Without the Love of a Mother

Ying Lili met with the Empress and the Consorts in the Empress's manor. 

"It is rare to see the Crown Princess these days," Consort Ju Fen asserted. "The Crown Princess keeps herself busy in political affairs," she added. 

"Forgive me for not being able to attend the Internal Court meet, Consort Ju Fen," Ying Lili apologized and bowed. She lifted her head and said, "I was only lessening the work of the Crown Prince by giving him a helping hand." 

"The main reason we call the Crown Princess is because we want her to tell the Crown Prince to remove the restriction on us. We are the wives of the Emperor, yet the Crown Prince has limited our meeting time," the Second Consort complained. 

Ying Lili looked at the Empress and asked her opinion on that. 

"Crown Princess, I agree with the Consorts. Our movements shall not be restricted. It appears as if the Crown Prince is trying to take control over every matter," Deng Hui stated.