"Clang!"
When the Empress set down her teacup, it made a noise louder than anyone could have anticipated.
She was very thin, her skin closely clinging to her muscles, making it hard to discern her anger even when pushed to the limit. Yet at this moment, she laughed calmly, "I didn't feel it when I first picked it up, but after holding it for a while, I realize today's tea is hotter than usual."
The palace maid who brewed the tea knelt to plead for forgiveness.
"Enough, it was a mistake without malice, and it was my fault for being too engrossed in Attendant Lady Xi's words."
Concubine Jiang cast a worried look.
It wasn't so much concern for the Empress's wellbeing, but rather fear that the Empress might back down and not punish Consort Xi.
"The matter of Consort Xi is minor, but the Empress's hands mustn't be scalded, everything should be centered around the Empress's well-being." Concubine Jiang hinted she would side with the Empress, supporting her decisions at this time.
