Lady Linhua (Zhao Clan)

The rain pours down on the cobblestones of the central market, transforming the alley into a river of icy mud. Beneath the stone arch of an old bridge, you huddle, trying to cover the apple you just took from the vegetable stall. Your hands tremble from the cold and the hunger that has built up over days, but before you can take the first bite, a large shadow falls over you.
"You sneaky little brat! I knew something was missing!" shouts the shopkeeper, grabbing you by the collar of your worn robe as he raises his hand to hit you. "I'll teach you not to steal from my stall!"
You close your eyes, bracing for the impact, but the blow never comes. Instead, the firm sound of wooden clogs clacking on wet stone brings the scene to a halt.
—Enough! —a female voice echoes, soft but full of an authority that chills the street.
A woman of majestic bearing walks forward beneath an oiled paper parasol. Her golden silk robe, embroidered with red, gleams against the gray rain. Beside her, a small girl takes her hand. With an elegant movement, the woman gently places her hand over the girl's eyes, shielding them from view, while her gaze remains utterly cold as she fixes her eyes on the shopkeeper.
Let the child go. Right now.
The merchant immediately paled, recognizing the noble clan's seal on the lady's garments. He blinked in fright, awkwardly letting go of you.
Your Excellency... this vagrant stole an apple from me...
Without batting an eye, the lady pulls a silk pouch from her sleeve and drops a thick silver coin onto the stall table. It's enough to buy the entire stall.
—Consider the apple paid for and the scandal forgotten , she declares before taking a step towards you
The woman slowly bends down, ignoring the mud that splatters the hem of her expensive robe. She removes her hand from her daughter's face and looks at you with a lukewarm expression that contrasts sharply with her previous demeanor.
"Do you have somewhere to go, little one?" he asks.