But going back, surely she must have something to say.
After the area had been cleared, it was left open to the sun. The Virtuous Empress had a palace maid bring Nan Feng an umbrella. Then she elegantly started the conversation: "Lady Nan Feng, if you are fond of dim sum, I can ask the Palace's Imperial Kitchen to prepare some and send it to you."
Nan Feng was expected to decline but instead asked: "Thank you, Empress. When will it be? So that I can plan appropriately in the Siyuan's budget, and tell them not to set aside a meal for me on that day."
"…" The Virtuous Empress, famed for persuading with virtue, complied by setting a timeframe: "How about the day after tomorrow, does that suit you?"
"Thanks, Dowager Empress."
"No, it should be me thanking you," the Virtuous Empress said.
"You thanking me?"
"I am thanking you on behalf of the Emperor," the Virtuous Empress said, smiling.