Empress Dowager Jiang's Phoenix Carriage was set down outside the main gate of Qichen Palace. A young eunuch came forward and crouched low beside it, while two palace maids stood on either side and helped her out. A red carpet had been laid temporarily between the carriage and the palace. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Eunuch Dong stepped forward to replace one of the maids, supporting her right arm as he said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this is Qichen Palace."
Empress Dowager Jiang narrowed her eyes and looked around. "The sun is quite fierce today," she said softly.
Eunuch Dong called out in his shrill voice, "Where is the canopy?"
Empress Dowager Jiang smiled. "No need. A little sun now and then feels rather pleasant."
Huo Shengnan and Hu Xiaotian approached her side by side and bowed. "We pay our respects to Your Majesty. May you enjoy boundless blessings and good health!"
"Both of you, rise at once," Empress Dowager Jiang said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Seeing the sunny smile on Empress Dowager Jiang's face, Hu Xiaotian guessed that she knew nothing of her son's illness. Otherwise, she certainly would not have been able to smile.
Huo Shengnan stepped forward to support Empress Dowager Jiang, while Hu Xiaotian led the way.
"It has been some time since I last visited Qichen Palace," Empress Dowager Jiang said. "Lord Hu, have you settled in comfortably?"
"Thank you for looking after me, Your Majesty," Hu Xiaotian replied respectfully. "Otherwise, I would have had to stay at an inn outside. I probably wouldn't even have enough money left for the journey home."
He made Empress Dowager Jiang chuckle. "You really do know how to amuse people, you rascal. Hu Xiaotian, I hear you and Shengjing became sworn brothers. Is that true?"
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