The next day, Zhulan rode a carriage into the palace, not because the Empress Dowager invited her, but the Empress. The Empress Dowager was very busy, as the Retired Emperor had fallen seriously ill and needed care, with all her attention on the Retired Emperor.
Yesterday, a female officer came to deliver a message, and Zhulan sent word to the Qin Prince Residence. Her daughter didn't come in person but brought a message. Recently, the Empress has been particularly focused on the Zhou family, and ever since the princes could leave the palace, her daughter and son-in-law have been avoiding invitations, staying put in the Qin Prince Residence.
Zhulan turned the bracelet on her wrist, realizing the Empress had set her eyes on her.
Upon entering the palace, Zhulan sat in a sedan chair, as the weather was too cold; walking to the empress sleeping quarters would surely leave her frozen.
