The wooden table feels cool against my skin as I sit in the chair that still holds the faint warmth of my brother's body. Shangjue has only been gone a few moments, but the Zheng Palace already feels cold and empty again. My fingers brush the精致的 wooden box he gave me - the hair ornaments with their tiny silver bells that jingle softly with the slightest movement.

I pick up the bowl of cold Angelica Golden Herb Tea and drink it down without hesitation, just as I've done every day since I was a child. Mother's warnings echo in my mind: "Yuanzhi, you must never let anyone see you drinking this. Remember what happened to that servant who discovered your secret."

A strange heat begins to stir low in my belly, not uncomfortable exactly, but distracting - the same sensation that has been plaguing me for months. I shift in my seat, feeling the fabric of my robes rub against my sensitive skin in a way that sends unexpected shivers down my spine.

Perhaps some fresh air would help. I stand abruptly, determined to find the servant who dared provide me with rough, scratchy undergarments that have been tormenting me all day. As I storm through the palace gates, I don't notice the way my hips sway slightly more than usual, or how the silver bells in my hair tinkle with each step.

The night air hits my face as I enter the shadowy path that leads away from the palace. That's when I see him - Gong Ziyu, sneaking out yet again, no doubt headed to one of his disreputable haunts.

"宫子羽，这么晚了，你又要去哪？" I demand, my voice sharper than intended as my frustration and confusing sensations boil over.