Late on the third night after entering the city, Karl's study was still lit.
He sat behind his desk, a list spread out before him—the list compiled by the Intelligence Bureau of the Empress Dowager's core supporters. Dozens of names filled it in dense rows, and behind every name lay crime after crime, debt after debt of blood. He picked up a quill and circled several names, then hesitated for a moment before finally setting the pen down.
A soft knock came from outside the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Roland entered. He had changed into clean casual clothes, but the weariness of days spent rushing about still lingered between his brows. He bowed to Karl, then took a seat in a chair to one side.
"My lord, it is late. Are you still not resting?" Roland asked with concern.
Karl rubbed the bridge of his nose and gave a bitter laugh. "I can't sleep. This vast Royal Capital may look peaceful, but danger lurks everywhere beneath the surface. The Empress Dowager may be dead, but the mess she left behind is even harder to deal with than she was."
Roland fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "My lord, I have something to say, though I do not know whether I should."
Karl raised his head and looked at him. "Between you and me, speak freely."
Roland took a deep breath. "My lord, I believe the Empress Dowager's followers must be removed—but they cannot all be removed."
Karl raised an eyebrow slightly. "What do you mean?"
Roland explained, "The Empress Dowager ruled as regent for many years. From top to bottom, nearly everyone at court was her person. If we purge everyone connected to her, I fear there will scarcely be anyone left in the court.