Around them, the other members of the family fell silent.
The Emperor rarely spoke harshly to his mother in front of others. Even while living as a commoner, he had continued to show her the respect due to an elder.
But this time, he was not willing to change his mind.
He turned toward the road.
"We will continue after everyone has rested."
Then he walked away to speak with Prince Liang and the others.
The Empress Dowager watched him leave, her face growing increasingly displeased.
Lian An remained beneath the tree.
For a moment, she considered following her husband.
Then she noticed Lady Chen standing nearby.
Her sister-in-law looked as though she wanted to say something but did not know whether she should.
Lian An patted the space beside her.
"Come and sit."
Lady Chen hesitated.
"Is that all right?"
"Of course. Unless the ground has suddenly become royal property."
Lady Chen nearly laughed.
She sat beside Lian An.
