The capital in smoke. The palace district burns in the distance. Ink-wash panels of chaos — soldiers running, doors being barricaded.

The purge begins in earnest — arrest warrants, soldiers at doors.

The Crown Prince's son's residence — doors closing, soldiers closing in.

The Crown Prince's son being dragged from his chambers.

Zhaoxia in the Crown Prince's palace, given the news.

Zhaoxia changes into mourning robes — a quiet, private moment.

Zhaoxia is escorted to a carriage. The journey home begins.

The road out of the capital. Zhaoxia's silent journey.

The Pei estate comes into view. The gate is ahead.

Zhaoxia steps out of the carriage. She stands at the gate.

Zhaoyue appears at the gate to receive her sister.

Close-up on Zhaoxia's face — the coldness is visible.

Zhaoxia speaks for the first time — a statement, not a question.

Zhaoyue does not deny it. The sisters stand in silence.

Zhaoxia presses further — she is beginning to understand.

Zhaoxia continues — she is working through the pieces.

Zhaoxia's realization crystallizes.

Zhaoyue's response — quiet, factual, unflinching.

Zhaoxia's response — she is not crying. She is done crying.

Zhaoyue answers — the truth, without apology.

Zhaoxia's question — the one she has been holding.

Zhaoyue's answer — complicated, honest, and cold.

Zhaoxia's reaction — she does not accept this easily.

Zhaoyue's final answer — the chapter's closing statement.

Zhaoxia's final look — she turns and walks into the estate.

Zhaoyue alone at the gate. The chapter's final beat.