On either side of the pebble path, palace maids and eunuchs stood respectfully.
The Empress Dowager had announced she would visit the lake today, and they had prepared early for the occasion.
Yet, in the midst of this serene atmosphere, there was an underlying strangeness.
The newly arrived palace maids, unfamiliar with protocol, whispered gossip to those beside them.
"Why isn't Chief Steward Chang here?"
"Yes, usually at this time, isn't he always at the forefront? He should be waiting at the closest point to the Lan Zhou."
"I don't know, could it be..."
The speaking maid lowered her voice, "Is the Empress Dowager tired of him?"
Luckily, a cautious maid nearby quickly interrupted, "Do you want to live? Keep quiet."
Only then did the young maids fall silent.
Meanwhile, Chang Xin delightedly arrived at the An Divine Hall.
Lately, he felt the Empress Dowager growing closer to him.
No! It wasn't just his feeling; the entire harem could see it.
