By the rules, servants are not allowed to accompany me by my side.
Su Pan'er carried two hot-water bottles by herself, her large belly making it exceptionally hard for her to walk on the freezing, snow-covered ground.
Luckily, the group was not moving at a fast pace, so she was not left behind.
Only after they had all reached the entrance of the Xiwu Great Hall did the ladies who had been conferred titles by the Imperial Court kneel down in order, awaiting the Empress' orders.
Traditionally, they should first pay a visit to the Empress Dowager, but she had passed away many years ago. Naturally, the one they would be visiting was the Empress herself!
As soon as Su Pan'er knew she was entering the palace to have an audience with the Empress, she dressed warmly and added extra layers of cotton to the knee area of her trousers. Initially, the padding kept her warm as she knelt on the ground, but as time passed, the cold still seeped in.