Leaving aside the Imperial Kitchen steward's torment, Song Yunzhao was in Wangyou Palace getting ready for the evening banquet. She had deliberately chosen a palace gown of concubine red, cinched with a kesi silk sash that perfectly accentuated her slender waist.
Song Yunzhao looked at herself in the mirror, musing. 'Consort Lu's face when she sees my waist will be priceless.'
Golden hairpins and jade ornaments in her hair, she was a stunning beauty. With a touch of red on her lips, her allure was unmatched.
Satisfied, Song Yunzhao did not wait to go to Qinghua Hall with the Emperor this time. Instead, she left half an hour early.
Qinghua Hall was becoming familiar territory. Before Song Yunzhao even entered, she heard cheerful laughter from within. It sounded like the concubines were arranging flowers.
Following a palace attendant's announcement, Song Yunzhao entered the hall, and the other concubines immediately stepped forward in unison to greet her.
