To Forgive

Nianzu was writing a message for the Prime Minister when Eunuch Chung came to him. "Your Highness, the Royal Physician examined Lady Chuntao. Her Majesty had sent him to the Eastern Palace," he informed Nianzu, who hummed as he was writing an important message on the paper.

"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager is herself making the sweets for the Empress and Lady Chuntao in the royal kitchen," Eunuch Chung said.

The brush in Nianzu's hand stopped and he looked up at Eunuch Chung, lifting the brush up to prevent the sheet from getting a huge dot.

"I am going to the Northern Palace," Nianzu said and finished writing the message on the sheet. He let it dry and asked Chung to bring the warm overcoat for him. Eunuch Chung brought one silk woven coat and lifted it. Nianzu outstretched his arms and put his hands in those sleeves. Chung buttoned it from the shoulder and took a step back.