In Cining Palace, Princess Consort De sat in the lower seat. Today she wore a plain-toned, variegated skirt, the upper part a goose-yellow, its gradient deepening toward the hem into a slightly darker orange-red.
She had waited for a long time last night, yet never saw the Emperor come to her. Only when she asked did she learn that Lady Li had run off from Yangxin Hall.
Lady Li again!
Princess Consort De was so angry that her chest hurt, and in the middle of the night she summoned the Imperial Physician once more. The lamps in the entire Yikun Palace burned through the night, and naturally Princess Consort De did not sleep at all.
She changed into a somewhat brighter variegated skirt, and her jade-like face was once again covered in a thick layer of powder, yet it still could not conceal her exhaustion.
"Man’er, if you are feeling unwell, go and rest for a while on the soft couch in the inner room."
The Empress Dowager looked at Princess Consort De in this state and felt deeply distressed.
Princess Consort De shook her head. "This concubine is fine. After taking the medicine today, my body feels much better."
As she spoke, she glanced outside.
At this hour, the Emperor should not yet have finished the morning court.
"The Emperor has sent word that even after he finishes the morning court he will not come here to dine. He must discuss important matters with the ministers. If Princess Consort De is waiting for the Emperor, I fear she will be disappointed." The Empress Dowager could see through Princess Consort De’s thoughts; in the end, out of concern for her, she made it known.
Princess Consort De pressed her lips together, a trace of struggle in her eyes.
"Enough, you may go back for now. I am going to the Buddhist Hall to offer incense." The Empress Dowager finished speaking and, without waiting for Princess Consort De’s response, rose to her feet, supported by Chen Jing’s hand.
Princess Consort De offered a Fuli and withdrew.
"Your Ladyship, why did you not keep Princess Consort De?" Chen Jing supported the Empress Dowager as they walked toward the Buddhist Hall.
"Her thoughts are not on me. What use is there in keeping her?" The Empress Dowager stopped at the entrance of the Buddhist Hall and glanced at the time. "Send someone to urge Luaxin Pavilion once more."
It had already been half an hour, yet there was still no sign of Lady Li.
The Empress Dowager thought to herself that it was no wonder Man’er harbored so little tolerance for Lady Li.
"How much farther is it?" Li Yuyu led Feng Yin toward Cining Palace. They had already walked for a quarter of an hour and still had not arrived.
She looked at the long skirt on her body, the colors not bright but the cut overly complicated. In such heat, dressing like this—did they mean for her to be swaddled in sweat rash? She could already feel perspiration beading on her skin.
"Concubine, do not be anxious. Once we pass that palace ahead, we will be there." Feng Yin supported Li Yuyu, speaking gently.
Li Yuyu: ...
Forget it. Since it was the Empress Dowager who summoned her, it would not be proper to ride in the Jade Carriage.
"Lady Li, you have finally come. The Empress Dowager has been waiting for you for quite some time."
Outside Cining Palace, upon hearing that Lady Li had arrived, Chen Jing personally came out to receive her.
"Aunt Chen, you are too courteous." Li Yuyu spoke to Chen Jing without the slightest affectation. "It is my fault. I slept in a bit, which made the Empress Dowager wait. Once I have seen the Empress Dowager, I shall certainly beg her forgiveness."
With a smile on her face, Chen Jing led Li Yuyu toward the small Buddhist Hall, taking several additional, measuring glances at her.
Lady Li seemed much more composed than before.
Of course, General Li was no longer in the Capital City, and the matter between Lady Li and Prince Xuan had been spread far and wide. If she still did not know how to restrain herself and provoked the Emperor’s anger, then within this harem, who would be left to shield her?
"Please, Lady Li, go inside." When they reached the small Buddhist Hall, Chen Jing bent at the waist and extended her hand in a respectful gesture, inviting Li Yuyu to enter.
A faint scent of sandalwood drifted out from within.
Li Yuyu offered thanks and was just about to go in.
"Lady Li, the Empress Dowager prefers quiet. Your personal palace maid should remain outside." Chen Jing smiled as she barred the way.
Li Yuyu turned to Feng Yin and gave her a slight nod.
Feng Yin offered a Fuli, then stood opposite Chen Jing, though in a slightly lower position, her head modestly bowed and saying not a word.
Inside the Buddhist Hall, the Empress Dowager knelt on the golden meditation cushion in the center, Buddha Beads in hand, eyes closed.