On the stage, a dozen palace maids were dancing an enchanting dance.
Xuexue then realized something was amiss, daringly, she had sat in Noble Consort Wang's seat. It seemed the relationship they had just mended was about to break again. The women in the Imperial Palace, for men and for status, become frighteningly jealous.
Indeed, in the entire Imperial Palace, there was only one man, The Emperor, and so many women competing fiercely.
Noble Consort Wang occasionally shot over resentful glances, and Xuexue felt somewhat ill at ease. Lifting her eyes for a glimmer, she saw the Empress's triumphant expression, a gleam in her eye, then she lowered her head.
The Empress smiled and said, "Miss Situ, what's the matter? Are you feeling unwell?"
Seeing her smug look, Xuexue deliberately defied her expectations and also smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Empress. Xuexue is quite well."
The Empress's smile stiffened on her face, she gave a cold hum, and averted her gaze.
