The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of the gardens and polished stone corridors. The palace had a way of making everything look tranquil, almost serene, but I knew better. Tranquility here was an illusion. Danger hid beneath every smile, behind every bow, lurking in every corner.
Still, I needed an excuse to move, to observe, to gather information without drawing suspicion. A walk around the palace, I decided. "Morning exercise," I muttered to myself as I stepped out. A cover-up, yes—but also an opportunity. If the original Yuan Wei had hidden the papers, the palace itself might hold clues. Guards' routines, servants' whispers, tiny overlooked details—they could lead me to the missing documents.
I kept my pace casual, hands behind my back, pretending to enjoy the crisp air. But my eyes swept over everything: windows, doors, staircases, even the occasional loose tile. Any detail could be a hiding spot—or a trap.
