Inside the palace, Zhulan tightened her cloak, holding not a hand warmer in her arms, but her proposal. She had been carrying it herself all along. With each step on the green bricks, her gait was resolute—what she held could save many children, alter their destinies, and sow seeds of prosperity for the nation's future.
As she made her way to the Empress Dowager's quarters, Zhulan was surprised to find that the Retired Emperor was present as well.
Quickly composing herself, Zhulan decided that no matter who was there today, she had to succeed. "This humble servant greets the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager."
The Retired Emperor had decided to stay on a whim, curious to see why Zhou Shuren's wife had come to the palace. He glanced at Yang's wife—ah, it seemed she'd grown a bit plumper since their last meeting, her round little face resembling an elder woman. "Rise."
