The process of the Emperor and Empress's wedding was extremely cumbersome. Craftsmen were all pressed into service, and the Kunning Palace continued to undergo repairs despite its dilapidated state. The Empress Dowager had chosen a quiet and pleasant palace to reside in, preferring not to have too many people around her. She kept only a few personal maids and Nursemaid Yao; other laborers would leave as soon as their work was done. Occasionally, Emperor Deming would come to share a meal with the Empress Dowager. Although they had not spent much quality time together for many years, the bond of blood remained, and their affection for one another was profound.
However, neither mother nor son was good at expressing themselves. When they dined together, it was always quiet, and their topics of conversation were dry and uninteresting. Once they had exchanged perfunctory inquiries about each other's health, the conversation would inevitably wither. Shunzi and Nursemaid Yao watched this with growing anxiety.
After the meal, Emperor Deming allowed Shunzi to assist him in washing his hands. He stood up and said, "Mother, I shall return now to attend to the memorials. I will come to dine with you again soon."
Chapter 616