Before daybreak, Hong Ling and Qing Bird and the others held a full set of queen's attire and waited respectfully at the entrance of the back hall. Shen Ninghua had not slept much peacefully all night and opened her eyes when she heard the footsteps at the door.

"Empress, it's time to rise."

"Come in."

A group of palace maids led by Hong Ling and Qing Bird entered the room in a row. Shen Ninghua was served to wash her face and finish her makeup, and put on the cumbersome ...