I want to be alone

Evelyn had specifically said these words today because she knew the effects it would have on the older woman. The empress dowager was also an unfavoured consort. 

The empress dowager, who had no idea this was a carefully rehearsed speech targeted at reminding her of the scars of her past, began to sympathize with Evelyn. 

"The ground is cold, it's not good for the baby's health. Rise," the empress dowager said. 

Seeing Evelyn look so pitiful reminded her of her younger self. She had also been an unfavoured consort. She had lived her days in loneliness in these cold palace walls and could only watch her husband, the former emperor, shower his love and devote himself to other women. 

Maybe that was why she subconsciously kept this little girl close; she reminded her of her younger self and how she could have done things differently.