the princes' seclusion
The heavy doors of the secluded chamber shut with a final thud, sealing off the outside world.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs.
The only people allowed in this sacred space were the emperor and the royal physician.
Not even the empress had been granted entry.
Outside, a solemn silence blanketed the palace grounds.
Every official stood in perfect formation, their backs straight, their heads bowed low in deference.
They had all changed into their formal court robes, the weight of the situation pressing down on them like an invisible force.
No one dared to speak.
No one dared to move.
Inside, the flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows over the prince's still form.
Zhao Yan lay unconscious on the large, ornately carved bed, his face devoid of color.