Mid-Autumn was approaching, and the weather had gradually grown cooler. In the early morning, white mist shrouded the river and countryside, making the merchant ships sailing past look from afar as though they were traveling through a sea of clouds.
In a pavilion beside the Dragon-Washing Pool, at the highest point of the estate.
The Empress of Great Wei wore a casual long dress, with a lightweight red cloak with a white collar draped over her shoulders. Colorful dragons winding around peonies were embroidered on it, lending her an air both commanding and graceful, but her naturally alluring face had lost some of its former flame-bright vitality.
Once dressed, the Empress led her attendants slowly out of the room and onto a terrace overlooking the river below, gazing toward the imposing Capital City in the distance.
But after only a few glances, her eyes shifted toward the courtyard outside the pavilion.
The courtyard was small, serving as temporary quarters for the Son of Heaven's personal attendants. Only a wall separated it from the Dragon-Washing Pool, so it also served as the gatehouse to her sleeping quarters. Ye Jingtang stayed there while at the estate. When on duty, he followed the Empress whenever she went out; otherwise, he waited there for orders and patrolled at regular intervals.
The courtyard door stood open, suggesting he was already on standby, but Master Ye, the gatekeeper, was nowhere to be seen.
After looking it over, the Empress considered briefly and raised her hand.
"You may withdraw."
"Yes."
Her accompanying attendants immediately took their leave.
Once they had gone, the Empress slowly descended from the pavilion, passing silently through corridors and buildings until she reached the small outer courtyard.
Before she reached the door, she heard faint breathing from the inner room.
"Hoo... hoo..."
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