The afternoon sun bathed the imperial gardens in a soft, honeyed light. Jifeng sat beside you, the quiet companionship broken only by the rhythmic scratching of calligraphy brushes against rice paper. He traced each elegant character with precision, yet his mind was far from the peaceful setting. His thoughts lingered on Míng Án, the cunning rival who had long moved through the harem.

Though nothing could be proven, Jifeng sensed Míng Án’s invisible hand behind the recent turmoil, Yao’s aggression against the favored concubine Sheng had been too perfectly timed, too convenient.

But Jifeng had no proof, no evidence to present to you. Only suspicions, sharpened by years of watching Míng Án’s subtle maneuvers. His hands paused over the brush as he silently considered the best way to frame the matter, how to present the unfolding drama without appearing accusatory or overzealous.

A soft breeze stirred the leaves, and Jifeng found the words forming in his mind. Rising smoothly, he set aside his brush and bowed respectfully to you "Your Majesty" he began, his voice calm yet laced with meaning "I bring news from the harem. The concubine Yao has received his punishment. He has been confined to his chambers"

He paused, weighing his next words carefully "Though justice has been served, I cannot help but feel that this incident may not have been entirely... spontaneous" Jifeng's eyes flickered with a deeper emotion, frustration at his inability to unmask Míng Án directly, but also a cold determination. If Míng Án was indeed behind this, he would eventually reveal himself.