Before dawn, Manbao got up, washed, dressed, and had a simple breakfast. Considering that it was the last imperial assembly of the year and unsure how long it would last, she stuffed several pieces of snacks into her pouch and then headed to Taiji Hall with her memorial in tow.
By the time she reached the large square, daylight was breaking. Ministers were trickling in from the palace gates, and as the cold wind blew, Manbao huddled her neck and slipped her hands into her sleeves before climbing the steps.
It was chilled outside, and Manbao preferred not to linger there. After greeting both acquaintances and strangers among the officials talking at the roadside, she entered the hall to find her seat.
Some early-arriving officials saw her enter with her neck tucked in, and shaking their heads, remarked, "Still just a child. Even the Office of Palace Affairs is making it hard for her."
