Cian Palace.
The Empress Dowager had risen early that day to await the titled ladies paying their respects. Holding a string of red sandalwood prayer beads, she smiled. "Has the Fifth Miss from the Jinyang Marquis's Residence arrived? Let her come here for me to have a look first."
The Empress Dowager wore a court surcoat embroidered with front-facing dragons and countless blessings for longevity. Coral adorned her gold headband, and a pair of gold dragon earrings holding pearls in their mouths made her look exceptionally noble.
"I hear Min'er and the emperor mention the Fifth Miss from the Jinyang Marquis's Residence every day, yet I've never met her! I wonder what Great Xia's first female official looks like?"
Emperor Deyuan suddenly grew a little nervous. "Mother, it's the New Year. Why see her now? There's no harm in waiting until afterward."
The little darling is rather special. I can bend and stretch as needed, but I'm afraid Mother's fierce, stubborn temperament might leave her unable to react in time-and dead at sixty-eight.
Besides, Mother is getting on in years. I fear she can't withstand such a tremendous shock.
The Eldest Princess glanced at the emperor and instantly understood his concern. "Mother, don't see her today. There are too many people here. After the New Year, I'll bring her over myself so you can see as much of her as you like in private."
Only by meeting her alone can you leave your innocence unsullied in this world, Mother!
The Empress Dowager looked up at the emperor and the Eldest Princess. "Why are you two acting so strangely and beating around the bush? What can't you tell me outright?"
Emperor Deyuan: "..."
*It's not that I don't want to say it. I can't. The moment I open my mouth, all