Changhua Palace - Residence of Empress Dowager Liu
In the grand halls of Changhua Palace, Empress Dowager Liu sat in her study, her fingers lightly grazing the surface of a finely crafted jade bracelet—one of the last gifts her late husband, the Former Emperor, had given her. The room was quiet, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows along the silk-draped walls. The years had passed, but the weight of his absence never lessened.
Her thoughts wandered to the past, to the days when she had stood beside him, watching over the empire with pride. But those were distant memories now. The court had changed, and so had the people within it. Betrayals, shifting alliances, and hidden schemes lurked beneath the surface of the imperial court. Yet, despite everything, she had remained strong.
A gentle knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Your Majesty," came a soft voice.
"Enter," she commanded.
Her loyal maid, Xiu Yan, stepped in gracefully, bowing deeply.
