Qin Imperial Palace, within Cixiang Palace.
This is the residence of the Empress Dowager, far removed from the court and the Emperor's three palaces and six courtyards.
The current Empress Dowager, the birth mother of His Majesty the Emperor.
Since the Emperor ascended the throne, she has secluded herself in Cixiang Palace.
On ordinary days, unless summoned by the Empress Dowager, no one could enter Cixiang Palace. Today, however, the gates of Cixiang Palace are fully open, suggesting that someone has arrived.
Laughter resonates from the depths of Cixiang Palace.
The laughter carries a dignity forged by the passage of time, tempered with a modest restraint.
Yet, even so, those who have come to pay their respects dare not easily provoke the owner of that voice. Even Consort Jiang, who enjoys the Emperor's favor, can only cover her mouth and smile, attentively observing the expressions of the one seated at the head.
