The east and west sections of the Kunning Palace were set aside exclusively for Empress Qian's maids to rest in rotation.
The Empress and the Imperial Noble Concubine ranked the highest in the imperial harem. Thus, their servants were different from the inferior concubines' maids, who had to seek residences outside the Palace after their shifts.
Sulian rushed to the west side room with the reporting maid. Before she entered the door, she could hear a faint weep floating from inside.
Sulian pushed the door open and went in.
The room was not big and its furnishings were plain. Nonetheless, it was neat and tidy. On the east side, two narrow beds were set side by side. Yanwan was lying on the inner bed, sobbing quietly with her face against the wall.
Two other maids were sitting on the be
