Once the two maids had finished their bows, the Empress Dowager commanded, "Continue!"
Continue? Continue with what? The two maids were puzzled momentarily before they understood - they were to keep picking up fallen leaves! No slacking! Thus, the pair hastily bowed again, "Yes, Empress Dowager!"
Then they quickly squatted down and resumed working.
They hastened their actions, hoping to quickly remove all the fallen leaves from the flower bed and leave this place.
As the Empress Dowager was present, the pressure was immense! A little carelessness might cost them their heads!
Seeing them quietly working, the Empress Dowager's face darkened, and she couldn't help but say, "You can continue your conversation!"
Reminder to talk?
Upon hearing this, the frightened maids immediately knelt down: "Empress Dowager, forgive us. We understand our mistake. We must not talk anymore!"
