Aunt Wang had been running all over the place over the last few days preparing for their journey to the northern provinces. Long Liu, a maid assigned by the emperor himself, had been telling them how cold the Northern provinces were and how different the palace there was from the Grand Palace.
The Late Emperor's death was commemorated with a day of silence as was the custom of Qintong. On this day there would be no speaking and everyone including the emperor had to stay silent, there would also be a compulsory fast for the royal family which ended at sunset.
Hao Mei had a stressful day and after sunset she didn't even bother with dinner except for some corn gruel, she just wanted to crawl into bed and fall asleep. She was about to do just that when her attendants announced the presence of the Emperor.
She felt her heart race, a reaction that had become a frequent occurrence in his presence.
She bowed in greeting.
"What brings you over your majesty?"