On the day of the Longevity Festival, a stream of high-ranking officials and nobles filed into the palace to offer their birthday wishes.
The Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager appeared together, dressed in their most magnificent court robes. They glittered with gold, their attire substantial and imposing. From her seat below, Jiang Xian looked up, the brilliant luster of their jewels reflecting in her eyes.
'I'm too late for the Empress's position, but maybe I can still fight for the Empress Dowager's.'
After the formal greetings were exchanged, it was time to be seated.
