Ling Xue and the others were slightly taken aback, their expressions like those of someone watching a little rabbit suddenly imitating an old tortoise, full of surprise and curiosity.

Immediately, as if they had been tickled, their facial expressions instantly went out of control, and they couldn't help but cover their mouths, trying to suppress the laughter that was about to erupt.

However, the laughter, like mischievous sprites, squeezed out from between their fingers, and the crisp laughter echoed in the space.

Their shoulders trembled slightly, like leaves swaying in the wind, unable to suppress their inner laughter.

The scene was so adorable that it made people smile, and the whole space seemed to be infused with a joyful magic.

A relaxed and joyful atmosphere permeated the air like the fragrance of flowers, filling every corner with a sense of happiness.

Outside that space, in the solemn and majestic imperial court, a completely different scene unfolded.

Upon hearing Feng Qingyun's words, Ye Yunyao felt as if a bolt from the blue had struck her.

Her cheeks, which had been flushed with surprise, instantly turned ashen, as if attacked by the frost of winter. The color faded rapidly, leaving her as pale as paper.

Her eyes widened, her pupils contracted sharply, as if she had seen something extremely terrifying; her eyes were filled with shock, panic, and disbelief.

Her mind was like a turbulent whirlpool, with all sorts of thoughts intertwining and swirling wildly like untamed horses. Every thought was like a sharp sword, piercing her heart.

Her heart was in turmoil as she pondered the deeper meaning of Feng Qingyun's words, her doubts growing wildly like weeds in her barren heart.

"Could it be that all these years I've been mistakenly believing I'm infertile? How could that be? If it were that my husband is unwell and unable to help me conceive, that would be somewhat plausible."

But I have so many ministers around me, are they all infertile? How could I be so unlucky?

Furthermore, I am now certain of my pregnancy, yet no new officials have been appointed to my household; it's still the same few familiar faces. How can this be explained?

In an instant, Ye Yunyao felt as if countless steel needles were piercing her head at the same time, and a wave of intense pain surged over her like a tidal wave.

Then the world spun wildly before her eyes.

Her temples throbbed, as if an invisible hand was pulling at her nerves, making her head feel so dizzy and swollen that it felt like it was about to explode.

Her body swayed violently involuntarily, like a weak willow in a storm, teetering on the verge of collapse. Her legs felt as soft and powerless as if they were stepping on cotton, and she almost slipped straight off the chair.

Fortunately, Shi Xingbai, with his sharp eyes, reacted quickly, like an agile cheetah, rushing forward and firmly pulling Ye Yunyao's swaying body.

Shi Xingbai patted her shoulder gently with concern. His hand was broad and warm, conveying silent comfort and encouragement.

His eyes were full of pity, as if he could see the pain and struggle in Ye Yunyao's heart at this moment, signaling her to calm down.

Shi Xingbai knew that since Feng Qingyun had brought up the matter, she would surely explain the ins and outs of it clearly. Panicking now would only make the situation worse.

Ye Yunyao slowly raised her head, her gaze meeting Shi Xingbai's. Her lips were bloodless and trembling slightly, like petals shivering in the cold wind.

She nodded slightly, the movement weak and feeble, as if she had exhausted all her strength.

The hand hidden in the sleeve clenched tightly as if in a spasm, the nails digging deep into the palm, leaving pale marks.

It was as if they wanted to vent all their unease and anxiety in this way.

Her breathing was rapid and erratic, gasping for breath like a drowning person, her chest heaving violently.

Then, she held her breath, intently waiting for Qin Qianluo's inner thoughts, her eyes filled with anticipation and fear.

It felt as if we were about to face an unknown trial that would determine our fate, and every second of waiting felt like an eternity.

Upon hearing this sudden and astonishing turn of events, the expressions of the others in the court, which had been somewhat somber due to the solemn atmosphere of the morning court session, were instantly replaced by curiosity and excitement.

They are busy with complicated government affairs on weekdays, as if they were in a dry and boring desert.

I'm always struggling through official documents and tasks, and it's been a long time since I've heard of such a dramatic event in an official's home.

As long as it doesn't happen to them, other people's everyday gossip is like rain in the desert for them—a rare pastime and a chance to relax.

This familiar gossip atmosphere, like a long-lost friend, brought a sense of warmth and excitement, allowing them to temporarily forget the pressure and fatigue of court life.

Even the usually calm, dignified, and composed emperor couldn't help but lean forward slightly at this moment.

His gaze, which had been focused on court affairs, now held a hint of curiosity and inquiry, as if drawn by an invisible force.

He frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on Ye Yunyao, trying to glean more information from her expression.

Although everyone felt sorry for their colleague, since King Jinrui Zhao had brought up the matter today, he would definitely resolve it. So they temporarily put aside their pity and focused on waiting for the follow-up.