"My good daughter, all these years, when have I not been thinking of you?"
"It's just such a pity that the distance is so vast, and I, a woman bound by traditional duty, truly have no power to act!"
"Zhenzhen, you... you don't blame your mother, do you?"
The Empress dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief.
"Of course not, I know you were also helpless!"
In reality, the Empress sneered inwardly.
Helpless? Mother, you do have a way with words. But of course, when I was just a girl, you barely visited me even though we were only a courtyard apart. It was Father who doted on me. From time to time, he had someone send me food, drinks, and toys. Yet, it was also my father who meticulously plotted to send me into this devouring Harem. Isn't it ironic?
Lady Fan was relieved that her daughter did not blame her, and she too pretended to wipe tears with her handkerchief.
