Deep within the Purple Dusk Imperial Palace, heavy curtains hung low.
The imperial main hall had once inspired awe throughout the region. Though its carved beams, painted rafters, and gilded jade pillars remained, it no longer possessed its former splendor.
Rich brocade covered the floors. White smoke curled from incense burners, drifting past twelve jade-inlaid screens and winding among the golden bells overhead, lingering without dispersing.
The Eldest Princess reclined on her couch, raven hair spilling over her shoulders like clouds. A crimson-purple palace gown hung loosely about her, its gold-thread phoenix tail winding down the skirt in extravagant splendor.
One hand propped against her temple as she lounged lazily on the soft couch draped in snow-white fox fur.
"Has the message been sent?"
The attendant standing with bowed head beyond the beaded curtain hurried forward and answered respectfully.
"Your Highness, your message has been delivered to Young Master Ye exactly as you instructed, without a single word changed."
The Eldest Princess raised her eyelids slightly and asked indifferently, "How did he react?"
Recalling the fluctuations transmitted back through the Jade Talisman, the maid answered honestly, "When Young Master Ye learned of the Great Xia Crown Prince's conduct, he flew into a furious rage. Filled with righteous indignation, he denounced Great Xia's outrageous tyranny and declared that he would come to Purple Dusk immediately to break the siege."
The Eldest Princess waited a moment.
Silence filled the hall.
The Eldest Princess of Purple Dusk's fingers paused on her glass goblet, her gaze darkening.
She tilted her head slightly and waited a little longer.
But the maid offered nothing more.
The wine swayed back and forth in the goblet, reflecting the glimmer of impatience in her eyes.
The Eldest Princess lifted her cold, beautiful eyes. "That's all?"
The maid froze, then