Li Yuanjing was taking a short nap when he was abruptly startled awake by a call from outside his carriage.
Pressing his well-defined knuckle against his brow, he massaged it in slow circles. Why couldn't things ever settle down? All he wanted was a good night's rest after dealing with court affairs.
"Set course for Yu Xiu Palace," Li Yuanjing said wearily.
...
Yu Xiu Palace.
After the great fire, eunuchs had uncovered an ominous bronze plaque while renovating the courtyard, forcing the restoration work to halt. As night fell, palace lanterns were lit in the main hall, their white silk curtains swaying faintly in the evening breeze.
By the time Li Yuanjing arrived, the hall was already packed. Over a dozen consorts and concubines—Zhang Miaoyu, Liu Ruyan, Concubine Lan, Concubine Qiao, and others—had gathered. Consort Shu, who was with child, had wisely stayed away from the commotion.
