Book Three, Chapter Twelve

She rubbed her feet, stood up, and walked around the Screen, only to see that the Clothing she had changed out of last night had dried. It hung beside the Dragon Robe the Holy Emperor wore to court. An Ascending Dragon soared across the golden silk, with the twelve Pheasant Pattern insignia embroidered beneath it. The Wide Sleeves, bearing two Coiled Dragons with furious eyes, hung down and spread outward, radiating solemn dignity. Her own tiny Confucian Robe, meanwhile, hung carelessly beside the Dragon Robe, practically desecrating the grandeur of the imperial family. She hurriedly rose onto her tiptoes and took down her clothes, only to catch a scent similar to the one on Your Majesty. Not only had he dried her clothes, he had even scented them? Looking down at her feet, which had been coated with Ointment, she could not help sighing. The people serving before the throne really were different—considerate, attentive, and meticulous.

But how could such thoughtful and attentive Servants all be nowhere to be seen now? Zhu Bafu suspiciously surveyed the silent room. Only the Imperial Noble Consort by her feet scratched at her toes, meowing loudly.

So be it. It was better with no one around. Otherwise, she would have to hide while changing.

She hurriedly took off Your Majesty's clothes and changed back into her own Confucian Robe. Then she returned beneath the Dragon Robe rack and raised her hands to tie up her hair while facing the Dressing Mirror nearby. As she moved closer to the Partition Door between the Inner Chamber and the outer room, she suddenly heard voices coming from the Sleeping Quarters' outer room. It was the voice of Long Ang, head of the Ministry of Rites.

"His Majesty isn't attending court today, yet he summoned Father, Lord Nian,