The vast bedchamber was deathly silent. All the maids and eunuchs kept their heads bowed, not daring to make a sound.
Even the high-ranking eunuch most favored by the Empress Dowager was prostrated on the floor, not daring to so much as raise his head.
Fortunately, her anger was as quick to fade as it was to flare.
"Xiaodezi!"
"Your servant is here!" The high-ranking eunuch hurriedly shuffled forward a few paces on his knees, answering in a respectful voice.
"You're saying that this Wu Liangchen returned the Emperor's gifts as well?"
"Yes. Your servant saw it with his own eyes. The ceremonial eunuch, Liu Sanhai, also returned with his gifts."
"Hmph. That's fine, too. If I can't win him over, you can forget about it as well." The Empress Dowager sneered, her eyes filled with disgust, completely devoid of the affection a mother should have for her son.
