All evening, Song Yunzhao and the Empress Dowager were locked in an invisible tug-of-war. Though no sharp words were exchanged and they even seemed to be at peace, everyone else felt the situation was all the more precarious.
Ming Fei had never been one to let things slide. If she suffered the slightest grievance, she was certain to seek satisfaction on the spot. After all, even the other high-ranking concubines had suffered setbacks at her hands in the past.
Before the banquet was even half over, the Empress Dowager departed.
Song Yunzhao didn't care in the slightest. 'The Empress Dowager's schemes are so petty. If she could move against me openly, she wouldn't resort to such despicable tactics.'
While Song Yunzhao was unconcerned, Consort Shu was furious. She immediately ordered the singers and dancers to perform, and the hall instantly grew lively again.
