Hua Shu released her hand, turned to face the bronze mirror, and put on the earrings.
Consort Hui looked at the Empress, and her expression completely changed—there was even a hint of admiration.
She realized that she had misjudged things before. The Empress had always been clear-headed; she just never showed it.
A sense of relief rose in her—her own choice of allegiance hadn’t been wrong.
Hua Shu said nothing further. Once fully dressed, she prepared to go to the palace gate to greet the visitors.
As it happened, the Emperor had just arrived as well. Hua Shu knelt and paid her respects, but this time the Emperor didn’t even glance at her; he simply walked ahead.
Anyone with eyes could see clearly: the Emperor did not favor the Empress.
Hua Shu didn’t speak. She walked beside him, standing in her place.
Her eyes focused forward. If it were only a matter of the Empress Dowager returning to the palace, there was no need for such a grand reception.
But she had heard that the Empress Dowager had attended a lecture, then distributed aid in the local and surrounding areas, earning much praise. People had even written poems in her honor, saying that having such an Empress Dowager in Chu was a blessing, also mentioning the Emperor’s filial devotion to her.
Chu had always gained the people’s hearts through benevolent rule and valued filial piety above all.
No matter what the Emperor thought privately, appearances must be preserved.
“Your Majesty, the Empress must be in high spirits, eagerly awaiting her mother’s return, yes?” Chu Ze spoke softly, loud enough for Hua Shu to hear clearly.
The meaning behind the Emperor’s words was not lost on Hua Shu.
She slightly turned her body, deliberately moving closer, and lowered her voice: “Could it be that Your Majesty is displeased and does not look forward to Her Majesty’s return?”
Chu Ze lowered his gaze, a coldness threading through him. Yet before him, the Empress smiled brilliantly.
He pressed his lips tightly, a faint sneer in his heart. The Empress, after all, was still reckless and audacious.
Neither spoke again. Hua Shu felt carefree and pleased.
The undercurrent between the Emperor and Empress did not escape the eyes of the concubines behind them. To them, it seemed as if the Emperor and Empress had inexplicably become harmonious, and the Empress appeared genuinely happy.
“The Empress Dowager has returned to the palace. Look, even the Emperor seems much calmer with the Empress now,” Consort Hui observed from the front.
Although she was surprised and didn’t know what the Emperor and Empress had been saying, seeing the scene pleased her.
As for whether others were happy, she could not say.
Her words caused several concubines’ expressions to shift.
Especially Consort Rong, whose eyes reddened. She instinctively bit her lip and dared not show her emotions too openly. She lowered her head, constantly stroking her abdomen.
No matter what, the Emperor’s heart was with her. Once she safely bore the heir, everything would be negotiable.
After a short while, a group of people arrived outside the palace gates. The carriages in front slowed to a stop.
The carriages were spacious but not luxurious, showing clear frugality.
The Emperor walked ahead; Hua Shu trailed slightly behind. As she arrived, she saw the woman stepping out. She wore a dark brown robe, golden embroidery tracing from collar to cuffs, like clouds woven into her clothing—unique and elegant.
Empress Dowager Zhao had maintained her appearance well. Though past forty, her hair was still jet-black.
A few wrinkles marked the corners of her eyes, but one could still see the beauty of her youth.
Beside her stood two women—her daughters. The taller one was Princess Pingyi, twenty-four years old; her husband was a top scholar from the previous examination.
The other, smaller in stature, was Princess Leya, seventeen, unmarried.
Hua Shu led the palace concubines in greeting. The Emperor approached the Empress Dowager with concern.
Empress Dowager Zhao warmly patted the back of his hand and exchanged pleasantries.
The group walked back harmoniously. Empress Dowager Zhao seemed to recall something and turned to Hua Shu: “Empress, come here. I have a few words for you as well.”
She smiled with kindness.
Hua Shu stepped over politely. The Empress Dowager said nothing more, in a manner as casual as a family chatting with their children.
“Empress Dowager must have had a long journey. His Majesty prepared a welcome banquet and even instructed me to ensure everything was perfect,” Consort De spoke from behind with a smile.
Mentioning it openly was clearly an assertion of her status.
Consort De did not believe the Empress Dowager was unaware of palace affairs.
Hearing her words, Empress Dowager Zhao fell silent, her expression slightly displeased.
Chu Ze glanced at Consort De, noting the Empress Dowager’s mood. He said nothing in explanation.
Hua Shu, however, spoke first: “Mother, knowing you returned to the palace, Consort De’s arrangements were indeed proper and attentive.”
She skillfully eased the tension. Empress Dowager Zhao looked at her, slightly incredulous.
Had the Empress truly changed after such a short time apart?
Still mindful of the others present, the Empress Dowager simply walked forward: “Your Majesty, no matter what, the Empress is still better than these reckless and conceited people. The palace needs peace; one must not put the cart before the horse.”
Her voice was low, audible only to those nearby.
Hua Shu supported her, keeping her head lowered, as if the matter was not hers to concern.
From the sound in the Emperor’s throat came a soft “hm.”
Even without looking up, she could guess the Emperor’s expression was not good.
Consort Xian, standing by Consort De, smiled: “Why be impatient? The Emperor’s current attitude toward the Empress shows that reclaiming the phoenix seal will not be easy.”
Consort De realized she had acted impulsively, but how could she restrain herself? She could not simply watch power slip away.
She glanced at Consort Xian, turned her head with displeasure, determined not to give others the satisfaction of seeing her embarrassed.
“Your Highness, you are the mother of the Crown Prince and highly favored by His Majesty. Who would dare look down on you?” The concubine Wan behind them continued flattering as usual.
Her heavily powdered face hid any traces of redness.
Hearing this, Consort De straightened her back, her steps firmer.
She had accompanied the Emperor the longest, bore the Crown Prince, and the Emperor had entrusted her with the palace—proof enough that boldness could bring all she desired.
In comparison, what was the Empress?
Consort Hui was not far from them. Though she couldn’t hear clearly, she could guess a few words from their lips. She sneered inwardly at them.
Yet, thinking of what the Empress had said, she felt a faint anticipation of what might come next.
Upon arriving at Jiaotai Hall, Li Sheng and the palace steward led the maids to bring in the meal.
Hua Shu sat there, occasionally exchanging a few words with the Empress Dowager, talking about her experiences outside the palace.
She knew the Empress Dowager did not expect her to learn anything—she was speaking for the Emperor’s ears.
Hua Shu sipped her tea, vaguely sensing the gazes fixed on her from below.
She couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
What’s the matter? Hatred in your eyes, wanting to kill her?
Let’s see if you have the skill.
“Consort Rong, what’s wrong with you?” A voice of anxiety rang through the hall, and all eyes turned toward her.