Words spread fastest in the imperial household. While Lady Shu was still in Taiji Palace, the news that she had been taken out of the Cold Palace by Xia Huanyu spread all over the inner Palace.
When Lady Shu returned to Shuya Palace, concubines came to greet her one after another.
Lady Shu didn't refuse. When the palace quieted down a little, it was already dark. Only then did Lady Shu have the chance to look around her palace.
There was almost no change in Shuya Palace and it should cleaned every day. However, most of the maids had gone after Lady Shu was put into the Cold Palace, only left a few senior maids.
After a busy day, they finally had the chance to look at each other in tears.
"Your Highness, you're finally back. It's been really desolate in the palace since you're gone. In the past, His Majesty seldom stayed in Shuya Palace because of Your Highness' poor health. But many concubines often paid visit to show respect to Your Highness as Your Highness has Prince Qi. After you left, none of them has come again." A madam sighed, but full of joy and excitement on her face. She had never expected that her master could come back one day as very few people could come out from the Cold Palace.
Hearing this, Lady Shu looked at the maids kneeling in the hall and said with a smile, "You didn't leave me when I was at my darkest time. I will definitely ensure you a good life in the future." Lady Shu looked up indifferently. She was finally back.
"Thank you, Lady Shu," the maids replied loudly. There was a faint smile in Lady Shu's eyes. The imperial household was her battlefield. She had the strongest support, and she firmly believed that she would win this battle.
"His Majesty is here!" Hearing the singing tone of the eunuch, everyone in the palace was cheerful. It was a great fortune that their master could serve His Majesty as soon as she came out of the Cold Palace.
Lady Shu stood up slowly with a smile on her face. She walked quickly to the door of the main hall to greet His Majesty.
At this night, someone was happy while some others are sad.
"You mean His Majesty stayed in Shuya Palace last night?" In the morning, the Empress was dressing up in front of a bronze mirror. Her eyebrows were tightly frowned, as if she was suppressing something. Weariness could be seen on the delicate face in the mirror.
The eunuch who was slightly bending replied, "Yes. Your Majesty."
The Empress nodded slightly, and finally suppressed the hatred in her heart. She said indifferently, "Has Lady Shu been here to pay respects?"
"Not yet." The eunuch answered in a hurry.
The Empress sneered, "Well, it seems she still likes to put on airs." As saying this, she suddenly frowned and gasped. "Ah, it hurts. You pulled my hair. Be careful!"
The maids behind her immediately knelt down and apologized, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please spare my life, Your Majesty."
"Stop, spare your life? Did I say I'll kill you or something? The Empress frowned, with disgust in her eyes. "Get up and make my hair done. Don't be clumsy."
Hearing this, the maid quickly stood up and made a Ling Yun Braid for the Empress. Then she took out the phoenix coronet and inserted it into her bun.
The Empress' eyes fell on the phoenix coronet. After a long time, she said indifferently, "Why should I care? No matter how complacent she is, she will never become the empress and will never wear the phoenix coronet."
Then she stood up and let the maid put on a dark red robe with vivid phoenix pattern for her.
After dressing up, the Empress stepped out of the inner palace with the help of a maid. In the main hall, the concubines had already been waiting for her. As soon as the Empress walked out, she heard the rustling of their clothes. Then the ladies all greeted her in unison, "Good morning, Your Majesty."
After sitting down, the Empress glanced around the hall, but didn't find Lady Shu. She sneered in her heart and said lightly, "Rise."
As soon as they sat down, a soft voice came from outside, "I'm really sorry. I'm late." Hardly had her voice faded away, a pink court dress was seen at the door. Lady Shu walked in with the delicate makeup on her face and butterfly hairpin on her Tong Xin Braid.
"Nice to see you, Your Majesty." Lady Shu smiled faintly and curtsied to the Empress.
The Empress's eyes fell on Lady Shu indifferently. She smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. I'm afraid you must have forgotten the time to pay respects as you have been in Wu Yan Palace for a long time. Take a seat for Lady Shu. Oh, I even forgot to ask the servants to prepare an extra seat."
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