Chapter 14 Coronation Confrontation
The coronation ceremony drew congratulations from the entire court.
Even Prince Rui and his consort traveled from afar to attend.
Seeing Second Sister again I almost failed to recognize her.
Her face was deathly pale. Her cheeks had sunk in.
It seemed she had continued using that prescription.
I had once heard Elder Sister mention that the medicine could make a woman slender and beautiful, yet its backlash was severe.
It rendered her unable to bear children and slowly devoured her spirit until she wasted away.
When Second Sister saw Elder Sister become Empress her jaw dropped. In an instant she seemed to understand everything that had happened. She charged forward without regard. "You slut, so it was you! Your Majesty, you have been deceived. She is..."
Before she could finish Prince Rui kicked her to the ground, seized her head, and slammed it hard against the floor. "This foolish woman has offended the Empress. Please forgive us, Your Majesty."
Elder Sister spoke calmly. "The consort appears gravely ill. If one is sick one should seek treatment instead of coming out to frighten others."
"Yes!"
Prince Rui wiped cold sweat from his brow and immediately dragged the unconscious Second Sister away.
After the ceremony Elder Sister went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Eunuch De came forward to lead the way. His head remained bowed extremely low and his voice trembled slightly. "Empress, please. The Empress Dowager has waited for some time."
Elder Sister gave a small nod. "Thank you, Eunuch De."
Coming out of Cining Palace I could not help asking, "Elder Sister, did Eunuch De recognize your identity? He used to..."
Elder Sister gave a light laugh. "My identity has been properly established through open channels. He is the one who should be afraid. We hold leverage over him. Having an extra pair of eyes beside the Empress Dowager is a good thing."
I silently committed her words to memory.