The celestial mechanics of the Great Empire were in perfect alignment this year. The Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally a time of harvest and family reunions, coincided with the auspicious eightieth birthday of the Empress Dowager. Nature itself seemed to bow to the throne, as reports of record-breaking harvests poured into the Imperial Palace like a relentless snowfall of white jade scrolls. Emperor Nate, in a fit of rare, benevolent euphoria, had personally brushed four massive characters onto a decree that was flown across the provinces: "UNIVERSAL JUBILEE."
By the time Liam Valerian stepped through the main gates of the Valerian estate, the capital was no longer a city; it was a living, breathing furnace of celebration. Red silk lanterns, some as large as carriage wheels, hung from ev
