As the winds wrapped the palace, murmurs of rumors spread in the corridors. "They say Master Yong's last prophecy foretold doom for those who had wronged the innocent," a whisper echoed through the hallways. "Some speak of a hidden force awaiting justice, ready to bring ruin upon the guilty. Others call it a mere tale, but... you can feel the tension." In a courtyard, two maids were sweeping the dust.

"Hey," one maid whispered, glancing over her shoulder as though checking for eavesdroppers, "did you hear about Master Yong's prophecy? It's spreading like wildfire."

The other maid paused, her broom stilling mid-sweep. "Yes, I did." She straightened up, doubt in her eyes. "But do you actually believe in it?"

The first maid looked around, leaning closer, her eyes wide with conviction. "Of course. Master Yong's prophecies have never been wrong. And this was his last one, right before he died." She clutched her broom tightly.

"Hmmm." The other maid made a casual sound, resuming her sweeping.

Their words traveled swiftly, winding through hallways and echoing in chambers until, at last, they reached the empress herself. Seated beside the emperor, her body stiff, her fingers tightening slightly around her cup.

The emperor, noticing her stillness, lifted his eyes from his cup, his brows knitting. "You seem troubled," he murmured, reaching a hand toward hers.

"Yes, the recent rumors—they're causing quite a stir. Do you think it could truly be Master Yong's prophecy?" she asked, her shoulders relaxing slightly, though a frown remained on her brow as she glanced at the emperor.

The emperor took a leisurely sip of his tea. "Well, you'll have to investigate to be certain, won't you? And even if it is, I don't see any harm in it," he replied, his voice light, dismissive.

She let out a soft sigh, fingers tracing the intricate carvings on her chair. "You don't understand. I'm concerned these rumors will be fuel for the courtiers—they're always looking for reasons to cause trouble."

"Don't worry, nothing will happen," he replied dismissing the convo.

But his words alone couldn't ease the empress's tension. Her fingers tapped lightly against the arm of her chair, betraying her inner turmoil. After all, old chapters could resurface, casting unwanted shadows on the present. She glanced at the emperor, noting his relaxed demeanor as he savored his tea, seemingly untouched by the unease.

"You might be right," she said, forcing a smile, though her mind raced with thoughts of what the prophecy could stir up. Still, I'll ensure this matter stays contained. The last thing we need are whispers threatening our stability.

With a firm grip on her teacup, she resolved to quell the rumors before they gained more traction. She announced " Call Minister Qiao(Chow)". She is wise—she must have a solution.

The empress waited patiently, her head rested on her fist as her eyes closed in contemplation, her arm rested at the chair. She heard hurried footsteps outside announcing, Minister Qiao's arrival.

"Your majesty, may I enter?" a clear voice asked.

"Come in," instructed the empress, opening her eyes.

The door swung open, and a dignified woman in her late forties wearing the official attire entered, bowing. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"At ease," ordered the empress, straightening as she collected herself, she questioned, "I assume you've heard the rumors."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Are they your concern?" inquired Qiao.

"Precisely, I am worried that those old schemers will stir trouble," the empress replied, her tone edged with frustration.

Minister Qiao gave a slight nod. "They shouldn't be your concern at all. On the contrary, Your Majesty, you could use the rumors to your advantage. Observing how the ministers react may reveal more about their intentions and you can investigate the rumours along."

"Right," relief softened her expression as she continued "Who do you think is best for this job?"

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"Prince Yan(Yen). His time in the investigation office has given him insight, and he is well acquainted with palace workings."

"Agreed. Yan will handle the investigation, while you observe the ministers. Report anything unusual directly to me. And, if needed, employ more hands—the treasury will cover the expenses."

Minister Qiao inclined her head. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I will take my leave."

The doors closed quietly behind Minister Qiao, and the empress watched her retreat, her mind already moving ahead to the tasks at hand. She called for a maid and ordered "Invite Prince Yan for dinner."

As night fell, the palace glowed with candlelight, casting a warm, golden light across the room. The dining table, draped in an intricately designed cloth, was set with delicacies, each dish meticulously prepared. The Empress had changed into more relaxed attire as she awaited Prince Yan's arrival. He entered—a young man of twenty, his expression serious, clad in a noble violet robe embroidered with threads of gold.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," he said, bowing respectfully.

"Come, sit," instructed the Empress, gesturing to the seat opposite her.

Prince Yan moved swiftly, seating himself as the doors closed behind him, sealing them into their private meal. Silence lingered until the Empress finally spoke, "Now, to business. I need you to investigate the recent rumors spreading through the palace."

"Sure," he replied casually, eyes still focused on the meal as he took a bite.

She paused, her hands resting on the table as she studied him. "It won't be easy," she added, voice soft but firm. "This is your first significant task." She looked at his unfazed face with concern.

Prince Yan was her deceased brother's only son. She had raised him as her own. She couldn't help but worry about him. Everytime she looked at him, she could see her brother's face, they were so identical.

Prince Yan put down his spoon, meeting her eyes directly. "Don't worry, Aunt. I'll handle it well—you won't have any reason to complain."

A faint smile touched her lips. "Very well."

The air grew lighter as Yan leaned forward, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "Now, tell me about this new trainer," he asked, the formality softening as his intrigue grew.

The Empress shook her head, but a knowing look crossed her face as she shared the story of Lianfeng, known as He Ning.

Lianfeng lay on her bed peacefully, staring at the painted ceiling. Suddenly, Ren burst through the door, her face written all over with concern.

"Lianfeng! Prince Yan is going to investigate the rumors!" she blurted, her voice a frantic whisper.

Lianfeng turned her head slowly meeting Ren's eyes with calmness." Okay," she spoke gently as she sat on the bed.

"What do you mean 'okay'? Aren't you worried?" she inquired in haste, her eyes wide as if they could fall out.

"I have it all planned out," Lianfeng reassured her, a smirk playing on her lips. "Don't worry, I've already chosen someone to take the fall."

Ren leaned closer, and with intrigue, she asked, "Who?"

"Head maid, Zhang Mei (Jahng May)," Lianfeng replied, her eyes sharp and focused, revealing a hint of satisfaction in her plan.

Flashback:

Ren was washing clothes in the courtyard, her hands dry and swollen, aching from the endless scrubbing. The sun bore down, adding to her discomfort, and each breath felt heavy with the scent of damp clothes.

Suddenly, Zhang Mei appeared, her presence like a shadow darkening the afternoon. Without warning, she hurled a pile of freshly laundered clothes at Ren's face, making her stumble backward. "Why are you so lazy? Work fast, does your salary come for nothing?" Zhang Mei sneered.

Ren stumbled but quickly regained her balance, her heart filled with frustration. She was exhausted, she had been working nonstop for days. She knew Zhang Mei was deliberately making her life miserable. I have to continue for Lianfeng, for me, she reminded herself, gritting her teeth.

With shaky hands, Ren placed the clothes in the basket. Her swollen hands pained and so did her legs at every step but she was determined.

From behind a pillar, Lianfeng watched the scene unfold, her heart heavy with anger. Zhang Mei's laughter rang in her ears, cruel and mocking, as she turned to the other maids, her voice dripping with condescension. "Look at her, barely able to keep up! You think you can be a maid without breaking a sweat? Pathetic."

Ren's eyes shone with unshed tears, but she forced herself to look away, focusing on the task. Lianfeng clenched her fists, rage boiling inside her as she took in Zhang Mei's smug expression. This won't go on for long, she vowed silently. I will make sure she pays for her cruelty.

As Zhang Mei strutted away, satisfied with her torment, She hated Ren, she was a diligent, innocent and honest girl. She could bring her trouble in her dealings. She wanted to make her leave on her own so that no one will be suspicious of her.

Lianfeng resolved to find a way to protect Ren from her grasp. I will make sure you regret it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You saw all the torment, didn't you?" it suddenly struck Ren, and her hands dropped to her side.

"Yes, I did," Lianfeng admitted, drifting her look away to avoid Ren's eyes.

"But how are you going to do it?" Ren shifted the topic, curiosity mingling with concern.

"We are going to make full use of our network," told Lianfeng, her eyes sharpened with determination.

Ren sat down beside her, her brow furrowed. "I don't understand one more thing. Why did you have to enter the palace? You've built an extensive network, so why go through all this trouble?"

Lianfeng let out a soft sigh, laying back on the bed. "Some things can only be done by me," she said, her voice steady. "The palace holds the answers I need, and I can't rely on others for this. It's too personal... too important."

Ren nodded slowly, absorbing Lianfeng's words. The night wrapped and fell into deep silence, waiting for dawn to break.