Night fell, and the palace lanterns were lit one by one.
Consort Ru arrived at the Imperial Study Room. When she saw the still-shut doors, her heart tightened.
"Imperial Concubine."
The Chief Eunuch waiting outside stepped forward expressionlessly and bowed. Though there was a smile on his face, his body directly blocked the path.
"His Majesty has given a verbal decree: no one is to enter without being summoned. Please return."
Consort Ru's delicate brows furrowed. She spoke with a hint of worry, "I am merely concerned for His Majesty's well-being. The autumn days are cold, and it would be terrible if he were to fall ill. I've specially prepared some simmered snow pear and fritillary bulb to soothe his throat and clear his lungs. If you would be so kind—"
Before she could finish, a deep, resonant voice came from within.
"Let her in."
Joy filled Consort Ru's heart as she personally carried the bowl of simmered snow pear and fritillary bulb into the Imperial Study Room.
