The imperial garden remained under heavy guard.
The fifty bodies had already been respectfully covered with white cloth and were being carried away one by one for identification.
Imperial physicians, coroners, and investigators carefully examined every body, hoping to find even the smallest clue.
The Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as cold as ice.
Beside him stood the Empress, Princess Zhi, Prince Liang, the Dowager Empress, Lady Chen, and several trusted officials.
No one spoke.
The only sounds were the footsteps of guards and the rustling of the morning wind.
A palace investigator approached and bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"We have searched several of the victims."
The Emperor looked at him.
"Report."
"There are no palace identity tokens."
"They appear to be merchants, laborers, and common citizens from different districts of the capital."
The investigator hesitated.
"And..."
"No signs suggest they entered through the palace gates."
