Jin Weige was now relegated to a remote palace, confined to her quarters day after day. Most of the palace servants who once curried favor with her and ran her errands had fallen silent. Cut off from the outside world, she was effectively blind to everything happening beyond her walls. She knew even less about the affairs of the Empress. When she received word that the Emperor had summoned her to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, her relief was mingled with a touch of trepidation.
She anxiously urged Xiyue to find her most beautiful gown. "Will I look all right meeting the Emperor like this? Have I grown too thin lately? Does my complexion look healthy?"
Xiyue helped her apply powder. "Your Ladyship, you are, and always will be, the most beautiful woman in the inner court."
Chapter 164