The Emperor wasn't particularly fond of women, and burdened with numerous state affairs, his frequency of calling consorts to his chambers was limited, even the scheduled visits to the Queen's Palace on the first and fifteenth had been reduced to just the first day of the month. If the Emperor were indulgent in female company, seeking the presence of others, the Queen could naturally go to the Empress Dowager for resolution or have the censors present a remonstrance. But as it stood, with the Emperor summoning consorts infrequently, often staying in the Imperial Study Room till late into the night, she was frustrated yet powerless to change it.
And this month, the Emperor had visited her only once, the same as he did with the consort Xu, who now looked particularly radiant, a sight that instantly stung the Queen's eyes.
