Masks Of Sympathy.

The door to Liu Fen's room was closed, but — not quite; a sliver of light spilled through a gap, and two pairs of eyes peered out, spying on the young noble ladies who were streaming towards Miss Ding's room, a few doors down the lantern-lit corridor.

"Look at them," Xiao Mei whispered, her tone dripping with scorn. "Miss Ding is nothing but a proud peacock, always looking down on others and flaunting her feathers. Yet they flock to her door with honeyed words the moment they hear she got a few scratches."

Liu Fen smiled faintly, amused by Xiao Mei's words. She scanned Miss Ding's guests with a keen eye — they all wore masks of concern and sympathy as they entered Miss Ding room, but Liu Fen could see through those masks. "Not all of them are here out of genuine concern for her health,' she said. "Some are here just to be in her good graces, or to curry favor with her family."

Xiao Mei nodded sagely. "Miss is right." she said. "As the saying goes — the Ding family can make or break anyone's fortune with a single word."

They fell silent as a new figure emerged from the shadows at the far end of the corridor — the Empress, trailed by her servants and guards. Miss Ding's guests, who were yet to reach her door, quickly stepped aside and bowed their heads in respect and fear. The Empress did not spare them a glance; she walked past them with an air of authority and entered Miss Ding's room.