Fourth Master entered and paid his respects to Consort De, "Your son pays respects to Mother."
"Stand up, sit down," Consort De said with a smile.
However, this smile was not as relaxed and joyful as before, it seemed as if it was carved onto her face with a knife.
"Is Mother well? How is your health? Have you had any headaches recently?" It had been some time since Fourth Master had seen Consort De.
He had seen her on the day of the Panjin Festival, but they hadn't spoken much.
"I am well. You needn't worry about me. How is everything in your residence?" Consort De asked routinely.
"Your son is also well. Thank you for your concern, Mother," Fourth Master replied in a very formal manner.
Ultimately, there wasn't much to talk about, and when Fourth Master left, he had only stayed for the time it took to drink a cup of tea.
No sooner had he left than Consort De grew even more displeased, "It's as if I owe him something, every time he visits, it's the same."
