Ruan Xilu was baffled. Why wasn't His Majesty saying anything?
Before she could think any further, the hall doors opened again. A woman entered, wearing a phoenix crown and a formal robe embroidered with pheasants.
Though a little older, she was fair and lovely. She walked with elegant poise, bearing the dignity of a mother to all under Heaven. She was none other than the Empress herself!
At that moment, however, the Empress looked dazed and moved stiffly, as if someone were controlling her.
Yet the instant she entered the hall, the Empress suddenly came to her senses.
As soon as she recovered, she saw His Majesty seated at the head of the hall, with Noble Consort Ruan on his lap.
The Empress had no idea why she had suddenly appeared here, but she quickly curtsied and said, "This concubine pays her respects to His Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless health and peace."
His Majesty remained expressionless and gave no reply.
When His Majesty still did not tell her to rise, even with Noble Consort Ruan present, the Empress's expression darkened slightly, and resentment stirred in her heart.
Ruan Xilu, however, curved her lips in a smile. Hah! The Empress was the same age as His Majesty and already an old maid, yet she still dared to compete with her? So she pressed herself even closer against His Majesty and said in a coy, sugary voice, "Your Majesty has had such a tiring day. How about I tell you a joke?"
"Once upon a time, there was a family..."
As she rambled on, she groped beneath His Majesty's robes, acting as if the Empress weren't even there.
Below them, the Empress fell silent for a brief moment, then rose on her own and walked straight to the seat beside