Just as Ji Qingwu stepped inside, a white jade chess piece rolled to a stop at her feet.
She bent down to pick it up and said with a smile, "So it's you, Master."
Master Liao Ran had already schooled his shocked expression. He stood and said, "My respects to the Empress."
With an outsider present, Ji Qingwu's etiquette was impeccable. She walked over to the Emperor.
As it was still the newlywed period, she was required to wear red. She had changed into a phoenix robe of bright yellow brocade, trimmed with crimson and embroidered with lotus patterns. The hem of her skirt swayed as she walked, each step as graceful as a blooming lotus.
Ji Qingwu turned to the side, curtsied, and greeted him in a respectful and gentle tone.
"This consort greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed."
Zhao Mingyan was gratified to finally hear the Empress use the formal address of "this consort," and the corners of his lips lifted in a smile.
"Come here, to my side."
