Concubine Lan stamped her foot in frustration, clutching her embroidered handkerchief tightly. She pleaded once more, "Nanny Qian, the Empress Dowager is my aunt—how can family not be close? Please inform her that I long to see her."
Nanny Qian gently refused again, "Before her afternoon rest, Her Majesty instructed this old servant to relay a message: 'Seek your own path; rely not on others.' Her mind is made up. Concubine Lan, please return to Huayang Palace."
With that, Nanny Qian turned and left.
Concubine Lan stood frozen for a long time, nearly tearing her delicate silk handkerchief apart. Her heart was heavy with bitterness—unloved by the Emperor, unsupported by her aunt, and now the Xie Family planning to replace her with a new maiden sent into the palace...
