Her silken, raven-black hair flowed like a waterfall over her fragrant shoulders, giving off a faint, alluring scent.
Cao Ruomi gently combed it with an ivory comb, her voice even softer than her movements.
"Hongde, you are so beautiful. Such loveliness is truly rare in this world, a delight to behold."
Zhao Ruxin stared into the copper mirror with a wooden expression. The reflection showed a woman who had been freshly washed and changed into a clean dress, her former radiant beauty restored.
'But what good is beauty?' she thought. 'He doesn't want me anymore...'
At this thought, her nose tingled and her eyes reddened once more.
Zhao Ruxin lowered her head, squeezing her eyes shut to keep her tears from escaping again.
Cao Ruomi handed the comb to a nearby palace attendant. With just a glance from her, the palace maids bowed their heads and discreetly withdrew.
