I came to offer you something

The other consorts were just as anxious.

Their private chambers were filled with whispers and worry.

Some regretted getting involved.

Others cursed the first consort for dragging them into this mess.

But none of them dared to leave their halls.

They could only wait.

And pray that Zhao Yan's wrath would not consume them all.

---

Then, a knock sounded.

A loud, crisp knock.

The first consort's head snapped toward the door.

The sound sent a shiver down her spine.

The servants froze.

None of them moved to open it.

Their hands shook.

They knew—whoever was outside was not someone they wanted to face.

The first consort's chest tightened.

Her instincts screamed at her to ignore it.

To pretend she wasn't here.

But she couldn't.

Because the knocking did not stop.

It became louder.

More urgent.