The Fushou Palace had an empty main hall. Outside the hall stood two rows of eunuchs and court ladies respectfully, waiting to be dispatched. In the hall, eight gilt pillars propped up the entire beam. The quietness made even a needle falling on the ground sounded harsh. Only occasionally, the sound of chess playing was heard. As the last chess piece fell on the white jade chessboard, the black pieces surrounded the white ones and checkmated.

Queen Mother, who used the black ...