The situation in the palace turned for the worst when almost all of the emperor's supporters were successfully bought off by the empress.
The only household who refused to bow under her pressure was the Pei household. Due to that, the minister of justice Pei Jinrong, was invited to the Palace of Dusk for the first time ever.
He arrived around afternoon when the empress had just finished her sumptuous lunch and was out in the gazebo at the back garden.
When she was notified of his arrival, she asked the servant to escort him to the garden so that they could meet under a less formal setting.
"I, the head of the Pei household, Pei Jinrong is here to greet you, your majesty," the man who arrived was around forty of age. He looked young and was still vigorous in health. He had a bit of resemblance to Pei An despite a slight wrinkle on his face.
"You came," the empress smiled warmly and asked him to sit. However, he refused flatly and remained standing.