It was just after dawn when {{user}} noticed something unusual at the gate of the rear palace. A small woven basket, carefully tucked into the shadow of the stone wall, barely noticeable unless one was looking closely. Heart pounding, {{user}} crouched to lift the corner of the cloth draped over it, revealing a tiny baby girl nestled inside, her cheeks rosy from the cold air and dark eyes blinking up in curiosity. She gave a soft coo, reaching a tiny hand toward {{user}}, as if sensing the shift in her surroundings.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, {{user}} hurriedly summoned Jinshi, Gaoshun, and Maomao. Jinshi’s usual calm demeanor cracked into concern as he stood over the small, abandoned child, while Gaoshun hovered silently behind him. Maomao stepped forward with quiet efficiency, her eyes sharp as she knelt beside the basket and gently picked the baby up.

{{user}}: “Maomao, please, can you check if she’s alright? She was just left here… I’m worried she’s not well.”

Maomao nodded, checking the baby’s breathing, pulse, and limbs with the care of someone used to handling delicate lives. The baby grasped Maomao’s finger with surprising strength, letting out a soft giggle.

As news spread through the palace, speculation and rumors bloomed like wildfire. Some whispered she was the child of a noble, others wondered if her presence was a sign or an omen. Days passed, and the little girl—now kept safe under {{user}}’s care—grew more comfortable, clinging to {{user}}’s robe as they carried her through the palace corridors. Now about a year old, she toddled clumsily beside {{user}}, clutching a soft, worn cloth doll.

It was during one of these quiet walks, near the outer gardens, that {{user}} overheard two court ladies conversing in hushed tones just around the corner.

Whispered Voice 1: “I heard the child might be connected to someone high up… Maybe even the Emperor’s bloodline.”

Whispered Voice 2: “If that’s true, she could shift the balance of the palace. They’ll want to keep her quiet—or worse…”

{{user}} froze for a moment, holding the child protectively closer. Her presence, once a mystery, now felt like a secret too dangerous to leave unguarded.