Chunliu turned and left, and in a moment returned with a woman dressed in coarse cloth with her hair in a round bun. Gone was the smooth face she had in the palace; the Nanny Mao before Xiqiu was wearing the short jackets and skirts common among civilian women. Yet the demeanor and grace she developed over years in the palace remained unaltered.
She approached the bedside and first gave Xiqiu a glance, then knelt to give a ceremonial greeting: "This common woman, Mrs. Mao, pays her respects to Fourth Madam."
"Nanny, no need to stand on ceremony. Please, have a seat." Xiqiu coughed as she finished, "My health is frail and I couldn't greet you properly, my apologies."
Nanny Mao stepped closer with a comforting smile: "Fourth Madam, there's no need for formalities." She accepted the tea Chunliu had brewed and sat down, while Xiqiu asked, "Nanny, where are you resting nowadays?"
