Xia Ruqing had just finished her makeup when news arrived from the front.
"The Emperor has returned to the palace!"
"My lady, it's about time for us to leave as well!"
Xia Ruqing nodded.
"It's too cold outside, and it will be crowded and chaotic there, so the Imperial Son needn't go!"
"Sister Huang, Sister Jiang, please take him to play; the little dog is there too!"
"He won't cry or fuss. Just let him play for a while and put him to sleep early!"
Staying up for the New Year's vigil is for adults. Children are still growing and need not observe the vigil.
"Yes!" Sister Huang and Sister Liang both assented.
Only then did Xia Ruqing leave with peace of mind.
She was dressed in an apricot-red palace gown made of Yunjin brocade, embroidered with large peony flowers, looking both delicate and dignified, yet without overstepping boundaries.
Atop her head, she wore the light red garnet headdress that the Emperor had previously bestowed upon her.
