Qin Xiyue had lost a lot of weight recently. Her waist was so slender you could wrap your hand around it, and standing in the hall, she looked as if a gust of wind could knock her over. Her face was deathly pale with dark circles under her eyes. After curtseying, she stood to the side with her head bowed, looking as if she wouldn't dare utter a word until the Empress Dowager spoke.
The Empress Dowager was displeased seeing Qin Xiyue like this. 'She recalled how eagerly Qin Xiyue had tried to curry favor when she first returned to the palace. Look at her now.'
'And that Grand Tutor Qin was just a useless paper tiger. I thought he had some real power, but he retired to his hometown before long.'
"I summoned you because I have a task for you."
Hearing the Empress Dowager speak, Qin Xiyue's face grew a shade paler. She said, "I wonder what Your Highness commands? I fear this concubine is of too humble a station to be of service to Your Highness."
