Cining Palace.
While rumors swirled outside, Shen Wei, the very subject of those whispers, remained utterly unperturbed. Dressed in new robes gifted by the Empress Dowager and sipping fine West Lake tea, she recounted her conflict with the Emperor as if narrating a story.
By the end, Shen Wei spread her snow-white palms and lamented to the Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, this humble consort has long resided deep within the palace and has only met Prince Heng a handful of times. The Emperor's suspicions are truly an unwarranted calamity."
The Empress Dowager was taken aback. After a long pause, she said, "This old one naturally believes you."
Having spent much time with Shen Wei, the Empress Dowager knew her character well.
Yet, recalling her son's peculiar reaction, she mused, "Yuanjing deliberately distanced himself from you, as if bereft of reason—lacking even basic judgment. It's truly baffling."
