Ling Hua had been conversing with the Emperor in the Imperial Study for a full hour before she stepped out, both sovereign and subject contented.
Just as she was about to leave, she was stopped by an envoy from Changning Palace, who conveyed that the Empress Dowager wished to see her.
A trip from the Empress Dowager would cause a great commotion, and since Yan Qing did not enjoy her nagging, Ling Hua, despite her own wish to see him, had been holding back. She had only spoken about Yan Qing to the Empress Dowager during her visits to the palace. Upon hearing that Ling Hua had been summoned by His Majesty, the elderly lady planned to invite her over for a chat, to inquire about Yan Qing's injuries, and, incidentally, to have Ling Hua stay for lunch.
Ling Hua originally didn't intend to visit Changning Palace this time, but now that the Empress Dowager had sent for her, she had to go.