Ling Hua left Changning Palace and ran into Xiao Zhen, who had come to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Xiao Zhen knew she was entering the palace today and had deliberately arrived at this time. Upon seeing Ling Hua, Xiao Zhen feigned surprise, halting his steps as if by chance, "Miss Ling!"
Ling Hua greeted him, "Your Highness!"
"Did Miss Ling come to accompany the Empress Dowager in conversation? It's still early; why the rush to leave the palace?" Xiao Zhen stood at the entrance, hands clasped behind his back, in no hurry to go in, determined to talk with her a bit more.
Ling Hua replied, "It's getting late. I've already been speaking with the Empress Dowager for over an hour. Staying any longer might tire her."
Xiao Zhen was genuinely concerned, "Did the Empress Dowager seek you out to talk about Yan Qing?"
Ling Hua blinked, "The Empress Dowager is quite fond of young Marquis Yan."