Anji knew it would be unreasonable to show royalty disrespect by not providing an explanation. Hence, she chewed slowly and thought about what she would tell them. Not even Hong Nian Niang alone could help Anji. Of all the people Anji knew, she needed her shifu or her father's expertise. Everyone else, while she appreciated their sentiments and desire to help, would only get in the way.
Although the Emperor and Empress were busy people, they did not rush Anji as she ate. If anything, they showed genuine concern for the young girl who seemed to have a frown as heavy as the weight of the world on her shoulders. What exactly did she see, and what did she mean?
After nearly another hour, it was late into the evening when Anji finally finished her cold meal. Normally, she would savour the well-prepared meal. However, not tonight. She tasted nothing on her tongue while her brain ran through many possibilities. Of the sea of tumultuous thoughts, only one made sense to her.
