Lady Chen's courtyard was unusually quiet.
The festival lanterns outside were still glowing faintly, but inside her residence, the warmth felt hollow. Servants moved lightly, careful not to disturb her. They all knew their mistress's mood had soured since the Emperor walked through the festival wearing the Empress's scarf.
Lady Chen sat by the window, staring at the night sky. The scarf scene replayed in her mind again and again.
He wore her scarf.
In public.
Without shame.
Her fingers tightened around the porcelain cup in her hand.
For so long, she had believed she was the one closest to him.
Childhood memories.
Years of companionship.
Shared laughter.
Shared responsibilities.
She was always there when he was tired.
Always gentle when he was angry.
Always understanding when he was distant.
And yet…
In the end, he chose to wear another woman's clumsy scarf.
Her chest felt heavy.
Just then, soft footsteps approached.
"Reporting, Concubine Shin Gu seeks an audience."
