"Emperor Xin"

"My lord, a palace guard has delivered an order. You are to enter the palace at once."

Outside the study, the old steward's voice carried traces of exhaustion and panic. Having served at the Grand Historian's Manor for over a decade, the old man had clearly sensed that tonight was anything but ordinary.

The study door opened, and Li Changshou slowly walked out.

This Paper Daoist wore a loose dark-red robe. His pale white hair was bound beneath a crane-shaped crown. He was still as vigorous as ever, as composed and energetic as when he had first moved in years ago.

Li Changshou drew a letter from his sleeve and handed it to the old steward, smiling as he said, "After I go to the royal palace tonight, lock the main gate. Tell the guards in the manor not to go out carelessly. If anyone comes asking, tell them I have already gone to the royal palace.

"Once things have settled everywhere tomorrow, open this letter. It contains the method for opening the cabinet in my study. Divide the money inside among the people of the manor.

"Consider it the karma between us."

The old steward's hand trembled as he held the envelope. "My lord, this... Rumors are flying wildly through the city right now. These past few days, they have all said the Great King is gravely ill. You... you must not let anything happen to you!"

"It is not that something is happening. It is simply time to leave." Li Changshou raised a hand and patted the old steward's shoulder. "Do not overthink it."

With that, a wisp of mist arose beneath Li Changshou's feet, slowly lifting him half a zhang into the air. With a turn, he appeared directly in an empty spot in the front courtyard,