One night, half a month later, Jiang Xian finally saw the Emperor.
He hadn't summoned a concubine. Instead, he walked alone through the harem as night fell, stopping before the gates of Bihua Palace. The eunuch on watch hurried inside to announce him. "If the Pure Consort is already asleep, don't wake her," the Emperor said. "Just come back and let me know."
Jiang Xian was, of course, not asleep.
She was reviewing the homework the tutor had assigned Zhao'er that day. After Zhao'er finished his work, she would look it over, take a fresh sheet of paper, and write down her comments and suggestions for revision. In the morning, Zhao'er would review her notes and incorporate the suggestions he found useful. They were mother and son, but also like teacher and student.
Jiang Xian was surprised to hear the eunuch's announcement.
"I can't keep the Emperor waiting. I'll go out at once."
She rose, and a palace maid draped a large fox-fur cloak over her shoulders before she headed outside.
