Dim Sum

Xie Ning came back to her senses and was about to kneel and bow to Able Consort Yang to greet her when the latter raised a hand and gently shook her head. "There's no need for so many courtesies. You must be Beauty Xie?"

Xie Ning replied respectfully, "Yes, Niangniang."

"I heard that you're with child. You are a blessed person," said Able Consort Yang.

Xie Ning responded with, "Your blessings are greatly appreciated, Niangniang."

Able Consort Yang leaned on her palace maid's arm and slowly made her way forward. After a few steps, she stopped and coughed several times, her back hunching over. Though she was only in her thirties, she looked like a woman in her fifties or sixties.

Qinghe whispered, "Lady, shall we go inside?"

With Qinghe's help, Xie Ning entered the warm pavilion. Ye the eunuch, who had been watching from afar, let out a sigh of relief.