As dusk deepened, the lamps in the Prince's Residence were lit early.
Inside the treasury, filled with a dazzling array of treasures, the Empress Dowager assumed a dignified, regal air as she stood before a beauty screen, admiring its lifelike painting.
Hongyu might have been afraid the Empress Dowager would pick up bad habits and, out of boredom, drag her into "polishing mirrors." She looked rather nervous, constantly searching for novel objects nearby to divert the Empress Dowager's attention.
Not long into their tussle, footsteps came from outside the great treasury, accompanied by quiet conversation:
"Never mind ordinary commoners-even scholars and examination candidates struggle their entire lives for nothing more than a rank equal to princes and marquises. Prince Wu had the utmost luxury the mortal world could offer. Why rebel instead of enjoying it..."
"Imperial clansmen are pampered from childhood. They rarely suffer enough growing up to learn a lesson. With their eyes higher than their abilities, it's no surprise whatever foolish thing they do. If you had a manor this big and three hundred beauties in your Rear Residence, wouldn't you refuse even to leave the gates?"
"Ah..."
Hearing that familiar, clear voice, the Empress Dowager stiffened and wanted to hide the large screen. But she immediately recalled Ye Jingtang's offenses and acts of violence against her. After a moment's thought, she left it uncovered and simply trotted over to a large jade Buddha nearby, pressing her palms together to earnestly worship the bodhisattva.
Soon, a maid reached the entrance, and the three visitors came through the main doors.
Ye Jingtang wore the proper expression of an imperial bodyguard. Seeing the Empress Dowager's rounded, lustrous figure from behind, he softened his steps and tried hard to look composed.
In Ye Jingtang's presence, Dongfang Liren still paid considerable attention