The Empress Dowager pondered for an entire day and night, devising numerous ways to deal with Hua Yan. The next morning, she rose early, waiting for Yun Chi to bring Hua Yan to her Ninghe Palace.
Maid Zhou saw the Empress Dowager glowing brightly despite her dark circles and thought to herself that it had been many years since she had seen the Empress Dowager like this.
After breakfast, she waited for an hour, but there was no sign of Hua Yan. The Empress Dowager frowned, "Why hasn't she come yet?"
Maid Zhou hastily replied, "Empress Dowager, please calm yourself. The Crown Prince is currently attending the early court."
The Empress Dowager said irritatedly, "Really now, is he so afraid that I would devour that Hua Yan? Couldn't he have just sent someone with her? Does he have to personally deliver her after the court session? He's pampering her before she's even through the door; how can this be tolerated?"
