The Dowager Empress

“Don’t worry so much about it. As always, just smile and stay close to my side. If anyone asks anything, I’ll do the answering,” Ren instructed before he smiled reassuringly at me.

“Ok. Thank you, Ren…” I replied.

“No, thank you…for going through this with me…” Ren thanked me and I was sure that my heart just skipped a beat.

…

It didn’t occur to me when Ren invited me to the gala that it would be such an extravagant event. Clearly the standards for birthday celebrations in the palace were very different from what I had in mind. The day of the gala had finally arrived and to prepare me for it, the maids along with Auntie started dressing me at a little past noon.

“Doesn’t the gala start at dinner time?” I asked in confusion.

“It’s going to take until then to dress you up appropriately for it,” Auntie replied.

“Really?” I asked in disbelief.

“Really. Every year the dowager empress’s birthday celebration has a theme. Of course, the theme is chosen by her and everyone, especially the