Night settled over the imperial palace like a heavy curtain, thick with silence and shadows. Lanterns flickered softly along the corridors, guards changed shifts, and nobles slept behind carved doors—unaware that the palace, once again, was about to descend into chaos of a very unusual kind.
Only one person sensed it first.
Empress Lian An paused mid-step in her chamber, a familiar chill brushing the back of her neck.
"…They're at it again," she muttered.
From behind her, three figures slowly materialized.
Wei Rong, the general ghost, arms crossed and expression dark.
Li Shen, the scholar ghost, already rubbing his temples as if anticipating trouble.
And Fen Yu—who looked far too pleased for someone who was supposed to be cultivating calmly.
"You felt it too?" Fen Yu asked brightly.
"Yes," Lian An replied flatly. "And judging by your face, you already know what happened."
Fen Yu clasped her hands. "Other palace ghosts are gossiping again."
