Once An Shutong had calmed down, Princess Consort Zhuang had Yingxue bring her some water to wash her face and hands. Only then did she slowly recount what had happened after An Shutong fell unconscious.
She explained that An Shutong shouldn't think the Imperial Concubine was ignoring her; it was the Empress Dowager who had refused to let her get involved.
'That was a misunderstanding that couldn't be allowed to stand.'
An Shutong's expression shifted, finally settling into a deathly pallor.
Seeing her expression, Princess Consort Zhuang knew she must be distraught. But An Shutong and the Empress Dowager were aunt and niece by blood; as an outsider, there was little she could say.
