Chapter 19 Performance
Zheng Nianru, along with Nanny Yun, Fu Dong, and four other young maids, left. The nanny leading the way walked very quickly, passing through the gates of the Qishun Building and headed straight for the dried-up well located to the northwest of the Qishun Building.
The crowd was growing larger, and the palace maids sneakily glanced at Zheng Nianru and her group as they passed.
Who is this person? Also from Xingqing Hall? What is her status?
Yet upon the next glance, they were stunned by the young girl’s appearance, which was even more exquisite than any palace maid’s attire. They couldn’t understand how they had not known of such a beautiful woman within Xingqing Hall. Even in plain clothing, she seemed like a pearl in the dust, eliciting an involuntary sense of pity from onlookers.
Noble Consort Wen carefully supported Empress Dowager Yan Ping as she descended from the sedan chair and stood in front of the dried well.
"Empress Dowager, please look, this is the dried well the disciple of Chang Zhen spoke of."
Empress Dowager Yan Ping nodded and turned to ask Nanny Du at her side,
"Have the people arrived?"
"Replying to Empress Dowager, the people have been brought here," Nanny Du said as Zheng Nianru was led to the front.
"Nianru pays her respects to Empress Dowager. Wishing Empress Dowager great peace," murmured Zheng Nianru weakly. From the moment she appeared before them, her previously calm composure was gone. What stood before the crowd was a timid, nervous girl who appeared unworldly and overwhelmed.
Empress Dowager Yan Ping frowned slightly; seeing that face made her uncomfortable. It closely resembled someone and always reminded her of the painful past when her two sons became sworn enemies.