Thousands of miles away in Capital City.
During yesterday's New Year's Eve banquet at the palace, the Emperor made only a brief appearance before departing with his new favorite.
The Empress Dowager did not show herself at all, citing discomfort, having excused herself from greetings for a month now, thus her absence today was expected.
The remaining concubines and princes and princesses exchanged glances, their smiles either forced or hiding their private thoughts, as they looked at the Empress sitting at the head.
The Empress's expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, and ordered that the Ninth Prince be sent back to Changchun Palace early.
Consort Xian immediately stood up with a bright smile, aware that her Second Prince was evenly matched with the Crown Prince in the front hall, wielding significant influence.
Already, many in the palace have aligned with her, forming a tripartite power structure with the Crown Prince's mother and the Empress.
