The next day, Hui Pin left Weiyang Palace in tears.
She had fought so hard for the chance to serve the Emperor, and she didn't want the other Concubines to laugh at her. So, she had her palace maid apply thick, heavy makeup to hide her red-rimmed eyes and the dark circles underneath. Then, with her head held high, she went to Jianzhang Palace to pay her morning respects.
Lu Ronghua, however, saw her and said with great jealousy, "It seems Hui Pin didn't sleep well last night. To show up for morning respects with such elaborate makeup... I wonder if you're trying to make a statement to the Empress!"
"I would never dare. I beg the Empress to see the truth."
Hui Pin looked up toward the main seat, feeling wronged.
Unfortunately, the Empress did not respond as she had hoped.
The Empress was maintaining her elegant posture, perfectly and discreetly relaxing.
In other words, she was zoning out.
