Inside the Ministry of Punishments Prison, the light remained dim. Only a tiny window served as an air vent, casting a narrow sliver of sunlight into the cell. The air was thick with a long-lingering damp, musty odor, mixed with the stench of rot.
Mei Gongxue sat slumped in a corner, her eyes hollow and vacant as she stared blankly at the mottled wall before her. Yet, deep inside, a cord remained taut; she knew her moments of relative peace were coming to an end.
*Clatter.* The sound of keys jingling echoed, followed by approaching footsteps. Mei Gongxue shuddered and immediately straightened up.
Chapter 88