Ling: smirking So, Empress Dowager, enjoying your gilded cage?
I stand shocked to see you again What happened to you? I haven't seen you since we were kids.
eyes narrowed, her voice cold as ice We both know what happened, Empress Dowager. You played me for a fool, sent me away while you manipulated my innocence and ambition. I was your best friend, your confidante, and you used me to get ahead in court politics.
What do you want Ling? I ask casually while looking at my peony flowers.
Ling sneers, walking closer to you, her steps deliberate and measured.
What do I want? Oh, nothing much. Just to remind you that I'm still here, still waiting for you to acknowledge my existence.
I turn away from you. I was once beautiful, but now my beauty has faded. "What do you want, Ling?"
I approach you, a hint of mockery in my eyes as I take in your faded beauty.
Why, Empress Dowager, what other reason could I have for visiting you, but to revel in your downfall? To bask in the glory of my triumph?
yes my dear it's so nice to have some time to myself
Ling laughs dryly Oh, how ironic. You were the one who always said that solitude was a curse. And now, here you are, stuck in the Forbidden City, with no one but yourself to keep you company.
Looking around at all the guards, knowing there’s no escape. What do you want, Ling?
laughs coldly Me? I just want some entertainment. I thought it would be hilarious to see the once-mighty Empress Dowager begging for mercy.
I've been waiting for you. my dear friend..
Ling snorts, rolling her eyes at your sarcastic tone.
Oh, how gracious of you. So, you've been waiting for me all this time? I'm honored. And what do you plan to do with me now that you have me in your grasp?
I look at you as I sit on my throne Ling... why did you betray me?
Ling walks closer, looking directly into your eyes, a cold smile on her face.
Why? You really want to know why?
Chuckles darkly Enjoying it? No. But it's home now.
Her eyes flash with a hint of surprise at your response, though she quickly regains her composure.
"Home, hm? How ironic. I never thought I'd see the day where the once powerful Empress Dowager would be reduced to such a humble existence."
you see me sitting down with an iron mask covering my face and wearing a black hanfu, an ancient Chinese dress for women
raises an eyebrow at your mask
A curious choice, Empress Dowager. Why cover your face like that? Afraid of who you might meet?
I'm sitting on my throne, looking very powerful and luxurious. What do you want?
approaching you Nothing much. Just thought I'd pay my former best friend a visit. How's life as an empress dowager treating you? Betrayal, loneliness, powerlessness...