The Emperor spoke in a subdued voice, "What is the meaning of this, Empress?"
Hearing the familiar authoritative voice, the Empress's heartbeat faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure, turning around with a smile and elegantly kneeling, "This concubine greets The Emperor. To answer The Emperor, this concubine came to clean the Ninth Prince's chambers."
Accompanied by a group of Palace Maids and eunuchs, they were so frightened that they knelt down in unison: "We greet The Emperor!"
"Rise," The Emperor was not one to trouble people over rituals, and after he had allowed them to stand, he continued, "I remember telling you before that without Xiaojiu's permission, no one is allowed to enter his palace, including myself. I would not enter without Xiaojiu's permission. Have you forgotten, Empress?"
