Half an hour later, Emperor Wenguang changed into plain clothes and, led by an attendant, entered an underground secret passage in a side hall of Changlun Pavilion.
After advancing barely a hundred paces, he arrived at a spacious underground hall, where an eight-man Dragon Carriage had long been waiting.
Once he was seated inside, the old attendant shouted, "Set off!"
The Dragon Carriage was lifted and proceeded along the smooth, stone-paved passage. Its eight bearers moved in perfect unison at a swift pace. After another half hour, they arrived before Green Eye Lake, where the passage forked.
A faint fragrance wafted toward them. Dozens of palace maids and attendants stood waiting ahead, their attire neat and formal, eyes lowered. A Phoenix Carriage was parked to one side.
A dignified woman dressed in a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes stood silently before the carriage. Her face was expressionless, as still as a statue.
Upon seeing her, Emperor Wenguang said, "The Empress is here."
Empress Cao curtsied. "This concubine greets Your Majesty."
Seated in the carriage, Emperor Wenguang spoke gently. "No need for such formalities, Empress. I have caused you to travel about with me this time. You do not resent me for it, do you?"
"I do not resent Your Majesty," the Empress said. Her voice was cold and clear, devoid of any discernible emotion, like a deathly still lake.
As they spoke, the attendants on both sides kept their eyes on their noses and their noses on their hearts, not making the slightest sound.
"Then accompany me on the journey, Empress," Emperor Wenguang said, raising a hand.
The Dragon Carriage passed the Phoenix Carriage and continued onward.
Aside from Empress Cao, the other consorts had in fact arrived as well. Several young princes had also been brought along, though they