Compared to the Empress Dowager, who required people to kneel down and pay their respects before allowing them to rise, the Grand Empress Dowager handled things differently.
From the outset, she said, "All of you may rise, please take your seats."
The Empress and the Empress, however, insisted, so everyone still knelt down.
The Grand Empress Dowager had everyone sit down from the beginning, and since she did not recognize Ye Zao, she simply ordered the maids to bring tea and instructed them, "These two cannot drink tea, bring something else. Milk, perhaps? How is Noble Lady Ming feeling lately? Can she drink it?"
Ye Zao hurriedly stood up, "Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager, your servant can."
"That's good. Being able to eat and drink is a good thing. Go ahead and change it," said the Grand Empress Dowager with a smile.
