AT THE SAME TIME
THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW:
The morning light poured through the towering palace windows, catching on gold filigree and crimson banners as the halls buzzed faintly with hushed voices. Every servant, every official, and even a few minor nobles had been summoned to the grand hall by the empress dowager herself. It was rare, unheard of, even—for her to call such a gathering without her son, emperor Lianwei, present. But today, she stood tall at the top of the dais, clad in regal silks of deep jade and ivory. The sharpness in her gaze silenced the room with a single sweep.
"Listen well." She began, her voice carrying effortlessly through the vast chamber. "As you are all aware, my son the emperor has returned after five years. He has not come alone."
There were a few muffled whispers at that, which she ignored.
