On the bank of the river

Chapter 114 : Time which changes

"This seat greets her highness ." Edna bowed.

She had just have breakfast and someone reported about the arrival of empress dowager and princess Aimei out of nowhere. Instantly Edna recalled the day when empress dowager barged inside her palace only to accused her for doing witch crafts. Feeling overwhelmed, she almost froze. Seeing the urgency of her maids, as the time is getting nearer and they almost entered her palace, she came back to reality. Taking a deep breath, she tries to calm her emotions which is almost messed up.

"No need to give any formalities." Susan waved her hand.

"Princess Aimei wants to visit you, so I accompanied her. Hope you don't mind our disturbance." Edna only smile as response and took a look at her feets.

Actually she's calm more than anyone. From her past experiences, whenever this empress dowager step into her palace, she felt nothing but worry. For others this might be a great opportunity, but Edna never likes it.

"Please have a seat." Edna politely answered. Soon her maids put down several cups of tea.

From corner of her eye, she indicated to Lily to check the tea. As Lily nodded that she has done it already, Edna blinked as approval.

"Your highness, please have a cup of grapefruit tea." Susan immediately smiled as she nods.

"Princess, would you like to have a cup of tea ?" Lowering her head, Aimei nods slowly.

Seeing the approval, Edna personal poured some water on the tea pot. Then he added few spoons of honey and grapefruit mixer. As soon as she stir it, a pleasant fruity aroma surrounded the whole receiving hall. Pouring them in three separate cups, Edna present them.

This tea is beneficial for health. Hence, she is not worried about princess Aimei.

"This is enough. No needs for any other foods." Edna only nodded.

As they sipped their tea, Susan brought out several cases of harem. Princess Aimei kept quitely by sitting besides empress dowager.

The situation keeps on changing. The sudden unpredictable movements of empress dowager shocked everyone but now, this sudden sudden visit of princess Aimei dumbstruck everyone's imagination. Like the water of the river, emotions were hard to predict. And this is the imperial family and the empress dowager, who once ruled this palace alone !

Moreover time is changing fast and the atmosphere of imperial palace is unpredictable. The empress dowager, who only targets the empress in her every step, showing her every bit of dissatisfaction. Now the same person is peacefully having tea with the person she hated most. And the empress, she who just wants to live peacefully keeping on involving herself with palace schemes. Now bit dumbfounded by the sudden concerns from the empress dowager.

Seeing the person infront of her, Edna can't help herself but sigh in worry.

What new misery is planned by empress dowager now it's unknown yet terrifying to think. But as per rule, empress needs to serve her mother-in-law well no matter what.

****

Time never waits for anyone but memory does. But as time changes, memory gives a painful aroma of life which were floating away at past but soon returning back to life.

Looking at her brother's face, she can not help herself but sigh. She fails as mother, but he keeps on trying to put back her family altogether. His youth is wasted for her yet he never regrets it.

The girl whom he married is ill for years. It's her fault for choosing her for him. The child he longed for, she took him away from his side. He treated her child as his own yet she pushed him outside. Her husband's eyes tell her the right thing .... she is ruining everything. Looking down at her aged hands, she bites her lips.