The palace buzzed with excitement as the final ten empress candidates prepared for the grand banquet. The opulent halls were adorned with flowers and candles, creating a magical ambiance for the evening's festivities. As the guests arrived, whispers of anticipation filled the air, all eyes turning to the candidates who stood at the center of attention.
Xia watched from the sidelines, her heart filled with pride for the candidates she had selected. Each noble lady presented herself with elegance and poise, showcasing their talents and virtues in the hopes of capturing the emperor's heart.
As the evening unfolded, the tension mounted, and Xia could sense the weight of the emperor's decision hanging in the air. Little did they know that a shadow of danger loomed over the festivities, threatening to upend the evening's celebrations.