...
Ning Huaixiu followed a young eunuch into the Eastern Warm Pavilion of the Royal Study. As she entered, Cai Wei was sitting cross-legged on the fumigation cage, reading a book. Upon seeing Cai Wei, Ning Huaixiu composed herself, lowered her gaze, and respectfully bowed.
"Daughter of the minister, Ning Huaixiu, pays respects to the Empress Dowager. Long live Your Majesty for a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"
Cai Wei set down the book and smiled, saying, "We haven't just known each other for a day or two. These formalities are for appearances only; there's no need to be so distant in private."
The words were spoken warmly. If Ning Huaixiu were still the pure nineteen-year-old soul she used to be, she would have been deeply moved by the Empress's words. But she was no longer that naive Ning Huaixiu and could discern whether the Empress's warmth was genuine.
