The Empress Dowager was a very astute person. Once the Emperor had firmly established his position, she ceased to involve herself in affairs, focusing solely on enjoying life. Naturally, the Emperor reciprocated her aloofness with filial piety and respect.
Mingzhu, seeing Yueyao laugh, said discontentedly, "You're still laughing; I was so worried at the time." She was extremely anxious when she heard in the palace that Yueyao's engagement had been annulled, but the Empress Dowager wouldn't allow her to leave, merely stating that it wasn't something a young lady should interfere with. Besides, leaving the palace required a waist token, which, if she had been in the Marquis' household, even Marquis Jingning might not have been able to stop her.
Yueyao, holding Mingzhu's hand, said, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
