The Emperor reclined, a palace maid massaging his legs. He toyed with a string of beads, his expression languid.
Ever since the death of Concubine Jin, the Emperor carried himself in this manner.
The Empress was initially worried, fearing the Emperor would not cope with his grief. However, to her surprise, the Emperor regaled with vigor, bestowing his favor on Concubine Ya.
The Empress was thus relieved.
At her age, joining him in bed was understandably implausible, and she harbored no such desires. Whomever the Emperor wished to favor, whoever he wished to take to his bed, was all acceptable to her.
So long as the Emperor yet lived, she was the Empress.
She was the mistress of the Great Sheng's imperial harem.
Those two cold-hearted individuals residing in the East Palace shouldn't dream of undermining her position!