"I know it is not," Liu Mingyan says, frustrated with herself for not having the words she needs, for this. "How could it be? I am your Empress. I won that place through my own action and worth, and you will not take it from me." She does not know, herself, if this is more expression of trust or threat, only that it is both. "And I am--pleased for you, truly I am. I make no demands that you explain yourself further, I only--" she shakes her head, sharp. "Perhaps it is--envy."