"You, you!" Concubine Tong was stunned by her lengthy tirade. At this point, a maidservant stepped forward, whispered a few words to her, and Concubine Tong's bristling manner seemed to deflate considerably.
Yang Chuxia paid close attention to the maidservant, who had deeply sunken eye sockets and piercing eyes—a formidable character with considerable cunning, likely handpicked by the Tong Family. She couldn't help but worry for Commandery Princess Dongyang.
Concubine Tong took several deep breaths before approaching Dongyang, laughing awkwardly, "Sister, don't be angry. I misspoke earlier. After all, I grew up in a sheltered household, always doted on by my family. I've never even been grounded or punished to copy books. Hearing sister speak of grounding and even corporal punishment, my pride was hurt—especially with Madam Ye present—I felt I was losing face, so my words bypassed my brain. I hope sister can forgive me."