According to the rules, they should not look directly at the Emperor, yet their gazes were subtilely drifting towards him.
After two courses had been served, Xie Zhixing sensed something amiss.
Upon investigating, the problem was found to originate with Concubine Jiang.
Concubine Jiang, pampered by the Empress Dowager, was accustomed to deference even if not hugely favored. Yet unexpectedly, she faced defeat in front of a little Attendant Lady and turned to cry to the Empress.
The Empress, busy with a myriad of affairs, had no time for her.
The hunting ground was unlike the vast harem where faces were seldom seen. Concubine Jiang's plight caught the attention of others. The Princess Consort of the Kesha Tribe happened to visit the Empress, inciting curiosity to uncover what had transpired. Concubine Jiang did not avoid others when she insulted Yun Jiao, and their dialogue was clearly overheard by nearby eunuchs and palace maids.
