The An Emperor laughed despite herself.

Whether or not she'd guessed right, at least now there was something to hope for, something to wait for.

What people fear most is losing hope.

Whatever you're facing, a single glimmer of hope can keep you going through anything.

"Nie Liang."

"Your subject is here."

"Send a strong force to guard the plum garden. No one is to go near it."

"Your subject obeys!"

The An Emperor turned to Heye. "Have the Plum Pavilion made ready. Starting tonight, this emperor will be living there."

The Plum Pavilion stood at the edge of the plum garden. Its second floor had a plum-viewing terrace that looked out over the entire garden.

Heye bowed, took the order, and had people see to it at once.

Xiao Yanxi hesitated, then bowed. "Your Majesty, may this commoner woman go and see Ning, dear?"

The An Emperor gave a slight nod. "Granted!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

Xiao Yanxi went to the ice chamber and stayed a long time before she came out.

By the time she did, she was chilled to the bone.

The An Emperor had ginger tea brought and kept Xiao Yanxi to dine with her.

After dinner, Xiao Yanxi took her leave.

"Are you going back to the prince's residence?"

"Yes!"

"Good. You've had a long, hard journey. Go home and get some rest... and while you're at it, tell Yudie and Zisu the good news."

"This commoner woman obeys!"

Time flew. In the blink of an eye, there were only two days left before the New Year.

The An Emperor had been under heavy pressure lately.

Every day brought a stack of memorials asking her to let the Prince Regent be laid to rest.

So the An Emperor simply started the court's New Year holiday early.

The New Year was almost here anyway.

In past years, the holiday began on New Year's Day.

This time it started two days early.

Otherwise she was afraid she'd end up killing a few censors over the holiday.

In a flash, it was New Year's Eve.