The palace was divided that day.
In one courtyard, laughter was light and sweet.
In another, silence was thick enough to suffocate.
---
Lady Chen's Courtyard — False Peace
Sunlight filtered gently through carved windows, falling on a low table filled with delicate snacks.
Lotus-seed pastries.
Honeyed plums.
Warm herbal tea.
Lady Chen sat gracefully, her posture elegant, fingers pale against porcelain. Across from her sat Shin Gu, calm and composed, her expression soft, eyes lowered in modest politeness.
Lady Chen lifted her teacup and smiled faintly.
"Thank you… truly," she said softly.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know how to endure these days."
Shin Gu returned a gentle smile.
"It's nothing. Helping friends is only natural."
Her voice was smooth, warm, comforting—like spring water flowing over stone.
Lady Chen's shoulders relaxed.
