This is so weird. The Empress Dowager suddenly summoned Little Wukong, which I can understand-maybe she wants to see her grandson. But why would she want to see me out of the blue?
Utterly bewildered, Jiang Yourning held Little Wukong's hand and followed the senior eunuch.
Behind them, Lin Xiangyin and Jiang Wanrong exchanged a glance, remaining fairly calm.
Empress Dowager Wu Qingyuan was an extraordinary woman, and her reputation for virtue was genuine. Surely she would not make things difficult for Ningning.
Soon, Jiang Yourning and Little Wukong arrived at Cining Palace and were led into the small Buddhist Hall where the Empress Dowager usually observed her vegetarian fasts and chanted sutras.
"Sixth Miss Jiang, Seventh Young Master, Her Majesty still has something to attend to, so she asked me to bring you here to wait.
"Please make yourselves comfortable. You're welcome to have some fruit and tea."
"Thank you, sir."
Jiang Yourning dipped into a curtsy before the eunuch, and Little Wukong obediently copied her.
Once they were alone, Jiang Yourning and Little Wukong settled into the chairs prepared for them and carefully surveyed their surroundings.
The Empress Dowager had enshrined a statue of Guanyin in the Buddhist Hall.
Several portraits also hung around it.
The first depicted the Late Emperor in his dragon robes. He looked imposing, a faint smile at his lips, yet carried the majesty of one who ruled from above.
Huh, honestly, why do I find the Late Emperor easier on the eyes than Chu Wenzong? He looks surprisingly kind.
The next two portraits depicted a married couple. The man bore some resemblance to Chu Wenzong, and Jiang Yourning quickly guessed who they were.
*These... must be the Late Crown Prince and Crown Princess, right? They really were a perfect pair. What a pity.