Gang Xing's footsteps echoed through the palace halls as he departed, leaving behind a tense atmosphere in his wake. In the shadows of an ornate pillar, three figures emerged - Lan Zhi, Mei Lan, and Qin Ru had overheard the entire exchange between Gang Xing and Lady Jiao.
The three women made their way to the main hall where Lady Jiao sat, her shoulders heavy with exhaustion from the day's confrontations. The golden light streaming through the high windows cast long shadows across the polished floor.
Lan Zhi's heart clenched as Gang Xing's words replayed in her mind. He had accused the wellness centers she and Lady Jiao established had become the perfect rallying point for the traditionalists. Lan Zhi felt that without meaning to, she's given them a symbol to unite against.
Lady Jiao looked up as they approached, her usual composed demeanor showing signs of strain. Before anyone could speak, Lan Zhi stepped forward, her face etched with guilt and determination.
