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Ghost in the palace

Chapter 289: Shadows Behind Loyalty · Nov 02, 2026

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Chapter List (462)

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251 Chapter 251: a game of mahjong 2026-11-02
252 Chapter 252: a gentle farewell 2026-11-02
253 Chapter 253: — Before Dawn, A Quiet Departure 2026-11-02
254 Chapter 254: Hidden Bonds and Quiet Changes 2026-11-02
255 Chapter 255: — A Heart That No Longer Runs Away 2026-11-02
256 Chapter 256: Threads of Joy and Hidden Worries 2026-11-02
257 Chapter 257: Whispers, Games, and Hidden Currents 2026-11-02
258 Chapter 258: Whispers After the Banquet 2026-11-02
259 Chapter 259: Shadows Beneath the Palace 2026-11-02
260 Chapter 260: Calm Before the Storm 2026-11-02
261 Chapter 261: Smiles Over Tea, Shadows Beneath Words 2026-11-02
262 Chapter 262: — A Day in the Market 2026-11-02
263 Chapter 263: Midnight Panic, Quiet Care 2026-11-02
264 Chapter 264: The Joy of Betrothal Preparations 2026-11-02
265 Chapter 265: The Day of Guo Da Li 2026-11-02
266 Chapter 266: The Bride Door Games 2026-11-02
267 Chapter 267: — A House Filled With New Bonds 2026-11-02
268 Chapter 268: The Morning After & The Final Celebration 2026-11-02
269 Chapter 269: Beneath the Lanterns, the Game Deepens 2026-11-02
270 Chapter 270: The Whisper Beyond Shadows 2026-11-02
271 Chapter 271: The Court of Power and the News of Death 2026-11-02
272 Chapter 272: The Same Words, Different Deaths 2026-11-02
273 Chapter 273: promises and silence 2026-11-02
274 Chapter 274: storm rising 2026-11-02
275 Chapter 275: The Price of Independence 2026-11-02
276 Chapter 276: Walking Away with Dignity 2026-11-02
277 Chapter 277: Chains Beneath Silence 2026-11-02
278 Chapter 278: Quiet Distance, Hidden Storm 2026-11-02
279 Chapter 279: A King Among Strangers 2026-11-02
280 Chapter 280: The Shrine of Unspoken Truths 2026-11-02
281 Chapter 281: Morning Warmth, Midday Quiet, and News from the Unseen 2026-11-02
282 Chapter 282: — The Silence That Should Not Exist 2026-11-02
283 Chapter 283: Words Left Unsaid 2026-11-02
284 Chapter 284: Whispers Beneath the Shrine 2026-11-02
285 Chapter 285: Whispers Before the Storm 2026-11-02
286 Chapter 286: Calm Above, Silence Below 2026-11-02
287 Chapter 287: A Stifling Calm 2026-11-02
288 Chapter 288: — A Flower and a Doubt 2026-11-02
289 Chapter 289: Shadows Behind Loyalty 2026-11-02
290 Chapter 290: When Questions Have No Answers 2026-11-02
291 Chapter 291: The Weight of Helplessness 2026-11-02
292 Chapter 292: Whispers in the Shrine 2026-11-02
293 Chapter 293: The Darkness That Swallowed Her 2026-11-02
294 Chapter 294: Voices Beyond the Darkness 2026-11-02
295 Chapter 295: The Darkness She Could Not Remember 2026-11-02
296 Chapter 296: Forgotten Memories 2026-11-02
297 Chapter 297: The Forgotten Empress at the Shrine 2026-11-02
298 Chapter 298: — A Heart That Refused to Let Go 2026-11-02
299 Chapter 299: Plans Beyond the Palace Walls 2026-11-02
300 Chapter 300: Whispers Beneath the Shrine Lanterns 2026-11-02

The palace corridors were quieter than usual that afternoon.

A faint breeze moved through the carved windows, carrying the scent of incense and old stone. Inside the Dowager Empress’s chamber, a rare conversation had just ended.

—

The Emperor stepped out.

His expression—

Different.

—

Not cold.

Not distant.

—

But... light.

—

For the first time in days—

Relief.

—

He had received permission.

—

The punishment placed on the Empress—

Lifted.

—

No more shrine.

No more isolation.

No more distance.

—

He paused for a moment in the corridor.

His thoughts drifting.

—

”...I’ll bring her back myself.”

—

A faint smile touched his lips.

—

”...I won’t tell her.”

”...It’ll be a surprise.”

—

For a man who ruled an empire—

This small thought felt strangely... personal.

—

And rare.

—

He turned.

Walking away with steady steps.

—

But unseen—

A pair of eyes had been watching.

—

Lady Chen’s Unease

Inside her courtyard—

Lady Chen stood still.

—

The news had reached her.

—

”The Empress’s punishment... has been lifted.”

—

Her fingers tightened slowly.

—

”...Why now?”

—

Her chest felt heavy.

Uncomfortable.

—

Something was wrong.

—

Too many things—

Were slipping out of control.

—

The Empress survived.

The attack failed.

And now—

Even the punishment was gone.

—

”...No.”

—

Her eyes darkened.

—

”This cannot continue.”

—

Without wasting another moment—

She turned.

And walked quickly—

Toward a place she hadn’t visited openly in days.

—

Shin Gu’s courtyard.

—

The Empty Courtyard

The path felt colder than usual.

—

No maids.

No guards.

No sound.

—

Lady Chen frowned.

”...Where is everyone?”

—

She stepped inside.

—

The courtyard was empty.

Still.

Unnaturally still.

—

A strange chill ran down her spine.

—

”...Shin Gu?”

—

No answer.

—

Then—

Faintly—

From inside—

—

Voices.

—

Low.

Whispering.

—

Not conversation.

—

Chanting.

—

Lady Chen’s heart skipped.

—

”...What is that?”

—

She moved slowly.

Carefully.

—

Toward the inner chamber.

—

The door was slightly open.

—

Just enough—

To see inside.

—

What She Was Never Meant to See

Lady Chen froze.

—

Inside—

The room was dark.

—

Only a few candles burned.

—

Their flames—

Unstable.

Flickering violently.

—

At the center—

Shin Gu.

—

Sitting cross-legged.

—

Her eyes closed.

Her lips moving.

—

Chanting.

—

And around her—

—

Objects.

—

Paper talismans.

Black threads.

Strange markings drawn on the floor.

—

And—

—

Portraits.

—

Laid carefully in a circle.

—

The Emperor.

The Empress.

The Dowager Empress.

Princess Zhi.

Several nobles.

—

Each one—

Connected.

—

Bound.

—

Lady Chen’s breath caught.

—

”...What is this...”

—

Then—

Shin Gu’s voice changed.

—

Lower.

Heavier.

—

Not human.

—

”I will break what binds you...”

—

”I will tear what protects you...”

—

”I will claim what is owed...”

—

The candles flared.

—

The shadows twisted.

—

Lady Chen staggered back slightly.

—

”...Black magic...”

—

Her mind raced.

—

”...This...”

”...This was never part of the plan...”

—

She had believed—

Shin Gu was helping her.

—

Helping her remove the Empress.

—

But this—

—

This was something else entirely.

—

Something darker.

—

Something dangerous.

—

”...The lake...”

”...The attack...”

—

Realization struck.

—

”...It was her.”

—

All of it.

—

The accident.

The strange events.

The manipulation.

—

”...She’s behind everything...”

—

Fear gripped her chest.

—

”...I have to tell the Emperor.”

—

Without thinking—

She turned.

—

And ran.

—

The Sound That Changed Everything

Her steps were quick.

Uncontrolled.

—

Her sleeve caught slightly—

Against a wooden frame.

—

A small ornament—

Hidden within her dress—

Slipped.

—

Fell.

—

Clink.

—

The sound echoed.

Sharp.

Clear.

—

Inside the chamber—

The chanting stopped.

—

Silence.

—

Then—

Shin Gu’s eyes opened.

—

Slowly.

—

Cold.

—

”...Someone is here.”

—

She rose.

—

Walked toward the door.

—

Each step—

Deliberate.

—

Outside—

Lady Chen froze.

—

”...No...”

—

She moved again—

Faster now.

—

But it was too late.

—

The door creaked open.

—

Shin Gu stepped out.

—

Her gaze scanned the courtyard.

—

Empty.

—

But she smiled.

—

”...Lady Chen.”

—

A whisper.

—

Soft.

—

Knowing.

—

The Hunter Turns

Lady Chen hid behind the outer pillar.

Her breath uneven.

Her heart racing.

—

”...She knows...”

—

Shin Gu stepped further into the courtyard.

—

Her fingers moved slightly.

Drawing something in the air.

—

A symbol.

—

Invisible.

But powerful.

—

”...You should not have seen that.”

—

Her voice carried lightly.

—

But beneath it—

Something darker.

—

Something ancient.

—

”...Now...”

—

Her smile deepened.

—

”...I have no choice.”

—

The air shifted.

—

Heavy.

—

Unnatural.

—

Lady Chen felt it immediately.

—

”...What is she doing—”

—

Before she could finish—

—

A sudden pressure wrapped around her.

—

Like invisible chains.

—

Her body stiffened.

—

She couldn’t move.

—

”...No...”

—

Shin Gu’s voice echoed again.

—

”You were useful.”

—

A pause.

—

”But now...”

—

”...you are a problem.”

—

The candlelight from inside flickered violently.

—

Shadows stretched unnaturally across the courtyard.

—

And Shin Gu—

—

Laughed.

—

Soft.

Low.

—

Cold.

The night swallowed the sound.

And within the silent palace—

A new danger had just awakened.

One that no one—

Not even the Emperor—

Had fully seen yet.

When the Darkness Strikes Again

The palace night stood unnaturally still.

Even the wind seemed to hesitate between the tall stone walls.

—

Inside the imperial courtyard, torches flickered softly.

Guards stood at their posts.

Everything appeared normal.

—

But something—

Was wrong.

—

Lady Chen’s Struggle

Lady Chen walked quickly through the long corridor leading toward the Emperor’s courtyard.

Her steps were uneven.

Unsteady.

—

Her breath came faster than usual.

Her chest felt tight.

—

”...I have to tell him...”

—

Her mind raced.

Images flashing—

Shin Gu.

The black ritual.

The portraits.

The chanting.

—

”...She’s not just targeting the Empress...”

”...She wants everything...”

—

Her fingers trembled.

—

”The Emperor... the Dowager... everyone...”

—

She tried to quicken her pace—

But suddenly—

Her body faltered.

—

A sharp pain shot through her chest.

—

”...What—”

—

She stopped.

—

Her hand gripped the wall.

—

Her breathing became shallow.

—

”...No...”

—

She opened her mouth—

—

”Your—”

—

But no sound came out.

—

Her throat tightened.

—

Her voice—

Gone.

—

Her eyes widened in fear.

—

”...I can’t speak...”

—

Then—

Another wave of pain.

Stronger.

—

Her vision blurred.

—

”...Shin Gu...”

—

A horrifying realization struck.

—

”She never intended to just eliminate the Empress...”

—

”She...”

—

”...planned everything.”

—

Her knees weakened.

—

”...I have to warn him...”

—

But her body—

Was no longer listening.

—

The Emperor’s Courtyard

Not far ahead—

The Emperor stood in discussion with a general.

—

”Double the night watch.”

”No one enters or leaves unnoticed.”

—

”Yes, Your Majesty.”

—

His voice was firm.

Controlled.

—

But beneath it—

A quiet tension still lingered.

—

The attack.

The doubts.

The unseen threat.

—

He had not let his guard down.

—

Not even for a moment.

—

Then—

Something shifted.

—

A faint sound.

—

Not loud.

—

But enough.

—

The Emperor turned slightly.

—

His eyes narrowed.

—

”...Who’s there?”

—

The general followed his gaze.

—

And then—

They saw her.

—

Collapse

At the far end of the courtyard—

A figure stumbled.

—

Then—

Fell.

—

Hard.

—

”Lady Chen!”

—

The Emperor moved instantly.

—

No hesitation.

No thought.

—

He reached her in seconds.

—

And froze.

—

Her body—

Cold.

—

Her eyes—

Wide open.

—

Too wide.

—

Almost... unnatural.

—

Her lips trembled slightly—

But no words came.

—

Then—

—

Blood.

—

A thin line—

Slowly spilling from the corner of her mouth.

—

The Emperor’s expression changed instantly.

—

”...No.”

—

He lifted her immediately.

—

”Call the healer!”

—

”Now!”

—

The guards ran.

—

The general’s face turned grim.

—

This—

Was not normal.

—

The Chamber of Urgency

Lady Chen was carried into the Emperor’s chamber.

Placed carefully on the bed.

—

Her breathing—

Shallow.

Uneven.

—

Her pulse—

Fading.

—

The Emperor stood beside her.

His hands clenched tightly.

—

”...Stay awake.”

—

But she couldn’t hear him.

—

Or maybe—

She couldn’t respond.

—

Moments later—

The healer arrived.

—

He rushed forward.

Checked her pulse.

Her eyes.

Her breath.

—

Then—

His expression changed.

—

”...This...”

—

The Emperor’s voice sharpened.

”Speak.”

—

The healer hesitated.

—

Then said slowly—

”...It is the same condition.”

—

Silence.

—

The Emperor’s eyes darkened.

”...What do you mean?”

—

The healer swallowed.

—

”...The same as the Empress.”

—

The room froze.

—

The Dowager Arrives

The doors opened again.

—

The Dowager Empress entered.

—

Her expression serious.

—

”What happened?”

—

Her gaze fell on Lady Chen.

—

Then—

Her face changed.

—

”...Not again...”

—

She turned to the healer.

”Is she—”

—

The healer lowered his head.

”...Her condition is critical.”

—

The Emperor’s Breaking Point

The Emperor stood still.

—

His mind—

Empty.

Full.

Heavy.

—

First—

The Empress.

—

Then—

Unusual incidents.

—

Now—

Lady Chen.

—

One after another.

—

People around him—

Falling.

—

”...I couldn’t protect her...”

—

His jaw tightened.

—

”...What kind of Emperor am I...”

—

The words were quiet.

—

But filled with frustration.

—

The Dowager looked at him.

—

But didn’t speak.

—

Because she saw it.

—

This wasn’t just anger.

—

This was guilt.

—

A Command Born from Desperation

The Emperor turned sharply.

—

His gaze locked onto the healer.

—

”...Save her.”

—

The healer froze.

—

”Your Majesty—”

—

”I don’t care how.”

—

His voice dropped.

Cold.

Sharp.

—

”Use everything.”

—

”Anything.”

—

”By hook or by crook—”

—

”Save her.”

—

Silence.

—

The weight of the command—

Heavy.

Unavoidable.

—

The healer bowed deeply.

”...I will do my best.”

—

But inside—

He knew.

—

This was no ordinary illness.

—

This was something else.

—

Something—

Beyond medicine.

—

The Night Grows Darker

The room fell quiet again.

—

Only the faint sound of Lady Chen’s breathing remained.

—

Weak.

Fragile.

—

The Emperor stood beside her.

Watching.

—

Not moving.

—

Because now—

He understood.

—

This was not coincidence.

—

This was not random.

—

Someone—

Was targeting them.

—

One by one.

—

And this time—

The enemy had struck—

Inside the palace.

—

Without being seen.

—

Without being stopped.

—

The torches outside flickered violently.

—

As if the darkness itself—

Was closing in.

—

And somewhere—

Hidden.

Watching.

—

Shin Gu smiled.

—

Because the game—

Had finally begun.

—

End of Chapter

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