The next day, Zhulan brought the newly written orphan records into the Palace to meet the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager flipped through the twenty books, each containing fifty names, nearly a thousand orphans divided into twenty volumes. "You work very quickly; I thought I would have to wait a few days."
Zhulan explained, "There have long been records, so it's not troublesome."
The Empress Dowager set down the records, "Speaking of which, I only took a nominal role with the orphans from the Zhuangzi. Today's achievements are all thanks to your effort."
"Without you, the development of the Zhuangzi wouldn't have been so smooth."
The Empress Dowager smiled, "The Emperor places great importance on the orphans of several Zhuangzi. Without needing my explanation, you understand this."
Zhulan's breathing became lighter as she awaited the Empress Dowager's remaining words.
