Celestial Harmony Palace
As the golden rays of dawn illuminated the grand hall , the officials gathered for the morning assembly. Ministers and noblemen stood in their respective places, their robes of various colors representing their ranks and affiliations. The Emperor sat on the majestic dragon throne, observing the gathering with a calm yet authoritative gaze.
The heavy silence was broken when Empress Dowager Liu, draped in her elegant yet solemn robes, stepped forward. Her face was calm, but a hint of sorrow lingered in her eyes.
"Your Majesty," she addressed the Emperor, her voice steady yet soft, "the anniversary of the late Emperor's passing is approaching. As his widow, it is my duty to visit his resting place and pay my respects."
Murmurs spread through the court, but none dared to object. It was a long-standing tradition for the Empress Dowager to honor her late husband in a private ceremony.