Cai Wei stepped off the phoenix palanquin and smiled warmly at everyone, "I was feeling a bit unwell earlier, which made all the ladies wait for so long."
"The Empress Dowager is too polite; we are unworthy of such consideration!"
All the madams maintained their propriety, bowing their heads and answering in unison. No one dared to look directly at the Empress Dowager's countenance, and they all humbly made way with lowered eyes.
Cai Wei walked slowly ahead, followed by Huan Qiu, Xiao Zhi, and others. Behind them were two rows of palace maids holding feather fans, fragrant beads, handkerchiefs, and rinse bowls. The entire procession was extremely grand.
Seeing Cai Wei's entourage and the Empress of Great Jin's presence, Princess Tuotuo became even more determined to replace her and become the Empress herself. She lifted her chin and smiled sinisterly, following the crowd into the doorway of Shuntian Hall.
