The Empress had indeed heard Su Juan's words, but being over fifty years old, she was far from the newcomers among the concubines in the harem.
The noblewomen competing stood beside their paintings, watching as the Emperor and Empress approached, and hurriedly paid their respects.
The Empress, accompanied by the Emperor, walked up to the noblewomen and cast her eyes over their paintings, offering praises and comments to each of the women in front of her.
The women felt delighted in their hearts.
As she continued her commentary, she praised each one, even pulling in the Emperor, asking for his opinion. The old Emperor, flattered and surprised by the attention, naturally followed her lead.
No one expected the Empress to be so approachable.
The women at the back were extremely nervous, as even if they couldn't win, to receive a word of praise from the Empress and the Emperor would be a great honor.
