She spoke very carefully, as if afraid of waking this beautiful woman who looked like she had stepped out of a painting.

Dugu Qianchen felt a little awkward, and really didn't know whether he should wake her up or not.

Only Yu Hanzhi asked first, "Has Her Majesty the Empress been in this state recently?"

After thinking for a moment, Mu Shi replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress has been like this lately. This servant has no idea what Your Majesty is thinking."

Upon hearing Mu Se's reply, Shang Xian repeatedly praised him, saying, "This young man is teachable."

Yu Hanzhi frowned slightly. Was she happy?

"Is my sister-in-law overthinking things...?" Dugu Lianbai turned his head to look at Dugu Qianchen.

"This..." Rong Ling couldn't guess either.

Dugu Qianchen's gaze was deep, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The air fell silent for a moment; it was time for Shang Xian to put on a show.

She suddenly sat up with a start, panting heavily, and pretending not to know that Dugu Qianchen and the others were there, she asked Mu Se directly, "Mu Se, how long have I been asleep?"

"Your Majesty, it will take one hour." Mu Shi gently tugged at Shang Xian's sleeve, actually doing it for Dugu Qianchen and the others to see. Their subtle reminder to Shang Xian was indeed noticed.

Shang Xian rubbed his forehead and looked at Dugu Qianchen beside him: "Your Majesty?"

"Has the Empress been unwell lately?"

"I just haven't been sleeping very well, it's nothing serious," Shang Xian shook his head and chuckled.

Just as Dugu Qianchen was thinking about how to ask her a question, Shang Xian said again, "Your Majesty wants to ask about Father, right?"

She glanced at Dusk, who nodded and left.

"Your Majesty, please ask," Shang Xian said, standing up from the chaise longue. She almost fell because she was unsteady, but luckily she managed to grab the back of the chair.

Rong Lingyu, Han Zhi, and Dugu Lianbai all took a slight step forward, almost crossing the threshold.

Dugu Qianchen sighed inwardly and helped Shang Xian sit down again: "The Empress must take care of her health."

"Your Majesty, please ask if you have any questions," Shang Xian said, still smiling.

Rong Ling was stunned; the difference was just too great…

Dugu Qianchen paused for a moment: "Why would the Right Chancellor resign?"

Shang Xian gazed ahead, his expression indifferent: "Because Father is getting old."

"The Right Chancellor dotes on you so much, how could he..." Dugu Qianchen was interrupted by Shang Xian before he could finish speaking: "Your Majesty, what's impossible? I can't use that as a reason to prevent Father from leaving here forever. I just tried to persuade him to leave."

"Are you crazy?" Dugu Qianchen got angrier and angrier as he listened. This woman must be sick. She's usually quite smart, so why is she acting so stupid now?

"Royal Brother"

"emperor"

Dugu Lianbai, Rong Ling, and Yu Han all called out to him, fearing that he might do something to Shang Xian.

"Since ancient times, loyalty and righteousness have been difficult to reconcile. If I cannot be a good empress, I must be a good daughter. Does Your Majesty agree with what I'm saying?"

Dugu Qianchen smiled, then suddenly his expression froze: "Right about what!"

"Your Majesty, even if I acted willfully, that is my problem. As long as you don't depose me, who can touch me?"

Dugu Qianchen's gaze grew even more sinister. He took a deep breath and turned to look at the three of them: "You may all leave first. I have some things to discuss with the Empress."

They exchanged glances, and Dugu Lianbai bit his lip, making up his mind before saying, "Brother, please don't..."

Dugu Qianchen glanced at him, and he immediately shut up.

The three then left.

The air seemed to freeze again...

"You think you'll be alright just because I haven't deposed you? Don't you know what the harem is like?"