A jump in time, and the yinshi [1] gong had just sounded; Jiang Changbai, attired neatly, was sitting in a side hall in the depths of the Palace. The early autumn morning was a bit chilly, and the breeze that swept through the corridor made the asparagus ferns rustle. The head spy, attired in inky, close-fitted clothing, knelt before Jiang Changbai, forehead pressed against the gold-threaded velvet rug. "Reporting to Bixia, last night at three quarters past zishi, this subject saw the Regent enter the relay station." Jiang Changbai's hand paused, and the next moment, she set the cup of still steaming tea onto the desk. Her expression was filled with a ferocity, the pressure such that even the candle flames darkened a degree. "Explain carefully." The spy's throat bobbed, and cold sweat rose on her forehead without her realising it. "You said that, without your permission, no one was allowed into the station. This subject and a few sisters have been hidd...