Manbao withdrew her hand and said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, may I examine you thoroughly?"
The Empress was momentarily startled but nodded, "Of course."
She turned her head to look at Sister Shang, and also saw the Emperor standing below. Just as she was about to rise to perform a curtsy, the Emperor gestured with his hand for her not to.
The Empress then smiled and leaned back down.
Sister Shang let the canopy down but did not leave; instead, she stood to the side watching Manbao.
Young Manager Zheng had cleverly stepped back two steps, standing to the side with his head bowed.
Manbao reached out to touch the Empress's neck. Sister Shang was startled, leaning forward involuntarily; but after the Empress gave her a faint glance, she stood up straight again, her back stiff as she watched Manbao closely.
Manbao felt her way along the neck, inch by inch asking, "Does it hurt here?"
