The Empress wore her mourning clothes, plain and unadorned, with simple hemp shoes on her feet. Her dark hair was tied up with a strip of cloth.
Despite this simplicity, her natural beauty was hard to conceal.
Her skin was delicate, her features exquisite—a beauty morose and enchanting.
The Crown Prince followed closely behind, also dressed in mourning clothes, without any gold embroidery or embellishment. He wore a plain crown on his head, his small face tense, appearing solemn and dignified.
They climbed the golden steps and took their respective seats.
At this time, the Crown Prince had not officially taken over the throne, and could only sit in the secondary position below the dragon throne.
The Empress gazed through the bamboo curtains to the people below, remaining silent as the atmosphere grew increasingly somber, making faces taut with hidden cold sweat on the backs.
After a long while, she spoke, "Rise."
"Thank your Highness," the officials rose one after another.
