"I once advised him that he should not keep a disobedient puppy, or that he should entrust it to other palace servants to take care of."

"But the emperor said... as long as he treats that dog well, sooner or later, the dog will become human-like, and its baring of teeth at him will turn into sticking out its tongue and wagging its tail."

The Empress smiled and said, "Your Majesty... has a benevolent heart."

The Empress Dowager said meaningfully, "As long as it's something the Emperor likes, no matter what happens, he will never change his mind. Whether it's a person or an object, it's always been like this."

The empress gave a dry laugh and remained silent.

"Empress, I know what you suspect. The Emperor is poisoned by a strange poison, and all the imperial physicians are helpless. At this time, a person suddenly appeared and saved the Emperor's life in an unprecedented way. When the Emperor wakes up, he will feel more favor towards this person and feel grateful."

"But I can tell you that Consort Gu will not do anything to harm the Emperor in order to win his favor."

The Empress lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. I had no doubts about Consort Gu."

The Empress Dowager seemed not to have heard her words and continued:

"Because even if Consort Gu does nothing, the emperor will still not change his affection for her."

The Empress's lips twitched slightly, her dignified smile almost crumbling. "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

————

It was very quiet in Guangming Hall.

Gu Jiangli was right by the bed, using a clean handkerchief to wipe away the remaining bloodstains around the emperor's arm.

The movements were incredibly gentle, and the work was done with utmost care.

The emperor lay there, staring blankly at her, as if admiring a magnificent painting.

"I had a dream," he suddenly said.

Gu Jiangli's movements also paused slightly.

"What did Your Majesty dream about?"

The emperor pretended to be thinking and said:

“There was a boy wearing a red bib sitting by the river, waving at me. He must have been calling me over.”

"He should be my first child with Li'er. When I was on my deathbed, he waved to me, probably to take me away."

Gu Jiangli felt a pang of heartache.

That child will be the emperor's lifelong dream.

She shook her head. "Your Majesty, he waved to you not to take you away, but to wave his arm and prepare to walk towards you."

The emperor frowned, his dark pupils filled with confusion. "What do you mean?"

Gu Jiangli smiled. "A new life is coming to you, Your Majesty."

The emperor's eyes flickered, gradually turning red.

The confusion in his eyes gradually turned into disbelief.

He struggled to sit up in bed, but Gu Jiangli grabbed his neck.

"Your Majesty, I am pregnant. This time, he will be born safely."