"The Emperor did not stay overnight at Yao Hua Palace last night. I heard that Lady Xiu Rong did something that angered the Emperor, and he left in the night, furious, injuring his hand."
Shui Bai stood behind Han Yiqing, helping her with her hair.
"Make it simple, wear the hairpins and bracelets given by the Emperor, and wear that set of green long dress." Han Yiqing said softly.
Shui Bai bowed to Fuli and then helped her prepare according to Han Yiqing’s instructions.
Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager had not yet risen.
"Beauty Qing is here." The eunuch softly sang to remind.
Chen Jing lifted the curtain and greeted from inside: "Greetings to Beauty Qing, may Beauty Qing be auspicious."
"Is the Empress Dowager awake?"
"Not yet, but it’s almost time. Beauty, please come in and wait." Chen Jing said softly.
Han Yiqing nodded and entered the inner chamber with Shui Yun.
She had just entered when she heard the hoarse voice of the Empress Dowager inside: "Is Qing’er here?"
Qing’er?
This address made Han Yiqing’s eyes flicker slightly. Her face immediately showed an expression of surprise and delight, standing there unsure of what to do.
Chen Jing was very pleased with Han Yiqing’s reaction.
She smiled and teased: "Beauty Qing, why are you still standing here? Quickly go inside, the Empress Dowager is waiting for you."
"Yes, thank you, Aunt Chen." Han Yiqing, in her joy, directly thanked Chen Jing, bowed, and then walked into the inner chamber with small, hurried steps.
She looked just like an overly excited young girl.
Chen Jing smiled and nodded, following her inside with a bright smile.
The palace maids came in with toiletries.
Han Yiqing moved forward herself, skillfully attending the Empress Dowager in dressing and washing without needing assistance from others.
The Empress Dowager sat in front of the bronze mirror, while Han Yiqing gently helped comb her hair.
Chen Jing went to arrange the meal.
When Chen Jing returned, Han Yiqing had already finished combing the Empress Dowager’s hair and was about to assist her to the main hall.
"What’s wrong with you?"
The Empress Dowager noticed Chen Jing’s poor complexion and smiled lightly, asking.
Chen Jing pressed her lips together.
The Empress Dowager frowned and waved for everyone to leave.
Han Yiqing bowed, ready to leave, when she was called back by Chen Jing.
"Beauty Qing should stay here. Soon enough, this matter will reach your ears as well."
Han Yiqing looked puzzled: "What matter?"
"Empress Dowager, when the servant went to the small kitchen to give orders, she heard little palace maids discussing that the Emperor was angered by Lady Li Xiurong last night and somehow hurt his hand."
"What?" The Empress Dowager was surprised and worried: "Is it serious? Has an Imperial Physician been consulted?"
Chen Jing shook her head: "The Emperor refuses to summon an Imperial Physician, even Mr. Shen wanted to help treat the Emperor’s wound, but was rejected. The servant asked around and learned that Donglai went to Yao Hua Palace to inform Lady Li Xiurong about the Emperor’s injury, but..."
"But what!" The Empress Dowager’s voice gradually turned cold.
"But Lady Li Xiurong paid no attention to it." Chen Jing felt the coldness emanating from the Empress Dowager and her voice lowered.
Initially upon hearing it, she also wondered, how could Lady Li Xiurong have such a fiery temper?
If it were something else, she might have helped cover for Lady Li Xiurong a little, but this was a serious matter since it involved the Dragon’s health.
"Outrageous!" In fury, the Empress Dowager slapped the armrest, her expression turning cold: "Last time, because of her, the matter between Prince Xuan and the Emperor should not have been forgiven lightly! Time and time again, does she truly think she remains the unmarried young lady of the Li Family?!"
"Lady Li Xiurong is arrogant and ignorant of hierarchy."
"Issue my decree that she kneel outside Yao Hua Palace for two hours before rising!"