The Empress Dowager issued an edict to seal the palace, throwing the harem into a state of panic.
The next day, news spread from Changle Palace: the Emperor was suffering from a persistent high fever. The Empress Dowager intended to select two Concubines to enter Weiyang Palace and personally attend to him. Of course, the Emperor did not lack for attendants. The Concubines would not have to perform any menial labor; their role would be to supervise and direct the palace maids and eunuchs as their mistresses.
Regardless of how the Emperor had contracted this illness, a master's sickness was considered a servant's failing. With the thought of being buried alive with their master on their minds, the Palace Attendants naturally had no heart for their work, which would only hinder his recovery. A high-ranking concubine—a main position lady—had to be sent in to give them a leader and compel them to work together through this crisis.
