Murong Jiu entered the palace only in the afternoon.
Firstly, it was well known that she and Consort Qi had an uneasy relationship, so there was no need for her to put on a show of courtesy.
Secondly, she had been suffering from frequent headaches lately; her master said she might be on the verge of regaining her memory. The herbal soup she was given had a sedative effect, causing her to sleep until the sun was three poles high.
Sleeping too long left her feeling less than refreshed.
After playing with Zhijin and Zhiyu for over half an hour, she finally felt a bit more spirited. She then proceeded to dress up in fine clothes and left the house.
The birthday banquet of the concubines in the palace was attended only by ladies and young misses, so Jun Yuyan accompanied her into the palace. After offering birthday felicitations separately to Consort Qi, he went to see the Emperor.
