The Empress Dowager's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of joy in them. "When did the Emperor find out? Why didn't he tell me?"

"Her pregnancy is unstable. I want to wait until the pregnancy is stable before I tell the Empress Dowager."

After listening, the Empress Dowager sensed something was amiss.

She narrowed her eyes, looking Gu Jiangli and the emperor up and down.

"Your Majesty, why don't we let Imperial Physician Lin take a look and find out the condition of the child in Consort Chen's womb, so that he can prescribe medicine to prevent miscarriage?"

The emperor pulled Gu Jiangli's outstretched hand over and held it tightly in his palm, as if he wanted Physician Lin to take her pulse.

He began to speak:

"I have already told you that I knew about her pregnancy, so there is no need to look at it again."

"Furthermore, I have already heard about Consort Lan's matter on the way. There are many doubts about the will, so it cannot be taken seriously. Consort Chen is carrying my child, and she would not do anything to harm me."

"I will investigate this matter thoroughly from beginning to end and give the Empress Dowager an explanation."

The Empress Dowager's face darkened, her displeasure visibly evident.

"Your Majesty, you rarely speak so much with me in one go. Your strong defense of her means you firmly believe that Consort Chen is not the villain behind it all?"

The emperor confidently declared, "Yes, I am certain."

"What if I insist on detaining Consort Chen and interrogating her thoroughly?"

The emperor stepped forward, shielding Gu Jiangli completely behind him.

He looked up at the Empress Dowager before him, his cold eyes seeming to blaze with intense fire.

"I've already said it wasn't her."

The Empress Dowager was furious, but instead let out a soft laugh, "The Emperor hasn't disobeyed my wishes for a long time."

The emperor did not respond, but said, "Your Majesty's health has just improved, so there is no need to worry about this matter. You should rest well."

He took Gu Jiangli's hand and strode away from Cixi Palace.