Though Empress Li Hua knew well that in just three days, her fiercest rival—Consort Hua, who once schemed to usurp the Phoenix Throne—would be buried alive in the royal tomb,
that knowledge brought her no peace.
Her hand rested protectively on her swollen belly as she pondered. Consort Hua had grown far too quiet in these final days. Death was drawing near. Soon, her body would be sealed in darkness, entombed alongside the late Emperor. Surely, a cunning viper like her would not simply sit and await the hand of death.
Or… had Consort Hua already resigned herself to fate?
Empress Li Hua hoped that was the case—yet something about how smoothly everything was going set her on edge. A shiver of dread stirred in her heart. She feared for the child in her womb.
Her worry showed clearly upon her face, prompting Grand Chancellor Li Gaosun—her father—to speak with concern.
"What troubles you, Your Majesty?"
Startled, the Empress quickly composed herself, masking her unease with a practiced smile before turning to him.
"It's nothing, Father."
But Li Gaosun was not fooled.
"Do not lie to me, daughter," he said gently. "I see it in your face. Tell me what weighs on your heart."
She looked at her father, then offered a faint smile before speaking: "I'm troubled by Consort Hua."
Li Gaosun frowned. "You're distressed… over that harlot?"
The Empress gave a soft nod—just enough for him to understand.
"She can no longer harm you, Li Hua," he said reassuringly. "In three days' time, the thorn in your side will be gone. That wicked woman will not escape death."
"If only I could believe that," the Empress replied, her brow still furrowed in worry. "We mustn't underestimate someone as cunning as she. She is no ordinary woman. She's survived every attempt to bring her down. Each time, she turned the tide in her favor.
And now, even when she appears cornered, I can't help but feel… this is not the end."
"Perhaps you're overthinking it," Li Gaosun said, scoffing. "She was never truly clever—only skilled in seduction. The only reason she rose so high was because she ensnared the late Emperor with her body. I've seen many women like her. Once the man they rely on is gone, they're nothing more than dogs in the street."
"And yet… you believe she has no one left to rely on?" the Empress asked, gazing at her father. "Because I do not believe that."
Li Gaosun stiffened. "What do you mean? Are you suggesting… someone is still backing her?"
"I'm not certain," she replied, her voice quiet.
"Who is it? Tell me, Li Hua."
Before she could answer, a servant entered the chamber. It was Zhong Lin—the maid the Empress trusted more than any other.
Standing at the entrance, Zhong Lin gave the Empress a knowing glance. Li Hua understood and gave a faint nod.
Zhong Lin turned toward a figure hidden behind a palace pillar. "Come in," she called. "Her Majesty grants you audience."
A figure emerged from the shadows. It was Ah-Zhi, the maid who had secretly fled from Consort Hua's palace.
She rushed forward and threw herself at the Empress's feet, weeping pitifully.
"Please, Your Majesty—spare me… I beg you!"