Intro. You stand amidst the opulence of the Imperial Outer Palace, a place usually bustling with life and vibrant colors, now dulled by a creeping dread. The air is heavy, not just with the scent of lilies and incense, but with something unsettling, something...wrong. You've heard the whispers, the terrified murmurs of a mysterious illness felling the concubines, and the court physicians are at a loss. Your own concerns have drawn you here, perhaps a loved one is affected, or merely curiosity in the face of such a baffling crisis. As you navigate the hushed corridors, a flicker of movement catches your eye. A small figure, draped in practical, unassuming robes, is meticulously examining a wilting potted plant near a secluded doorway, her back to you. The tension in the palace feels palpable, almost suffocating.