At the very moment when the winds and clouds were changing on Daluo Island.
The Imperial Palace, countless miles away in the Capital.
After having lunch, Eunuch Hai, as usual, went alone to the empty courtyard of the Martial Arts Hall, set up a chair, and sat down quietly, closing his eyes for a nap.
The gentle breeze came, causing the ancient trees at the corners of the deep red palace walls to sway.
As one of the very few who knew the Empress had left, Eunuch Hai was tasked with guarding the Imperial City.
Anyone who dared to intrude into the Imperial Palace at this crucial moment would face the execution at the hands of this court's chief Tributor, whose longevity was nearing its end.
Eunuch Hai assumed it would just be another peaceful afternoon.
