Taiping Commandery
Suddenly, a faint streak of lightning shot upward, slashed across the sky, and flew toward the Capital City. Strangely, when it entered the city, it was like a blue wyrm touching the water, descending without the slightest obstruction.
Winter was gradually setting in, and rain was falling. Braziers had been lit within the palace, bright yellow layered curtains cast shifting shadows, and the palace maids in soft flat shoes kept their eyes straight ahead.
The Empress was massaging the Empress Dowager's back, chatting idly now and then.
All at once, a mysterious sound arose within the palace, like a crane's cry, like a phoenix's call. Though as fine as a strand of hair and seemingly there yet not there, it lingered in the air without dispersing. Even so, it made Ye Buhui's hand pause.
"Eh, you heard it too?"
The Empress Dowager was advanced in years, yet traces of her youthful beauty could still be seen. She lifted her fair head and called, "Yu Han."
"This old servant is here." Yu Han entered and bowed.
"Have Jia Jing, True Person Jia, investigate."
"Yes!"
Yu Han acknowledged the order and withdrew. The Empress Dowager looked at the Empress, saw her bewilderment, and smiled. "There are not many strange occurrences in the palace, but they do happen."
"The palace has its rules. Such matters must be investigated, recorded, and dealt with upon imperial instruction."
"This Jia Jing is Huo Wuyong's junior brother. The Emperor retained him in service and promoted him to Left Master of the Furnace at Changchun Hall, Principal Sixth Rank. He specializes in refining pills and examining unusual incidents within the palace."
"Thus, he must be ordered to handle it."
"This will be your responsibility in the future."
"Yes, Mother Empress." Ye Buhui gave a slight curtsy,