Was it truly over?
What happened to the selection of consorts? What about the proclamation of the Empress? How about filling the young Emperorâs harem? Was there nothing to show for the performance before the Emperor?
The ministers looked at each other in dismay, unsure of how to proceed.
As they lifted their heads, they saw Old Lady Ji and her party. Instantly, a group of older ladies swarmed over to greet them.
"My, Old Lady Ji, youâve finally returned to the capital! How is your health?"
This was a lady who looked about the same age as Old Lady Ji; she was the wife of Inspector Lv, the very man who had just forcefully advised the young Emperor to establish an Empress and select consorts.
"Madame Lv, itâs good to see you well! How have you been?"
Old Lady Ji chatted with the crowd of new and old acquaintances who had spontaneously gathered to greet her. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the anxious expressions on Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo XingâEr.
She heard Zhu Xiuxiu ask Xie PanâEr, "Did you see which way the Empress Dowager and the Elder Princess went when they left their seats?"
The young Emperorâs indisposition had been too sudden.
The Empress Dowagerâs departure had also been unexpected, leaving them momentarily unprepared.
As the banquet dissolved into chaos, the elderly ladies from various families gathered to converse with Old Lady Ji.
As her daughters-in-law, Huo XingâEr and Zhu Xiuxiu could not leave Old Lady Jiâs side prematurely.
Hearing Zhu Xiuxiuâs question, Xie PanâEr replied, "I donât know which direction they went, but I heard the Empress Dowager and the Elder Princess say they were going to take her to some hall to pay respects to the late Emperor Grandfather."
Zhu Xiuxiu and Huo XingâEr were both aghast at Xie PanâErâs words.
"What did you say? Are you sure you heard correctly?"
Xie PanâEr shook her head hurriedly. "Iâm not mistaken. I was keeping a close watch on the Elder Princessâs movements."
"Quickly, go find His Majesty and tell him about this!"
Xie PanâEr was puzzled. "Why should I find His Majesty? Couldnât we just ask for directions and go directly to bring the Elder Princess back?
The young Emperorâs imposing majesty and his inviolable Dragon Qi always made her unconsciously shrink back in intimidation whenever she saw him. It always felt as if his eyes, when they stared at her, were trying to see through her every secret.
"
"I donât have time to explain much now. Just go find His Majesty! You must emphasize to him that the Empress Dowager is taking Suisui to kowtow before the late Emperor!" Zhu Xiuxiu urged in an anxious whisper, giving Xie PanâEr a little push towards the young Emperor.
Old Lady Ji interrupted the Duchess and the Consort, who were anxiously trying to engage her in conversation. She turned to look at Zhu Xiuxiu. "This is PanâErâs first visit to the Imperial Palace. Be careful she doesnât offend anyone important. What are you sending her to do?"
With the wisdom of her years, Old Lady Ji naturally sensed something was amiss when she saw Zhu Xiuxiu urgently prompting Xie PanâEr to do something. She couldnât help but frown and ask.
Zhu Xiuxiu cupped her hand to Old Lady Jiâs ear and whispered about the Empress Dowager taking Suisui to the Hall of Ancestors.
Old Lady Jiâs expression changed instantly.
"My apologies, dear ladies, but something urgent has come up. I must take my leave. I will visit to offer my apologies properly another day."
Before Old Lady Ji could finish speaking, she was already urgently heading towards the Hall of Ancestors, supported by Zhu Xiuxiu on her left and Huo XingâEr on her right.
"What does Old Lady Ji mean by this? Is she looking down on us?" a young woman in her twenties muttered.
Instantly, the older woman beside her shot her a fierce glare. "You, from a minor family, have no tact at all! Every titled lady of the court is a significant figure. Do you think someone like Old Lady Ji would leave in such a hurry if it wasnât something truly important? And she holds a First Grade Imperial Mandate! Among all the wives of civil and military officials in this court, you can count the number of those who have received such an honor on one hand! In the future, watch that tongue of yours!"