Cining Palace.
Song Ci was led by the palace maid to Empress Dowager Wang's phoenix couch. As she tried to bow nervously, Empress Dowager Wang waved it away before she could bend her waist.
"You're not in great health either, so don't trouble yourself with formalities," Empress Dowager Wang said with a smile to her trusted aides, "Quickly prepare a seat and serve tea for Lady Song."
Song Ci thanked her graciously and sat down. Seeing the Empress Dowager's clearly fatigued and pallid face, she couldn't help but feel concerned and said, "Lady, you must take good care of your health. Your complexion looks extremely unwell."
Empress Dowager Wang coughed twice and said, "With age, these old bones fail me. But don't talk about me; your complexion isn't much better than mine. I haven't seen you for months, and you've aged quite a bit."
