By morning the entire palace and half of Qintong were aware of the scandalous events of the previous night. Rumours could be said to be the most poisonous of all arrows because the faster they spread the more poisonous they became. Different versions of the story had been dispersed by different people but they all held some element of truth.
That morning, the Empress visited the Empress dowager for the morning greeting. Hao mei couldn't describe the joy she felt seeing the Empress dowager pale face. A sense of justification filled her. As she was about to leave the Empress dowager ordered the maids to leave the room.
"You must be happy to see me caught in this situation " she said with an even nastier expression covering her face.
"Why should i be happy when i haven't even done anything to you"
Smiling she continued.
" the misfortune you and your sister are experiencing is as a result of your own wicked attempts"
As she turned to leave she felt someone tug her skirts.