In a daze, Consort Ru stared intently.
Who else could it be but Xiao Lansi?
Seeing that familiar face, Consort Ru felt a wave of affection she had never experienced before.
'At a time like this, she's probably the only one willing to set foot in here!'
"Lanxi!" Consort Ru seized her hand, clutching it like a drowning woman grasping a lifeline. "You—you've come at the perfect time! Come with me! Your father dotes on you so; perhaps he'll listen to you! He—"
"Mother."
Xiao Lansi ignored the grip on her wrist, which was tight enough to cause her pain. She gently patted the back of Consort Ru's hand. Her voice was quiet, but her tone was firm as she spoke.
"We can't go."
Consort Ru froze. A flicker of hostility appeared in her wary eyes.
"What? Are you afraid of being dragged down by Cheng Xuan too?!"
Her voice rose, sharp and aggressive—a stark contrast to her usual gentle, amiable demeanor.
