Though it was not yet late autumn, days of wind and rain had turned the cold piercing and unbearable. Her cloud-and-mist fine brocade robes were embroidered with delicate peony blossoms, their colors still brilliantly vivid.
"When will this wind and rain... ever cease?" The Empress parted her vermilion lips, her voice steady yet unable to conceal her exhaustion.
"Your Majesty."
Holding an ivory comb and patiently arranging the woman's hair was a graceful lady who appeared to be around thirty.
"Your Majesty... you are blessed. You will surely have all your wishes fulfilled."
"Blessed?"
The Empress smiled, but did not take it to heart.
"It was only a fortune-teller currying favor, saying auspicious words to earn a reward. It is hard on you, little girl, to remember it even now."
"Miss, it cost me three taels of silver!"
The woman smiled. After arranging her hair into a bun, she inserted a phoenix hairpin.
"Zhaoxia, after the New Year, you will be thirty-six. Do you still not wish to marry?" Without turning her head, the Empress asked.
"Miss, do not send me away." Zhaoxia smiled.
"..."
"Do you truly mean to be an old palace maid all your life?" The Empress turned around and looked helplessly at Zhaoxia. "Do you truly have no regrets? Wasting your best years with me in this deep palace."
"Miss, outside has its own freedom, and the palace has its own good. The sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy flavors of life all depend on the person."
"Besides, if I were to leave the palace too, what would you do?" Zhaoxia said softly. "Madam told me to protect you, Miss. From now on, you are all I have left as well."
"Foolish girl... Since that is so, then stay with me!" The Empress's eyes reddened, and she