The corners of the mouths of the people around couldn't help but twitch. If it weren't for the venue and their status, they would probably have burst into laughter. Even Jiang Fangfei was hanging her head, her shoulders shaking.
Beside them were other girls from Aristocratic Families, who actually yearned to be part of this circle. However, with no way in, they listened with ears perked up. Qi Zizi's voice wasn't particularly quiet, so many people heard.
Shen Jiayin's face momentarily stiffened, but there was nothing she could do about it.
Just at that moment, a eunuch outside loudly announced, "The Emperor arrives, the Empress Dowager arrives, the Imperial Concubine arrives..."
Everyone immediately stopped whispering and hurriedly stood up, then knelt in unison, shouting long live ten thousand years. When the Emperor helped the Empress Dowager to the main seat, he uttered "Rise," and only then did everyone get up and sit back down.
