Mr. Zhao's journey took nearly two months. Today, he returned to the court, entering Jingyang Palace, feeling both joyful and eager.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered Jingyang Palace, he was doused with a cold bucket of water.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Zhao," a beautiful palace attendant in her twenties smilingly stopped him. "The Empress Dowager has summoned Eunuch Lan for company."
This beautiful palace attendant was named Sufang, the Chief Palace Maid of Jingyang Palace, and a confidant of Empress Dowager Zheng. Mr. Zhao, who flaunted his power outside, immediately became cautious and humble upon entering Jingyang Palace. Smiling, he said, "I will wait here, until the Lady is free to summon me."
Then, lowering his voice, he added, "This time, I brought back many local specialties from Nanyang County. One of them is a gift for Aunt Sufang. When it gets dark, I'll have someone deliver it to Aunt Sufang's residence."
