Bickering Ministers

The Empress raised a brow. A confession? Out of the blue? What could've triggered Lady Ge Beining? Why was she in tears as if the world was going to crumble any minute now? 

"Confess to what?" the Empress curiously asked.

Lady Ge Beining lowered her head. "Y-Your Grace, I do not deserve this kindness of yours. I am nothing but a coward..." she whispered. Her voice cracked toward the end, for she was overwhelmed with unsaid emotions.

"You've provided me with so much, and all I do is get into sticky situations like this one, Mother," Lady Ge Beining sniffled out. 

The Empress's gaze softened. She didn't think Lady Ge Beining would say such heart-wrenching things. 

All of Lady Ge Beining's life, the Empress had taught her to value herself in the ranks of a Princess. Lady Ge Beining did not have to be useful. All she needed to do was live a blissful and happy life. That was all that the Empress wanted as a mother.