Tong'er noticed Concubine Lan's hesitation and was about to persuade her further when the closed door was knocked. A young maid from Huayang Palace whispered, "Mistress, someone from Yongning Palace is here."
Suppressing her confusion, Concubine Lan said, "Let them in."
The door opened, and Cai Ping, the chief maid of Yongning Palace, entered with a smile, curtsying to Concubine Lan.
Frowning, Concubine Lan asked, "What is it?"
Cai Ping replied cheerfully, "Concubine Lan, this servant is here on Noble Consort Chen's behalf. Your mother, the Second-Rank Lady of Honor, is gravely ill and bedridden. Noble Consort Chen is deeply concerned. She has ordered two imperial physicians to visit Xie Mansion tomorrow to treat your mother."
Pausing briefly, Cai Ping continued, "If you trust Noble Consort Chen, you may write a letter to your family. Tomorrow, the physicians will deliver it to your mother's bedside."
