Just moments ago, the sky had been clear, but it was suddenly blanketed by dark clouds.
Then came flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder, as raindrops the size of beans slammed violently onto the ground.
The banana leaves by the window slapped noisily as they were battered by the rain.
The room was hot and stuffy, so He Family had all the windows opened.
A breeze carrying fine threads of rain blew in, dispelling some of the heat.
But the air was still humid, as if every pore on one's skin was clogged. It was very uncomfortable.
Si Yun fanned Princess Consort Zhao without pause.
Hua Manman saw beads of sweat forming on her forehead and said.
"You should rest for a while. I'm going to get some fresh air."
As Hua Manman started to rise, He Family and Si Yun hurried over to help her.
They helped Hua Manman to the door.
"The rain is too heavy outside," He Family cautioned. "You'll get soaked if you go out. Just stand here. It's quite cool."
