Lady Wen only realized that the empress and Lin Haihai were with the empress dowager as well when she arrived. She greeted them in order. Since she had been staying in the imperial harem, she didn’t know that Lin Haihai was no longer the sixth princess consort, and she still addressed her as such. Lin Haihai nodded at her with a faint smile.

“Have a seat!” the empress dowager said with a smile. She couldn’t yet sit up, so the dining table was placed by her bed with Lihua serving her food.

Lady Wen took a look to see the spot next to the emperor empty. The empress was sitting on his right, while Lin Haihai was beside the empress dowager. After a moment of hesitation, she walked up to them and took the seat next to the emperor.

The empress dowager smiled. “It’s said that you’re a proper, educated woman, and it turns out to be true!”

Lady Wen kept her expression schooled and said in a soft voice, “You’re too kind, Your Majesty. Those are exaggerations that shouldn’t be taken to heart!”

“This Empress Dowager meant my compliments....