Seeing the situation, Xu Zhenguan took the initiative to break the awkward silence. She personally picked dishes for You Jinhua and Zhao Pan, elegantly lifted her teacup, and with a smile said, "Mr. Zhao is a pillar of talent to the nation. Those who raised Mr. Zhao have also contributed to the country. I've boldly visited tonight without gifts, so I shall use tea instead of wine. I hope Lady Zhao doesn't mind."
You Jinhua and her daughter, flattered and taken aback, hastily waved their hands. When they saw the Empress raise her neck to sip the tea, You Jinhua's face was both fearful and smiling. She stammered, only able to look helplessly at her stepson, clearly finding it difficult to navigate the boundaries of the unestablished mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship: "Dalang, what should I do?"
Zhao Douan was momentarily stunned, then let out a helpless laugh.
"Mother... this is utterly embarrassing," Zhao Pan covered her face with her hand.
