Ji Fanyin also noticed Avina. When she saw Avina walking closer, she smiled.
"Good evening, Empress Bai."
Avina smiled. "Good evening, Concubine Ji."
Avina peeked at the flowers Ji Fanyin was watching. Since winter had set in, the flowers were withering. Only the faint colors of their petals were visible.
"Winter is setting in, isn't it?" Ji Fanyin softly said. Her hands reached out to the most pitiful flower.
Its petals had dropped towards the center, and instead of a vibrant color, it had dulled into brown. Its leaves had long fallen off, and all that was left of its stem was the brittle outer layer.
Ji Fanyin gently lifted the flower up and with her other hand, opened the petals. "Even flowers can't survive."
Avina felt a deep curiosity for Ji Fanyin. Ji Fanyin was like a lone flower in the midst of winter, however, she didn't wilt. She held a gentle face but in her eyes, there was a signal begging for help.