Red walls and yellow tiles, flying eaves and arching brackets. Everywhere dignity resounds, solemn and awe-inspiring.
The Imperial Palace was no stranger to hosting Cuju conferences. Everything proceeded according to past practices, with Empress Zou seated high in the Jiao Palace, ordering her servants to prepare everything methodically.
Empress Zou was well-maintained, still charming. Yet upon closer examination, exhaustion was evident beneath her eyelids. She had only Crown Prince Ji Zhui and Fifth Princess Ji Shimin under her name.
With graceful elegance, she took the tea offered by a palace maid, sipped gently, then wiped her lips with a handkerchief.
"Mother, did you not sleep well last night?" Ji Shimin entered from outside, dressed in a beautiful rose-colored palace attire, looking quite pleasing.
Upon her arrival, palace maids served tea and greeted her formally.
Upon seeing her, Empress Zou couldn't help but smile gently.
