Wan Zhen’er’s treatment had improved significantly. She was no longer an ordinary palace maid, at least not in the Eastern Palace. In the Eastern Palace, she was above everyone except one. The eunuchs and palace maids all had to look at Wan Zhen’er’s face and follow her orders. Just a glare from Wan Zhen’er would make everyone too afraid to speak.
Wan Zhen’er felt that she now had a bit of the imposing manner of Empress Dowager Sun back then.
Empress Dowager Sun still lived in the Renshou Palace, and she was still the empress dowager. The emperors changed repeatedly, but Empress Dowager Sun’s position remained unshakable – of course, she had no reason to fall. She was the legitimate empress of the previous emperor, so who would dare to touch even a single hair on her head? To do so would be disrespectful to the former emperor, unfilial, and improper, and would leave a stain on one’s reputation for thousands of years.
On a sunny afternoon, Wan Zhen’er followed the crown prince, tottering behind him to see her idol, Empress Dowager Sun. After several years, Empress Dowager Sun had become an undeniable old lady, with completely white hair, wrinkled skin, and dim yellow eyes.
Seeing the crown prince, Empress Dowager Sun was very excited, with tears streaming down her face, and she reached out her trembling hand to stroke the crown prince repeatedly.
She murmured, “My good imperial grandson, my good imperial grandson!”
Wan Zhen’er stepped forward and knelt down, kowtowing: “This servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager.”
Empress Dowager Sun turned around and helped Wan Zhen’er up, saying repeatedly, “Zhen’er, Zhen’er, quickly get up.”
After stroking her beloved imperial grandson, she then touched Wan Zhen’er: “Zhen’er, good Zhen’er! Thanks to you, my imperial grandson is where he is today.”
Wan Zhen’er knew her merits were great, and also knew that without her, the crown prince would not be where he was today. But she did not dare to take credit, especially in front of such important figures.
Wan Zhen’er put on a look of trepidation, saying nervously: “This is what this servant should do.”
“
Empress Dowager Sun said: “Zhen’er, you’ve done very well, been responsible and dedicated. I misjudged you back then.”
