The Shrine

Bai Yaling woke up but did not find the Crown Princess in the chamber. "Princess is awake," Court Lady Xu humbly said and helped her in sitting up.

"Where is the Crown Princess?" Bai Yaling asked.

"Her Highness left early in the morning, Princess Bai," Court Lady Xu replied. Two maidservants came forward to take Bai Yaling to the bathhouse.

After freshening up and getting ready into a plain peach-colored Hanfu Dress, she went for morning greetings to the Emperor and the Empress. Han Wenji asked her why she took such a step.

"Forgive me, Your Royal Majesty." Bai Yaling was guilty of taking such a horrendous step.

"Yongzheng was my second son and his loss has badly affected me. However, as the Emperor, I could not change the rules of punishment for my own son. Even my hands trembled while writing such a decision for my own son," Han Wenji said and looked at his hands.