The second day of the lunar new year.
It's the day when families from outside the palace visit to see their family members who have become high-ranking concubines, a privilege only enjoyed by those ranked third or above.
As usual, from early morning, the madams of various mansions came to pay their respects.
This was also the tradition.
Since entering the palace, one mustn't rush directly into the harem; one has to stop by and pay respects, right?
However, Xia Ruqing basically didn't need to meet them; she merely sent Zi Yue out to offer tea and exchange a few words.
So...
While Xia Ruqing was having breakfast alone, Zi Yue was outside, having already sent off one group of visiting madams after another.
After the breakfast had been cleared away and she had a bowl of bird's nest porridge, Zi Yue returned wearily from outside.
"Sent all of them off?"
Xia Ruqing carelessly placed the bird's nest porridge on the table beside her.
"All gone!"
