Word soon reached Consort Shu that the Empress Dowager did not intend to leave for the summer retreat this year. The consort could hardly believe her ears.
If the Empress Dowager wasn't going, how could she?
In a fit of rage, Consort Shu smashed things all over the floor of her hall, then stormed over to see Song Yunzhao.
"The Empress Dowager isn't going to the summer retreat? She's staying in the palace?" Song Yunzhao was also taken aback.
"Yes! Isn't it strange?" Consort Shu's anger flared hotter. "The summer is unbearable. I'm afraid her health won't hold up if she stays in the palace. And when the time comes, if the Empress Dowager falls ill, I'm sure it will somehow be our fault."
Song Yunzhao frowned in deep thought. 'I thought the Empress Dowager might go to Jincui Garden, but I never expected her not to leave the palace at all, choosing to endure the summer here.'
