As dusk approached, the setting sun stained the horizon blood-red, casting an ominous crimson hue over nearly all the jeweled towers and jade palaces of the Rongguo Mansion's floating island.
Ordinarily, this should have been the warmest, most leisurely time of day in the Jia Residence, with dinner just around the corner. But today, a heavy, oppressive unease hung over the household.
Though more than half a day had passed, Grandmother Jia and the others were still pacing beneath the veranda outside the rear hall.
Earlier, Jia Zheng had been hurriedly taken away by an envoy sent from the White Jade Capital. Half a day had gone by, and he had yet to return or send word. The heavenly envoy had arrived in person, his expression grave. He had offered no explanation before forcibly taking Jia Zheng away. Naturally, everyone in the Jia Residence was left terrified and on edge, their hearts pounding with anxiety.
After all, Jia Zheng was an assistant minister in the Ministry of Works and held a place in the celestial court. He might not have been a top-ranking official, but he was a mainstay of the Rongguo Mansion, both in court and beyond. Being taken to the heavenly palace without warning, with his fate uncertain, was bound to leave everyone worried sick.
So it was only natural that most of the women of standing from the Ning and Rong Mansions had gathered at Grandmother Jia's, waiting for news or seeking comfort.
But Grandmother Jia was beside herself. How could she possibly find the time to comfort them?
And so...
"..."
At that moment, Grandmother Jia had no time to sit, let alone have a meal served. Supported by Yuanyang, she stood beneath the eaves outside the hall, gazing into the distance. She clutched her string