"Of course," says Liu Mingyan, a little defensively. She makes herself relax. The fact that she has never discussed Luo Binghe in this fashion with anyone in the world is putting her a little on edge, but Nina is extraordinarily beautiful, and speaks with such fondness and cheer; there is no reason to be sharp with her. "I--apologize. I am his Empress. He has honored me above all other wives; we are partners in all things. To say he has treated me well would be like claiming the moon is an unwashed pearl."