Admiring Chrysanthemums

Handsome Fairness Chen sat in front of the mirror and mechanically removed the two chrysanthemums she had been wearing in her hair. Hong'er watched as she clenched her hand slowly, kneading the flowers until the petals fell, and when she finally released her grip, the dishevelled remnants of the flowers dropped from her palm.

It was such a pity; Lady had spent a considerable sum to acquire these two premium chrysanthemums from the royal garden's flower house. In the days when she was in favor, there was no need for words—the best things naturally arrived. But times had changed, and Handsome Fairness Chen's fall from grace had become a foregone conclusion. Those who used to flatter and please her were nowhere to be found.