As soon as Concubine Zhao laid eyes on Concubine Lan, her eyes instantly reddened. She grasped Xie Fanghua's hand, choked up as she bowed in greeting, tears the size of beans rolling down her cheeks.
Concubine Lan, filled with confusion, ushered the two into her chambers.
After dismissing the servants, Concubine Zhao took Concubine Lan's hands, scrutinizing her from head to toe before saying with a sob, "Fanglan, look at you—you've grown even thinner. My dear child, you've suffered so much in the palace."
Her voice trembled with every word, each syllable dripping with concern for Concubine Lan.
Too anxious to exchange pleasantries, Concubine Lan pressed urgently, "Concubine Zhao, please tell me quickly—why didn't my mother come?"
