An Wei dropped to her knees at once, her face drained of color. "E-Empress! Please, take back your words. If the Emperor hears them, he will—"
Xia Yuqing's gaze slid toward the two armed guards standing like stone statues. "Then ask them to stay out," she cut in coolly. "Or do they want to watch me take a bath? Is that what Long Mingze desires?"
The guards stiffened.
Their eyes flicked to each other, discomfort flashing briefly across their expressions. After a moment's hesitation, they turned and walked out, closing the door.
Inside, An Wei hurried to assist her, hands trembling as she loosened the layers of silk and embroidery from Xia Yuqing's body. The faint scent of lotus already filled the chamber, thickened by rising steam.
Wooden buckets sat scattered near the tub, water still sloshing from recent use. Xia Yuqing stepped into the bath slowly, lowering herself into the water. Warmth enveloped her skin, loosening her tense muscles, but her mind remained cold and sharp.
