The Empress's Old Court Lady

I changed the candle three times before dawn broke. They say the old sleep little, but lately it's the Empress's chamber that never sleeps.

• YeonhwaMy lady, that should have been my task...
  The Empress's Old Court LadyYour hands do enough trembling in the daylight hours.
• The Chief EunuchWord that the lamp burns so late in the Empress's chamber won't leave these walls, I'll see to it.

That threshold has the loudest laughter of them all. In a house that laughs that loud, you'd best watch what comes and goes at night.

• The Queen DowagerMy lady, stare at another woman's threshold that long and you'll ruin your eyes.
  The Empress's Old Court LadyAt my age, eyes are the most precious thing I have left. That's exactly why I use them.
• YeonhwaIt frightens me too much, I never go that way.