Old Madam Duke Chong picked up the tea, not realizing in her panic that the tea was just brought in by the maid. She gulped it down, only to burn herself and throw the teacup away.
The maids outside heard the commotion and rushed in like a swarm.
"Old Madam, are you alright?"
"Get out, all of you!"
The maids quickly retreated and closed the door behind them.
Old Madam Duke Chong held her Buddha beads, fidgeting with them rapidly. There were few who recognized that Jade Pendant; thirty years had passed and several generations of maids and servants had changed in the mansion. No one could identify it except...
Old Madam Duke Chong's hand paused, her thumb slowly sliding over a Buddha bead before she began fidgeting even faster.
...
The Imperial Palace, Chaohua Palace.
The Emperor stood in front of the hall, gazing at the painting hanging on the wall.
The person in the painting seemed to be smiling at him.
