Caiwei stole a few glances at the Empress Dowager, then lowered her gaze. True enough, the Empress was a beauty among beauties, a national treasure, the most stunning in the Imperial Harem. It is no wonder she gave birth to such a handsome son as Nangong Yi.
However, the Empress emanated a cold and proud aura, as if she was all alone in this world, lacking the maternal affinity expected from the mother of a nation.
Empress Mo, hand on Luo Xue's arm, ascended the steps to the Waterside Pavilion, where her throne was already set up. Before the throne was an ornately carved lacquer table and on either side behind the Empress, eunuchs and palace maids lined up like the wings of wild geese. They held items such as the incense burner, embroidered handkerchief, rinse bowl, and duster. Luo Xue stood unwaveringly by the right side of Empress Mo.
To the left and right of the Empress's throne were a few empty chairs, indicating that there were some yet to arrive, but it wasn't clear who.
