57
The moon hung low in the ink-black sky, casting a gentle glow over the ancient city of Liuyue. Within the confines of the imperial palace, a sense of foreboding gripped the air as a clandestine meeting unfolded in the chambers of the Dowager Empress Zhang Li. The flickering candlelight played shadows on the walls, revealing the subtle tension etched on the faces of those gathered.
Emperor Jia Yuan, adorned in regal robes, sat upon the Dragon Throne with an air of uncertainty. By his side, the mysterious sorceress Meiying, her eyes veiled in enigma, whispered words of ancient incantations, attempting to decipher the cryptic message carried by a tattered scroll.
"The winds of fate are shifting, my lord," Meiying spoke, her voice carrying a weight that resonated through the room. "The celestial energies are in turmoil, and an ancient power awakens."