The next day, Xu Qiu’er was to pay respects to the Empress Dowager at Shouspring Palace. She wore a vibrant blue dress with pink-blue cloud patterns, wide sleeves, long lapels, and 108 pink gold crystal decorations sewn into the flowers. Underneath, she wore a blue-gray silk shirt with an oblique collar over a layered floral skirt, complemented by a purple-blue tassel belt.
Her hair was styled in a double-winged fallen bun, decorated with a blue sapphire peacock screen and a pink blue silk Udumbara flower, which delicately touched her neck. A light pink blue three-petal cherry blossom adorned her forehead, enhancing her captivating eyes.
Looking in the mirror, she smiled, feeling especially satisfied—elegant, noble, and unique. After finishing her makeup, she bit into a green olive, enjoying its sour yet fresh taste. Cang Yue supported her as she went out, riding a light carriage to Shouspring Palace.
Shouspring Palace, located in the southeast of the Eternal Forbidden Palace, was surrounded by walls and housed the Empress Dowager and imperial concubines.
The palace included a Buddha hall where the Empress Dowager practiced Buddhism in peace.
As the Empress Dowager’s long phoenix eyes swept over Xu Qiu’er, she saw her kneeling and hummed, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.” Xu Qiu’er glanced back, and Cang Yue presented a brocade box. Xu Qiu’er reached out to take it and asked, “Does this meet Your Majesty’s approval?”
The Empress Dowager reclined halfway, not even looking up as a palace maid approached, presenting a box to her. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the maid.
The Empress Dowager then said, “If you had used this thoughtfulness on the Crown Prince, you wouldn’t have been left out of the Tangshan Temporary Palace.”
Xu Qiu’er fell silent. Before she could respond, the Empress Dowager continued, “Yesterday, when the Crown Prince went out, all concubines saw him off. Where were you?”
Stunned, Xu Qiu’er knelt down, saying, “This concubine knows her fault.” She couldn’t explain that she was in no condition to appear.
The Empress Dowager sighed, “You just need to soften your stance. The Crown Prince was willing to take the first step; why are you standing still?”
Xu Qiu’er bit her lip, unable to respond. She knew she couldn’t soften her stance after what Long Hanjie had done to her.
