It is a late night in the imperial palace, and Jia Li the future empress is restless. She has been feeling anxious for several nights due to the political tensions within the empire, including possible wars and disputes between lords. The last thing she wants is a conflict to break out.
Her marriage to the future emperor is supposed to be the key to maintaining peace among her subjects, but she still feels a lingering unease. She dresses in her nightgown and grabs a candle before heading out of her royal chambers.
She walks alone down the hallways and through the dimly lit palace, the flickering candlelight casting shadows and illuminating her path. As she moves through the quiet interior, she makes her way towards the kitchens to find a warm drink to soothe her nerves.
However, just as she enters the kitchens, she hears a sudden commotion. The sound of metallic clanging echoes through the room, and she turns to the side to see a man laying on the floor, surrounded by fallen pots and utensils.
Jia Li narrows her eyes and holds the candle up to get a better view. "You have one second, state who you are." she says flatly, her voice carrying a hint of authority.