Ever since returning from the south, after experiencing life and death with Zhao Junyao,
perhaps feelings have changed, or perhaps for other reasons.
She has grown increasingly indifferent to the women in the harem.
She is too lazy to call them for greetings, and doesn’t even want to see them.
In her heart, she just wants to avoid them, out of sight, out of mind.
She’s even more reluctant to manage palace affairs. Even after being back for quite some time, she hasn’t seriously talked about taking things back. The affairs are still managed by the four consorts.
In short,
she is desperately trying to ignore their existence.
She just wants to retreat to Duanning Palace, living in a world with only him, her, and the children.
As long as he still comes, as long as his heart remains, she’s willing to weave a beautiful dream for herself that includes only them.
Even though it’s ridiculous, even though it’s impossible.
But a dream is much more beautiful than reality; she doesn’t want to wake up.
Maybe this is cowardice, but aren’t emotions always selfish?
Zhao Junyao is not very emotionally intelligent.
Xia Ruqing is not much better in emotional intelligence.
She is completely unaware of this.
She just thought she had become more timid and reclusive after a major incident.
Therefore,
she didn’t take this matter to heart.
After chatting with the concubines for a while,
Xia Ruqing guessed it was about time and rose to lead the concubines towards Ningshou Palace.
Consort Cheng and Consort Hui followed behind Xia Ruqing, whispering.
"I wonder how the Empress Dowager’s illness is?"
"I heard that her health is greatly restored. I even saw the Empress Dowager in the Imperial Garden last time!"
"Oh! That’s good then!"
The two fell silent again.
The journey was quiet, with only the sound of soft footsteps.
Of course, because Xia Ruqing was in poor health, she was the only one who went by Phoenix Sedan.
...
Early in the morning, an old sister came to greet them at the door of Ningshou Palace.
After paying respects, she led them to the main hall, smiling respectfully.
"Please wait a moment, the Empress Dowager will be out shortly!"
She then called for tea to be served.
The tea had just been served when the Empress Dowager came out with her attendants.
She was dressed in a jujube-red dark patterned Phoenix Robe, wearing a Purple Gold Double Phoenix Embroidered Silk Crown. Her neck and wrists were adorned with layers upon layers of luxurious jewelry, and her makeup was extremely exquisite.
Although the Empress Dowager was of an advanced age, nurtured within the deep palace, untouched by wind and sun, she was well-maintained, and after recovering for many days the previous year.
Now that her health has greatly improved, her complexion is exceedingly rosy, and even her figure has grown plumper, clearly indicating her great recovery.
The concubines immediately stood up to pay their respects upon seeing the Empress Dowager enter.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager!"
"Rise!"
"Sit down!"
The Empress Dowager’s voice was very loud.
"Thank you, Empress Dowager!"
Everyone rose and sat down in their respective places.
The Empress Dowager didn’t speak for a while.
Xia Ruqing didn’t know what to say either.
The concubines below all knew that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager didn’t get along well, so no one dared to curry favor or act overly familiar, each keeping their heads down, not willing to say much.
The atmosphere in the hall was silent and awkward.
Xia Ruqing fiddled with her handkerchief, pondering over a topic to break the silence.
Unexpectedly, a voice suddenly came from the entrance of the hall.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager, Empress, and all the madams!"
Everyone quickly looked up to see a woman kneeling at the entrance of the hall.
The voice was somewhat familiar, but her figure was plump and slightly hunched, looking quite unfamiliar.
"Who is this?"
Xia Ruqing looked at the Empress Dowager with surprised eyes.
The Empress Dowager smiled faintly.
"Does the Empress not recognize her?"
"Does anyone recognize her?"
Upon closer inspection, Xia Ruqing still couldn’t tell who it was, thinking she looked like an elderly old sister.
Though she was the Empress, with so many servants in the harem, how could she possibly know them all?
Looking at the others again.
Consort Cheng shook her head, indicating she didn’t recognize her.
Consort Hui frowned, trying to identify her but to no avail.
The others thought hard but none could recognize her.
Xia Ruqing turned to look at the Empress Dowager again.
"I do not recognize this person!"
The other concubines echoed in unison.
"I do not recognize her either!"
The Empress Dowager suddenly laughed.
"Haha... hahaha..." The laughter grew louder.
"Wanxin!"
"Rise!"
"It’s been so many days, not only do they not recognize you, but even I cannot!"
"Yes!"
The figure kowtowed, then slowly stood up and walked towards them.
Xia Ruqing felt as if her head was thunderstruck inside.
’What? Is this Shih Wanxin?’
’Isn’t this a mistake? Is it really her?’
’Didn’t the Emperor strip her of her title and send her to serve the Empress Dowager? How did she end up like this?’
’No wonder just now she thought the voice was somewhat familiar!’
Looking at the others.
All were utterly shocked.
Shih Wanxin?!
How long has it been since anyone in the harem heard that name?