Upon seeing the Empress Dowager, Old Madam Ji performed a curtsy. The Empress Dowager granted her a seat and, looking at the little one nestled in Old Madam Ji's embrace, sighed helplessly.
"Look, look, look at this little girl. Even after living in the Palace for so many days, she's still so attached to you!"
These words were tinged with envy! Old Madam Ji said, a touch of playful pride in her voice, "I am her maternal grandmother, after all! Besides, she has spent much more time with me than with Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager harrumphed. "Don't you get too complacent. Be careful, or I might just keep her in the Palace for a lifetime!"
"That would not do! I came to the Palace today specifically to take her home!"
"Ah!" The Empress Dowager gasped, her expression turning serious.
