inner Court began their night patrol.
