For lunch, the Empress hosted a banquet at Jiaofang Hall, personally welcoming the Emperor and offering to cleanse him of the dust from his journey.
The Empress Dowager claimed fatigue and declined to attend, yet the concubines filled the space in a dense crowd.
Having not seen the Emperor for a long time, they were nearly driven mad with longing. Some didn't even seek his affection, merely a glance.
This was true for concubines like Consort Zheng Pin and Hu Liyi.
Of course, there were also those like Lady Zhang and Lady Zhu, who might not see the Emperor even once a year.
Such women, long out of favor, cast the most fervent and seductive glances.
Sitting in front of Lady Zhang and Lady Zhu, Xia Ruqing felt as though their gazes were about to burn a hole right through her!
It was much like any other banquet, with one sole difference: Noble Concubine Shih was missing!
Therefore, the Empress was in an exceptionally good mood!
