"You've got it wrong," Shu Wan adjusted her clothes, "Come on, let's go and see the Empress Dowager."
Shu Wan and Ning Yuan followed at the end of the group, led by a Palace Attendant into the Cining Palace.
The current Empress Dowager was fond of Buddhism, and Buddhist items could be seen everywhere in the Cining Palace. Even as the contestants entered, they encountered a Buddhist master and his disciples leaving.
The master, dressed in a simple kasaya, had an air of detachment.
He had his eyes half-closed but suddenly turned his head to look at Shu Wan as he passed by her.
Feeling the master's gaze, Shu Wan remained composed, acting as if she hadn't noticed and walked straight over the threshold.
"Contestants, step forward to meet the Empress Dowager."
As the eunuch announced, everyone bowed in turn to the Empress Dowager, who nodded, uttering the usual authoritative official speak.
