The corridors outside the Imperial Consort's residence smelled faintly of peonies and old incense—sweet, cloying, and just a little bit spoiled. It was the kind of scent that clung to polished floors and lingering ambition. Wei Lanyue, the Empress, walked through it in silence, her footsteps soft on the stone, her train whispering behind her like a ripple on still water.
There were no servants trailing behind her, no dedicated eunuchs to help guide her like they did the rest of the women from the harem. But that was fine. She didn't need it.
She did not walk quickly. Queens didn't need to. Every step was measured, deliberate. There was no rush. After all, when you ruled from the shadows, time was the one thing always on your side.
