The atmosphere inside the Imperial Palace had become unbearably heavy.
The discovery of fifty corpses had shaken the entire capital.
The Ministry of Justice worked without rest.
Officials hurried through the palace carrying reports.
Imperial guards doubled their patrols.
Even the servants whispered only in hushed voices.
No one knew what had happened.
No one dared guess.
---
Inside the Imperial Study, dozens of scrolls covered the Emperor's desk.
The Emperor sat silently while the Minister of Justice knelt before him.
Beside them stood Prince Liang, several senior officials, and the commander of the Imperial Guards.
The room was so quiet that even the crackling of incense sounded loud.
The Minister lowered his head.
"Your Majesty, we have completed the first stage of identification."
The Emperor looked up.
"Speak."
"The fifty deceased have all been identified."
Prince Liang frowned.
"Who were they?"
The Minister slowly opened a scroll.
