The elderly female attendant led Shao Yanru through a maze of labyrinthian corridors until they finally came outside a chamber. Having once spent some time here at the residence of Rui'an Great Elder Princess before, Shao Yanru knew she was outside the Princess's drawing-room. Its locale of being near but not part of the Princess's private chambers made it the Princess's favorite spot to meet her guests.

As she was led inward, there, sitting atop the seat of honor was the proud ...