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Ghost in the palace

Chapter 338: The Feast in the Empress’s Courtyard · Nov 02, 2026

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Chapter List (462)

Page number / 10

301 Chapter 301: Prayers Beneath the Shadow of the North 2026-11-02
302 Chapter 302: The Dowager’s Fear 2026-11-02
303 Chapter 303: the weight of the throne 2026-11-02
304 Chapter 304: The Dowager’s Quiet Thoughts 2026-11-02
305 Chapter 305: Forgotten Memories and Hidden Fear 2026-11-02
306 Chapter 306: Whispers of Fear in the Imperial Court 2026-11-02
307 Chapter 307: Questions Buried in History 2026-11-02
308 Chapter 308: Villages Filled With Grief 2026-11-02
309 Chapter 309: — The Promise He Never Intended to Keep 2026-11-02
310 Chapter 310: The Dowager Empress’s Thoughts 2026-11-02
311 Chapter 311: A Mother’s Advice 2026-11-02
312 Chapter 312: The Return of the Lost 2026-11-02
313 Chapter 313: The Three Mischievous Ghosts 2026-11-02
314 Chapter 314: The Strange Weakness 2026-11-02
315 Chapter 315: The Cry in the Night 2026-11-02
316 Chapter 316: The Dowager’s Concerns 2026-11-02
317 Chapter 317: — A New Market for the Common People 2026-11-02
318 Chapter 318: The Emperor’s Decree 2026-11-02
319 Chapter 319: The Whisper Bowl Festival Meeting 2026-11-02
320 Chapter 320: The Kingdom Awaits the Festival 2026-11-02
321 Chapter 321: The First Day of the Festival Market 2026-11-02
322 Chapter 322: Smiles Across the Empire 2026-11-02
323 Chapter 323: — The Festival Beyond the Palace 2026-11-02
324 Chapter 324: The Festival of Prosperity 2026-11-02
325 Chapter 325: The Festival’s Great Success 2026-11-02
326 Chapter 326: The Scroll in the Night 2026-11-02
327 Chapter 327: The Dowager’s Fear 2026-11-02
328 Chapter 328: The Cry That Shook the Kingdom 2026-11-02
329 Chapter 329: The Morning After the Cry 2026-11-02
330 Chapter 330: The Boundary of Light 2026-11-02
331 Chapter 331: The Emperor’s Promise 2026-11-02
332 Chapter 332: Someone Among Us 2026-11-02
333 Chapter 333: The Courtyard of Too Much Silence 2026-11-02
334 Chapter 334: The First Report 2026-11-02
335 Chapter 335: Lunch Beneath Smiling Masks 2026-11-02
336 Chapter 336: An Unexpected Request 2026-11-02
337 Chapter 337: The Empress’s Feast 2026-11-02
338 Chapter 338: The Feast in the Empress’s Courtyard 2026-11-02
339 Chapter 339: Shadows Behind a Smile 2026-11-02
340 Chapter 340: Whispers in the Servants’ Courtyard 2026-11-02
341 Chapter 341: Cracks in the Story 2026-11-02
342 Chapter 342: The Ghosts’ Early Morning Hunger 2026-11-02
343 Chapter 343: A Heart That Beat Differently 2026-11-02
344 Chapter 344: The Monk’s Protection 2026-11-02
345 Chapter 345: Blood in Prince Liang’s Courtyard 2026-11-02
346 Chapter 346: The Dowager’s Doubt 2026-11-02
347 Chapter 347: The Palace of Wandering Spirits 2026-11-02
348 Chapter 348: Tea Beneath the Pearl Blossoms 2026-11-02
349 Chapter 349: An Invitation for Afternoon Tea 2026-11-02
350 Chapter 350: storm before storm 2026-11-02

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the palace as servants hurried through the Empress’s courtyard.

Today was special.

After returning safely from the Duke residence, and with wedding preparations progressing smoothly, the Empress had decided to personally prepare a small feast.

Not as the Empress.

But as herself.

A gathering of familiar faces.

A peaceful meal.

At least—that had been the plan.

---

The courtyard was decorated simply.

Fresh flowers adorned the tables.

Warm dishes filled the air with delicious aromas.

The maids moved back and forth carrying trays.

Even the three ghosts hovered excitedly around the kitchen.

Fen Yu nearly cried.

”Food! So much food!”

General Wei Rong crossed his arms.

”If I were alive, I would eat everything.”

Scholar Li Shen sighed.

”You say that every time.”

---

Soon the guests arrived.

First came Princess Zhi.

The moment she entered, her eyes lit up.

”Sister-in-law!”

She rushed forward.

”You cooked again?”

The Empress smiled.

”Some of it.”

Princess Zhi immediately looked happier.

”Then today is a good day.”

---

Next came Prince Liang.

He bowed politely.

”Greetings, Empress.”

The Empress nodded.

”Please sit.”

---

Then the Dowager Empress arrived.

The courtyard servants immediately bowed.

The Dowager looked around calmly.

For a brief moment she seemed surprised.

The atmosphere was warm.

Peaceful.

Unlike most palace gatherings.

---

Finally—

The Emperor arrived.

His gaze immediately found the Empress.

As it often did lately.

The Empress noticed.

Pretended not to.

And continued directing the servants.

---

Everyone took their seats.

Only one person was missing.

Shin Gu.

---

Lady Chen sat beside the Dowager Empress.

Elegant.

Beautiful.

Perfectly composed.

At least on the surface.

---

Minutes passed.

Still no Shin Gu.

---

Lady Chen finally smiled slightly.

”How unusual.”

Princess Zhi glanced over.

”What is?”

Lady Chen lifted her tea cup.

”Shin Gu.”

”She is always punctual.”

The Empress remained silent.

But inwardly—

She agreed.

It was strange.

---

The Emperor frowned slightly.

”She was invited.”

Prince Liang nodded.

”I personally sent the invitation.”

---

Another few moments passed.

Then footsteps approached.

---

A maid entered hurriedly.

Everyone turned.

But it wasn’t Shin Gu.

---

The maid bowed quickly.

”Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Then she lowered her head.

”This servant comes on behalf of Madam Shin Gu.”

---

The courtyard became quiet.

---

The Emperor spoke first.

”Where is she?”

---

The maid looked nervous.

”Madam Shin Gu is unwell.”

”She suddenly developed a fever.”

”She asked this servant to apologize.”

”She cannot attend today.”

---

Silence.

---

The maid bowed once more.

Then quickly left.

---

For a moment—

Nobody spoke.

---

Princess Zhi looked disappointed.

”Oh.”

”I wanted to see her.”

---

Prince Liang frowned.

”That is unfortunate.”

---

The Dowager Empress sighed softly.

”Health comes first.”

---

But Lady Chen laughed quietly.

Not loudly.

Just enough for everyone to hear.

---

”I knew it.”

---

Several people looked at her.

---

Lady Chen smiled lightly.

”Shin Gu always seems absent whenever something joyful happens.”

---

The words sounded harmless.

Playful even.

But something about them felt strange.

---

The Emperor glanced at her.

”What do you mean?”

---

Lady Chen shrugged.

”Nothing serious.”

”It just seems every celebration somehow misses her.”

---

The Empress looked down at her tea.

Listening.

---

Princess Zhi tilted her head.

”Now that you mention it...”

”She did miss several gatherings.”

---

The Dowager Empress frowned slightly.

”Do not gossip.”

---

”Of course not.”

Lady Chen replied immediately.

Yet the smile remained.

---

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on the empty seat that had been prepared for Shin Gu.

---

Something felt wrong.

He couldn’t explain why.

---

Ever since the lake incident.

Ever since the strange attack outside the city.

Every small inconsistency now stood out.

---

Meanwhile the three ghosts floated above.

Watching.

---

Fen Yu narrowed her eyes.

”I don’t trust her.”

---

Wei Rong nodded.

”Neither do I.”

---

Scholar Li Shen adjusted his sleeves.

”Interesting timing.”

---

”Very interesting timing.”

---

Below them, the feast finally began.

Servants started serving food.

Conversation slowly resumed.

Laughter returned.

---

Yet despite the warmth.

Despite the delicious food.

Despite the gathering.

---

One empty seat remained.

---

And for some reason—

The Empress couldn’t stop looking at it.

---

Far away.

In another courtyard.

---

Shin Gu sat alone.

Completely healthy.

Completely awake.

---

A faint smile rested on her lips.

---

”Enjoy your feast.”

She murmured quietly.

---

”While you still can.”

---

And outside her chamber window—

The evening shadows slowly lengthened.

A Feast Filled with Warmth

The evening breeze drifted gently through the Empress’s courtyard, carrying with it the rich aroma of freshly prepared food.

The feast had finally begun.

Golden lanterns illuminated the courtyard, casting a warm glow over everyone gathered there.

For once—

There was no court politics.

No arguments.

No schemes.

Only food.

Laughter.

And companionship.

---

The servants carefully placed dish after dish onto the table.

Steamed fish.

Lotus soup.

Braised duck.

Honey-glazed ribs.

Fresh vegetables.

Delicate pastries.

Every dish looked exquisite.

---

Princess Zhi’s eyes widened.

”Sister-in-law...”

She looked genuinely shocked.

”Did you really make these?”

The Empress smiled faintly.

”I helped.”

---

Princess Zhi immediately picked up her chopsticks.

”Then I’m eating first.”

---

The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

”You haven’t even waited for everyone.”

---

Princess Zhi stuffed food into her mouth.

”Too late.”

---

Everyone laughed.

---

The Dowager Empress watched quietly.

For some reason—

Seeing the usually reserved Princess Zhi behaving so freely made her smile slightly.

---

Nearby, Prince Liang tasted one of the dishes.

His eyes widened.

”This is excellent.”

---

The Emperor nodded after trying it himself.

”It is.”

---

The Duke residence often praised the Empress’s cooking.

Now the palace members understood why.

---

Even the Dowager Empress had to admit—

The food was exceptional.

Not overly luxurious.

Not complicated.

But comforting.

Warm.

The kind of food that made people feel at home.

---

Princess Zhi pointed excitedly.

”Try this one!”

---

Lady Chen obediently tasted it.

Her expression brightened.

”It really is delicious.”

---

For a moment—

Everyone simply enjoyed the meal.

---

Then something unexpected happened.

---

Lady Chen picked up a serving spoon.

She placed food into the Empress’s bowl.

---

”Your Majesty should eat more.”

She smiled gently.

”You worked hard preparing everything.”

---

The Empress looked slightly surprised.

Then nodded politely.

”Thank you.”

---

A moment later—

Lady Chen placed more food into Princess Zhi’s bowl.

---

”You’ve been eating too quickly.”

---

Princess Zhi laughed.

”That’s because it’s good.”

---

The interaction was natural.

Warm.

Almost sisterly.

---

The Dowager Empress watched everything silently.

---

The sight before her was strangely harmonious.

---

Lady Chen.

Princess Zhi.

The Emperor.

The Empress.

Prince Liang.

All sitting together.

Eating.

Talking.

Laughing.

---

For a brief moment—

It looked like a real family gathering.

---

A peaceful family.

---

The Dowager Empress lowered her gaze to her tea.

---

Then suddenly—

A thought surfaced.

---

Shin Gu.

---

The empty seat.

---

Her fingers paused slightly around her cup.

---

The more she thought about it—

The stranger it felt.

---

Lady Chen had joked earlier that Shin Gu always seemed to disappear during joyous occasions.

At first it sounded harmless.

---

Now—

The Dowager Empress wasn’t so sure.

---

Because it wasn’t entirely untrue.

---

The feast.

The celebrations.

The wedding preparations.

The family gatherings.

---

Shin Gu always seemed absent.

---

Not because she was unwelcome.

Not because she wasn’t invited.

---

But because she chose not to appear.

---

The Dowager Empress frowned slightly.

---

Why?

---

A person could miss one gathering.

Perhaps two.

---

But this many?

---

Something felt wrong.

---

Her gaze drifted toward the empty chair again.

---

Then she remembered something else.

---

The lake incident.

---

The Empress’s strange sleepwalking.

---

The attack outside the city.

---

The strange feeling in the palace.

---

The rumors.

The fear.

The unease.

---

The Dowager Empress had dismissed many things recently.

Perhaps because she didn’t want to think about them.

---

But now—

They returned one by one.

---

Like puzzle pieces.

---

Not enough to form a complete picture.

But enough to create suspicion.

---

She looked across the table.

---

The Empress was laughing softly at something Princess Zhi said.

The Emperor was watching her again.

---

Not with irritation.

Not with indifference.

---

But affection.

---

Real affection.

---

The Dowager Empress noticed it clearly now.

---

Then she looked at Lady Chen.

---

Lady Chen seemed completely relaxed.

Smiling.

Chatting.

Serving food.

---

Nothing appeared unusual.

---

And yet—

The Dowager Empress felt uncomfortable.

---

Not because of Lady Chen.

---

Because of Shin Gu.

---

A faint chill crept down her spine.

---

For years she had trusted Shin Gu.

Relied on her.

Listened to her advice.

---

But recently—

Whenever she thought about the woman—

Something felt...

Off.

---

The Dowager Empress slowly set down her teacup.

---

Perhaps she was overthinking.

Perhaps not.

---

But one thing had become clear.

---

She needed to start paying attention.

---

Very close attention.

---

Because for the first time—

The Dowager Empress wondered if the danger threatening the palace was not outside.

---

Not in the court.

---

Not among foreign enemies.

---

But much closer.

---

Close enough to sit at the same table.

Close enough to enter the palace freely.

Close enough that no one questioned it.

---

Across the courtyard, the three ghosts floated above the feast.

---

Fen Yu narrowed her eyes.

”She’s finally noticing.”

---

Wei Rong nodded.

”Took long enough.”

---

Scholar Li Shen adjusted his sleeves.

”The truth always leaves traces.”

---

Below them, the feast continued.

Laughter filled the courtyard.

The Emperor looked happier than he had in months.

Princess Zhi was on her third serving.

Lady Chen continued acting warm and kind.

---

Yet beneath the warmth—

A seed of suspicion had finally been planted.

---

And once suspicion took root—

It was very difficult to remove.

---

Far away, in her own courtyard, Shin Gu sat alone beside a lantern.

A faint smile played on her lips.

---

Unaware that for the first time—

Someone had begun questioning her.

---

And that question would soon grow into something far more dangerous.

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