'The Emperor really goes to great lengths for his harem,' she thought.
'In any case, the outcome is good. It's what I wanted, so all's well that ends well.'
Song Yunzhao hugged the Emperor's waist tightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I know you did this for me. I'm so deeply touched."
'It would be even better if he wasn't using me as a pawn.'
The two didn't get a chance to rest, as there was a palace banquet that evening. Meng Jiuchang soon arrived to escort the Emperor to Taiji Palace. Song Yunzhao, for her part, also had to dress and do her makeup, a process that would take a considerable amount of time.
Song Yunzhao saw the Emperor to the door. Feng Yi stood under the eaves, looking at all the palace lanterns hanging there, and then at the door god paintings Song Yunzhao had put up herself. He turned back to gaze at her. "I heard you weren't able to hang your palace lanterns. Next year, I'll hang them for you."
With those words, Feng Yi departed in a hurry.
