Between the dim skies, Chen Yi's face was illuminated by the flickering candlelight. The shadowy palace was towering and unfathomable, as if an invisible Buddha enshrouded him within its grasp.
The woman's face was ashen, yet she continued to smile.
After a moment, her feet, which had been suspended mid-air, gently touched the ground.
The Empress Dowager staggered slightly, her delicate jade-like hand brushing her neck. After a long pause, she steadied herself, raised her phoenix-like eyes, and gazed languidly at the official who owed his elevation to her.
Chen Yi stood motionless, expressionless, as shadows cast by candlelight danced across his face, leaving no clues to his thoughts.
But the Empress Dowager could see that Chen Yi's hand seemed to be trembling imperceptibly.
"What are you saying?"
After a long silence, the voice finally emerged from the official's mouth.
"If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't have made it to where you are now."
