They walked into the main hall, where both the Empress Dowager and the Empress were already seated upon cushioned chairs, clearly waiting for Bai Xifeng's arrival.
"Greetings to Her Highness, the Empress Dowager, and Her Majesty, the Empress." Bai Xifeng offered a polite, graceful bow.
Behind her, Xiao Li immediately followed her lead, dropping into a deep, formal bow toward the two highest-ranking women in the realm.
"Mm... good girl. Come, sit down over here beside me." The Empress Dowager said gently, pointing toward an ornate wooden seat placed right next to her own, beckoning Bai Xifeng over.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Bai Xifeng replied calmly.
She walked over and took her seat without fuss, while Xiao Li naturally stepped behind her miss's chair, standing quietly with her head lowered in attentive silence.
"It has been quite a long time since we last spoke. Have you been doing well?" The Empress Dowager inquired warmly, her eyes carrying a gentle, maternal look.
