Jin Li watched Duke Yu and Kong Qi depart, then slumped back, exhaustion weighing heavily on her shoulders. She still wasn't fit to be an empress.0

If…0

If the chaos in Southern Qian ever settled, she wanted to leave it all behind—to sit beneath the Ancient Qichun Tree and see Qi Yuan.4

If only…0

"Your Majesty." Aunt Qin lowered her voice, leaning close to the empress's ear. "This altar… is it truly at his instructions?"0

Jin Li faltered for a moment, then answered quietly, "Aunt Qin, you only need to do as I say."0

Aunt Qin fell silent, though a flicker of unease crossed her eyes. She’d recognized the design on the drawing, and she knew Duke Yu had as well. 0

Afterward, Aunt Qin withdrew from the hall. Outside, she noticed Duke Yu standing alone some distance away, leaning heavily on the pale stone ra...0