As news of the Empress' audacious act spread like wildfire through the streets, the people of the Empire couldn't stop talking about it.
Conversations buzzed with excitement and awe as they marveled at Cassiopeia's display of strength.
"Did you hear what the Empress did?" a merchant asked his friend, eyes wide with wonder. "She executed a maid who tried to poison her before Empress Dowager's palace! That takes courage!" it was followed by a laugh.
His friend nodded in agreement, a mix of admiration and surprise evident on his face. "It's true. I never thought she had it in her. She's truly becoming a looming force, a mirror of the Emperor. Imagine she gained the title of the Cruel Empress while the Emperor is the God of Death," answered the man while rolling a yard of cloth.
"I've hea
