Zhao Ling'e acted with a quiet yet brazen arrogance. After entering the palace, she had made a point of visiting Shouci Palace and never bothered to hide it from An Shutong, a deliberate display of dominance.
At the time, An Shutong had avoided a direct confrontation, not wanting to clash with her, but in truth, she had been simmering with unspoken rage.
Power and influence have always been a matter of one side waxing as the other wanes.
The moment An Shutong backed down, regaining the upper hand became incredibly difficult.
The Empress Dowager's wavering attitude was a particular hurdle for An Shutong. All this time, it wasn't just An Shutong who felt aggrieved; the palace attendants serving her were also filled with pent-up frustration.
Back when Qin Xiyue was the main consort of Huayang Palace, their mistress had never suffered such indignities.
