The air was thick with the cloying sweetness of heavy incense and the greasy aroma of roasted meats. The grand hall was a flurry of activity—bursts of vibrant silks, bursts of brittle laughter, and whispers so soft they somehow cut through the clamor of the orchestra.
Tonight’s banquet was ostensibly held to celebrate some recent... accomplishment of The Emperor. Truth be told, I hadn't paid much attention to the specifics. My mind was elsewhere, coiled like a tightened spring, waiting for the moment to snap.
Imperial Noble Consort Chen caught my eye from across the hall, her emerald silk gown shimmering. She gave a slight nod—so faint it was almost imperceptible—and I knew we were ready. Weeks of meticulous planning, clandestine meetings in moonlit gardens, and the tireless efforts of Xiaotao, our silent informant, had all converged upon this moment. Tonight, we were going to strike at Wei Zhongxian, that viper.
Chapter 112