Shen Wei arrived at Kunning Palace in a grand procession, carried by a palanquin. The once-glorious Kunning Palace had lost its former splendor, its entrance marked by yellowing leaves on the phoenix trees, likely infested with pests.
Shen Wei stepped down from the palanquin.
The palace maids and eunuchs stationed at Kunning Palace hurried out to greet her. Cai Lian and Cai Ping followed closely behind, carrying tonics and medicines as Shen Wei entered the palace grounds.
As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, a thick, pungent scent of incense from the shrine assaulted her senses. The overwhelming fragrance made her head spin, and Shen Wei covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
"Where is Her Majesty the Empress?" Cai Lian asked one of the palace maids.
The maid trembled as she answered, "She is in the side hall, praying to the Buddha."
Shen Wei made her way to the side hall.
