Inside the palace, the candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls like silent phantoms.

The soft rustling sound of the burning candles was akin to the swish of a dancer's skirt, each flicker of the flame stirring the tranquil air.

Emperor Wen sat high above, looking down at the young Xia Chen who was prostrated before him, nodding slightly with a hint of satisfaction on his face.

"I don't need you to risk life and limb; just seeing you unravel the Censorate's schemes shows you have some wit.