"It is not so," Xu Yin said. "The princess thinks I am still useful. Right now, your own son is tied to the Zhang Family, and your own daughter, who is of no use, has had her title taken away, been placed under house arrest, and has angered the Empress.
"Your own nephew is gravely injured and bedridden. Although your husband still respects you, he has other children with concubines, and it is impossible for him to be of one mind with you. You are practically in a situation where everyone is against you.
"Now, the only person by your side capable of reversing this situation for you is me. I, Xu Yin, though not talented, have become a high-ranking official on my own, becoming a capable minister in the emperor's eyes.
"Yongping's fall has caused you to lose a daughter who could continue to enjoy the Empress's favor. I have lost a wife who once held the position of Commandery Princess. You and I both need each other's strength.
