The Emperor retreated several steps in fright and bellowed, "Who are you? How dare you play tricks in front of me?"
Fengyi Palace had many palace lamps lit, yet the lighting remained quite dim, so it was no wonder he got scared upon suddenly seeing a blackened face.
The Empress was originally lying on the consort's couch, thinking about the cream Shen Chuwei had sent her, and wanted to take a look at it. Who knew that as soon as she stood up, she saw the dog Emperor coming, looking as if he had seen a ghost.
She had been thinking about greeting him formally, but now? She was doing well not to lay a hand on him.
"What does Your Majesty mean by these words? Can't you even recognize your concubine?"
The instructions had warned her not to make overly expressive facial movements, as they could easily deepen the laugh lines, indicating that when the Empress spoke, she did so with her throat.
Still, the Emperor recognized the voice as that of the Empress.