And so, De Fei had nowhere left to hide.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, I did not know you were coming. I failed to welcome you from afar. I hope you can forgive me!" De Fei said even as she performed a ceremonious curtsy.
However, the Emperor silently approached, before looking at De Fei: "My beloved concubine, please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
When De Fei stood up, the Emperor happened to catch sight of her face. Her delicate, fair face was smudged with dirt, her clothes also stained with mud.
A hint of surprise flickered in the Emperor's eyes.
When she noticed the Emperor appraising her, she quickly became nervous. Fearing the Emperor would criticize her for being unkempt, she prepared to kneel again: "Your Majesty, I am sorry, I am very dirty today, I..."
"Where have you been today?" The Emperor, however, did not listen to De Fei's explanation, but simply asked lightly.
"Your Majesty, I was in Siyuan gardens today."
