However, the Empress was blissfully unaware.
The Emperor had not visited Jiaofang Hall for a long time, and she was determined to perform well and strive for his attention.
"Your Majesty..."
The Empress stepped forward slowly and called out in a gentle voice.
She planned to be a good wife, to be the cultured companion who added fragrance to his study, grinding ink for him as he wrote.
Zhao Junyao glanced at her but paid her no heed.
Thinking he had acquiesced, she was thrilled, yet her hand trembled.
Her gorgeous sleeve brushed against the inkstone. With a flick, ink dripped onto the floor, and then it was everywhere.
In a panic, the Empress backed away, even stepping in the ink multiple times. In the end, with another tremble of her hand, she snapped the ink stick in half.
"Your... Your Majesty..." the Empress stammered.
Zhao Junyao glanced at her, paused for a moment in silence, then issued a direct order.
