冷宫 tonight was eerily quiet.-only the rustling of falling leaves broke the silence, like the whispers of the dead.萧清雅 stood by the window, clutching the orchid handkerchief given by the Empress Dowager. Her knuckles were white from gripping it so tightly. The fine silk felt cold against her skin, mirroring the chill in her heart.

It had been three days since the celebration. She still couldn't believe how quickly everything had fallen apart. The Empress Dowager had dismissed Shu妃 from the celebration. Her voice was cold when she said, "You don't know how to speak properly. Stay in the Cold Palace until you learn proper court etiquette."

The crowd had gasped. Some looked sympathetic, but most were relieved to see Shu妃 gone. That was when Wangfang Grandmother approached her. Her eyes were kind but her smile was sharp.

"When will you learn that you're playing with fire, young mistress?" Wangfang Grandmother asked softly. "The Empress Dowager is not someone to challenge directly."