"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
The three of them had no time to speak and rose to greet her.
The Empress Dowager entered the hall, surrounded by her retinue. She swept her gaze over the three concubines, took the seat of honor, and then said, "You may all rise."
"Thank you, Empress Dowager," the three replied in unison before rising and returning to their seats.
"Has the Emperor not yet arrived?" the Empress Dowager asked.
Song Yunzhao couldn't be bothered to reply and lowered her head in silence. Princess Consort Wan was always a woman of few words, so Consort Shu had no choice but to speak up. "Perhaps the Emperor is still busy with state affairs."
The Empress Dowager snorted but said nothing more. Song Yunzhao had no desire to cross swords with her just yet, so she avoided eye contact and sat quietly in her place.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Song Yunzhao, taking in her magnificent palace attire. Her lips tightened, a clear sign of her displeasure.
