Inside the Quiet Serenity Residence in the Inner Garden of the Prince Consort's Residence.
Li Ling reclined in his favorite huanghuali rocking chair.
Winter had arrived, bringing a hint of chill. He rested his feet on a soft cotton cushion, a lazy cat nestled in his lap. A stove beside him warmed his wine, and he sipped it with shelled peanuts to ward off the cold, so comfortable that his eyes narrowed contentedly.
The wine was brewed from glutinous rice and low in alcohol, perfect for drinking alone in weather like this. A beautiful maid stood behind him, kneading his shoulders with just the right pressure to loosen his muscles.
"Inkstone Mountain has rebelled after all. Now war is flaring up everywhere. I'm afraid we're in for another long stretch of upheaval."
Li Ling had only heard the news that day and was discussing it with his wife during their quiet evening.
The Ninth Princess held a bamboo embroidery hoop with a handkerchief stretched inside it, depicting mandarin ducks playing in water. Smiling as she worked her needle, she asked, "Are you very concerned about the state of the country, husband?"
Stroking the purring cat in his lap, Li Ling sighed softly. "No. I just feel that life shouldn't have to be so difficult, but there are far too many ambitious people in the mortal world. Once the court shows weakness, all the grievances accumulated over the years erupt.
"People foresaw long ago that the disaster would be followed by epidemics, food shortages, and displaced civilians. Yet apart from the Royal City, where effective measures were taken, the other disaster-stricken regions have still suffered grievous losses. It isn't as though the main forces of the Demonic Path are active in all those places."
Holding her golden thread, the Ninth Princess