The Capital.
The Imperial Palace's Inner Court.
In the gorgeous, exquisitely appointed Great Hall, as the enormous hand that had blotted out the sky withdrew, the Empress, the consorts, the imperial heirs, and the assembled officials remained shaken, their faces ashen.
The Empress Dowager was advanced in years and could not withstand such a fright. She had already fainted from terror and lay motionless on the ground, her phoenix-headed staff fallen beside her and forgotten.
Frightened and anxious, the Empress clutched her two biological imperial heirs, one on either side. Mother and sons trembled with fear, not daring to utter a word.
At that moment, the Emperor, who had been surrounded by consorts beneath the gauze curtains, holding one woman in each arm as they nestled against him, suddenly stood up.
"Your Majesty..." Ruan Xilu and the other consorts stared for a moment, then hurried to their feet. While straightening their skirts and blouses, they asked in sweet voices, "What are Your Majesty's orders?"
"Your Majesty, what just happened was so strange. This concubine was terrified..."
"Your Majesty, this concubine was frightened too..."
"Your Majesty, look at my heart. It's still pounding away..."
"Your Majesty, this concubine..."
Amid their coquettish cries, the Emperor said nothing and simply headed for the hall doors.
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!"
When the assembled officials outside saw the Emperor emerge from behind the gauze curtains, they all bowed.
Pei Ling said nothing and walked straight out of the beautiful palace where Ruan Xilu lived.
After watching the Emperor leave, the Empress waited a little longer. When he did not return, she composed herself and spoke. "This is the Inner Court. The ministers should not linger here."
"In my view, you should take your leave for now."
"Whatever you need to discuss can