Love Letter

This stretch of silence felt exceptionally long to many in Di'an City—and indeed, across the entire realm. That night's military coup had come too suddenly, and ended just as suddenly. Like a mist descending without warning, it had once more thrown the once-visible future into confusion.

Countless people tossed and turned because of it.

Countless people were restless with anxiety because of it.

But just as a long night would eventually welcome the dawn, the chaotic mist would ultimately disperse. No one knew whether the road ahead would be bright, but its direction would be decided.

The forty-eighth year of Jiajing, the thirteenth day of the second month, just before dawn.

Specks of golden light drifted through the skies above Di'an.

Setting down the last dossier in his hand, Xu Yuan rose from behind his desk. The night beyond the window lattice remained thick, and the inner courtyard study was furnished as it had always been. Only the faint scent of ink was gone; the secret scrolls and files that had once filled the bookshelves in dazzling abundance had all vanished.

He took down the Black Dragon longsword hanging on the study's inner wall and pushed the door open alone. The inner courtyard had lost its usual bustle. As he made his way out, he found the outer courtyard somewhat bleak as well, the relocation of personnel and supplies nearly complete.

When Xu Yuan reached the gates of the estate, he still could not help but pause and look back at the home once known as the Prime Minister's Estate.

Everything lay shrouded in the hazy night, yet everything was plainly visible.

For a home, it truly was too large.

With an inexplicable sigh, Xu Yuan chuckled and shook his head. As the grand estate gates opened with a rumbling