Their eyes widened slightly, and the suspicion they had about the Fu family visibly diminished.

They clearly believed what the two said.

However, to determine whether it is true or false, some evidence is needed to convince her completely.

Having survived the power struggles of the imperial harem, the Empress Dowager had seen and experienced all sorts of situations. Upon hearing the words "poisoning," she involuntarily tightened her grip on the armrest.

She was immediately afraid; were her two girls alright?

She had anticipated Xiao Yanzi's situation and was somewhat prepared, so it wasn't too hard for her to accept. However, she didn't expect that Xiao Yanzi was hiding the fact that she wasn't a princess.

The royal family could afford to support another princess, but Xiao Yanzi's identity still needs to be clarified to prevent confusion within the royal bloodline.

If Xiao Yanzi behaves herself and doesn't make any mistakes, out of consideration for Niannian and the fun she brings to the palace, she can help her keep her status. But if she does something that disgraces the royal family, then everything that belongs to her should be returned to its rightful owner.

"How are you two? You haven't been cursed, and you don't feel unwell anywhere. Should we call the imperial physician to take a look?"

The Empress Dowager looked at the two girls with anxious eyes, her gaze filled with deep worry.

"Your Majesty, don't worry, we're fine."

Seeing the worry and concern in the Empress Dowager's eyes, Shen Nian and Qing'er shook their heads to comfort her.

They were indeed fine. Lord Fu Lun and Er Tai, along with Yong Xuan, had also been checked, and neither of them had any problems. Only Er Kang was very lucky to have been cursed by Zi Wei.

"That's good, that's good..."

The old lady's voice was filled with lingering fear; she desperately wanted her two daughters to be safe, or she wouldn't know how she would survive.

...

After Qing'er left to prepare dinner, the Empress Dowager dismissed all the palace servants.

"Niannian, don't hide your body from me, tell me the truth."

The Empress Dowager pulled Chen Nian to sit beside her, her eyes filled with worry.

"Your Majesty, why do you need to know the truth? Wouldn't that just cause you unnecessary trouble?"

Seeing the stubbornness in the old lady's eyes, Chen Nian sighed and offered some advice.

Because of her situation, the Empress Dowager was already living in constant fear. If she were to learn the truth about her situation, she worried that the Empress Dowager would find it difficult to accept.

"Niannian, tell me, I can handle it."

Hearing the sigh in Chen Nian's voice, the Empress Dowager knew that his health had definitely deteriorated, and he tightened his grip on Chen Nian's hand.

"Don't worry, I can stay with you for another six months."

Seeing that the Empress Dowager insisted on knowing, Chen Nian sighed, gently rested her head on the Empress Dowager's shoulder, and spoke in an intimate tone with a hint of coquetry, casually stating the maximum time she had estimated. There was no worry or fear on her face, and even a hint of relief.

Whether she truly felt as nonchalantly as she appeared on the surface was something only she knew.

She didn't know how long her body could hold on; it could be this second, the next second, or at some unexpected time.

"Half...half a year? No, impossible...absolutely impossible. My Nian Nian will definitely be alright. It's absolutely impossible for her to only be...only..."

The last two words lingered on his lips, but the old lady couldn't say them. Her eyes were filled with disbelief, and her hand holding Chen Nian was trembling.

Her delicate beauty...

"Your Majesty, we knew this would happen, didn't we? Being alive this long is a blessing in disguise, so relax, okay? Besides..."