Accompanying the pregnant Lu Xuan was naturally just an excuse.
Lu Yun wanted to stay in the palace to seize the opportunity to approach the Emperor and win his favor—becoming an imperial consort, or even the new Empress.
"Sister," Lu Yun pleaded further, "the Empress is ill, and the Tantai family has sent new women into the palace to compete for favor. Sister, I just want to help you, to share your burdens."
Lu Xuan dismissed her sister's words as childish whimsy, smiling as she tapped Lu Yun's forehead affectionately. "Silly child, spouting nonsense. The palace isn't as simple as you imagine."
The women of the inner court may appear glorious, but which of them didn't carry the weight of their family's ambitions? Which of them didn't scheme tirelessly for the Emperor's favor?
Brushing aside the loose strands of black hair at Lu Yun's temple, Lu Xuan spoke gently, "It's getting late. I'll have Little Qin escort you out of the palace. Go home early, so Father won't worry."
