After Lili returned to the palace, the weight of the Empress Dowager's words lingered in her mind. The day's events, the subtle undercurrents of rivalry, and the looming presence of the upcoming draft all pressed down on her like a heavy cloak. She entered her chambers, her maids bustling quietly around her, sensing their mistress's contemplative mood.
"Your Majesty," Linghua said gently, "Would you like some tea to help you relax?"
Lili nodded absently, her thoughts still swirling. "Yes, that would be nice, thank you."
Ning Lili felt the weight of the day pressing down on her. She needed to escape, if only for a little while, to a place where she could gather her thoughts and find some semblance of peace.
