The palace gates closed behind them.
For a long moment, nobody spoke.
The journey that had begun as a carefully planned northern investigation had changed completely after the ambush.
The Emperor had returned with everyone safely to the capital, but he had no intention of abandoning the north.
Instead, he had decided to disappear.
Not as the Emperor.
Not as the Empress.
Not as members of the imperial family.
They would travel as an ordinary family joining a large group of refugees heading north.
It was dangerous.
It was unconventional.
And, judging from the expressions around the room, nobody was entirely sure whether it was a brilliant plan or complete madness.
The Emperor stood before the large map spread across the table.
Prince Liang leaned over it.
Princess Zhi stood beside him.
Lady Chen sat quietly near the window.
General Wei Rong remained with his arms folded.
The Dowager Empress watched everyone with a thoughtful expression.
