From the Empress's perspective, there was nothing wrong with this matter.

She didn't know who did it, but it was beneficial to her.

It was impossible for her to imagine the scheme behind it all. From her perspective, she genuinely believed that someone was plotting against Consort Chen, only that Gu San had changed his mind on his deathbed.

Of course, the Empress did not believe that it was Kim who did it, because Kim could not have done it.

Therefore, she was overjoyed to have the second prince. She could never have imagined that the emperor would forbid her from giving birth.

Those around the Empress only felt that she had gotten a good deal, and they didn't seem to feel uneasy at all.

As a result, the Empress exuded an air of triumph.

When everyone saw her, they couldn't help but doubt her.

It must be said that Consort Xiangxian was ruthless when she made a move.

She had just suffered a miscarriage, so no one would have guessed it was her.

The main problem is that her plans are so far ahead, both in terms of the arrangements and the future consequences.

Because of this incident, the atmosphere in the Lotus Garden became a bit awkward.

However, Yan Nangui did not think so.

She continued doing what she was supposed to do. Although this matter involved her, His Majesty had declared that it had nothing to do with her.

What else could it possibly have to do with it?

Besides, His Majesty stayed at Xichun Xie's residence for two consecutive nights, which is not enough to explain the situation.

When they arrived at the Phoenix Pavilion to pay their respects, the Empress smiled and said, "It's unforeseen that you've suffered such an injustice."

"It's alright, the Jin family has courted disaster more than once," Yan Nangui said.

The Empress nodded: "Yes, she brought this on herself. Poor child, so old, yet still like a baby who hasn't been weaned."

"Didn't His Majesty say that we are not allowed to mention these things anymore?" Consort Jing snorted.

"My sister is right. We must not bring it up again." The Empress smiled as well.

"Speaking of which, Consort Chen is truly blessed. Nothing can implicate you, and His Majesty genuinely trusts you." Consort Jing was green with envy.

That day, His Majesty didn't give her any face either; she was reprimanded for just saying one sentence.

"Perhaps it's because I'm usually too upright and never bully anyone," Yan Nangui said.

Consort Jing snorted and ignored her.

"Her Majesty the Empress is blessed. Now that she has the Second Prince, she will soon give birth to a legitimate son. Isn't there a saying among the common people that adopting one will bring forth a biological child?"

Consort Mu smiled.

"I've only heard that Consort Mu comes from a prominent family and is well-versed in poetry, prose, and the meaning of words. How could she possibly know these allusions? In my hometown, there is indeed such a saying," Wen Meiren said with a smile.

"But that's what I heard from my subordinates," Consort Mu said with a smile.

"That's all good. If it does attract him, it will be my blessing. If it doesn't, I will still treat him well," the Empress said.

"We've been in this lotus garden for half a month now. Has His Majesty said when we're going back?" Yan Nangui asked.

"August, I'll go back for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The date isn't set yet, but it's not far off, we can go back anytime. It'll be about time when the lotus flowers have faded," the Empress said.

"I don't like looking at lotus flowers every day. They're not my favorite flowers," Yan Nangui said deliberately.

Consort Jing was indeed angry: "If you don't like it, go back!"

"How could that be? If I go back, I won't be able to see Consort Jing's beautiful face again!"

Consort Jing was both angry and embarrassed, and she really didn't know what to say.

I was supposed to go back in August, but sometimes plans don't keep up with changes.

On July 17th, news came that the Empress Dowager was ill.

He suddenly fainted. The imperial physician went to see him and said that his condition was somewhat serious.

To show his filial piety, His Majesty will certainly have to return.

So he immediately decided to return to the palace.

They all went back home on the 18th.

Concubines of high rank would naturally be the first to pay their respects.

I went to the Longevity Palace with His Majesty.

The imperial physician's explanation was convoluted, but it essentially meant that the Empress Dowager had a liver disease.

The Empress Dowager is already in her late sixties, so it's not surprising that she's ill.

Liver disease is more complicated.

In fact, Shu Chengfeng knew about her health condition, as she took her pulse every two weeks.

However, there is indeed no effective treatment for this disease.

Moreover.

Even though Shu Chengfeng was responsible for the late emperor's death, and he didn't even have evidence that the Empress Dowager poisoned him, there was no shortage of suspicion.

So, why liver disease has progressed to this point... well, I can't go into details.

The Empress Dowager lay on the couch and said, "I am really tired today, so I will not see you. Tell the Emperor and the others to go back."

The crowd dispersed. The Emperor and Empress went to Ruining Palace.

The Empress Dowager sighed, "The Empress Dowager is getting old, and she inevitably has some minor ailments. The Emperor doesn't need to worry too much; there are imperial physicians available."

Shu Chengfeng sat with the Empress for a while, then the Empress made an excuse to leave first.

The mother and child were left behind.

This was the first time Ye Xiaoyi and her son had such a private heart-to-heart talk since she was drugged.

"What did the imperial physician say?" the Empress Dowager asked.

"Doctor He means that this illness will only last for about six months," Shu Chengfeng said.

"Is it really that serious..." the Empress Dowager sighed.

It's hard to say how much of that sigh truly came from the Empress Dowager.

"The imperial physicians will do their best, so Mother need not worry too much. Mother is in good health, and you should take even better care of yourself in the future," Shu Chengfeng said.

"Yes, with you here, I have no worries. By the way, what's the matter with Lady Jin? Is the Second Prince alright?" the Empress Dowager asked.

"That's settled for now. The Second Prince is alright and much better. Lady Jin is of lowly status and unworthy to be a concubine, much less a prince's birth mother."

"Yes, she is unworthy and need not serve. I spared her life only for the sake of the Second Prince. You still have too few children. Even if you don't like Consort Jing, visit the other concubines more often. In my opinion, Consort Luo is a good mother; once she gives birth, promote her to a higher rank. Consort Yi, Consort An, and Consort Wen are all good children; have them serve you more."

The Empress Dowager's words sounded like those of a mother. At least they made the Emperor feel comfortable.

"Yes, thank you for your concern, Mother. Luo Wanyi has given birth safely and should be promoted. As for the others, I understand," Shu Chengfeng said.

"That's good. You must be tired from the long journey. Go back and rest for a while. You have a lot to do, and you won't have time when you're really busy," the Empress Dowager said.

Shu Chengfeng agreed and left.

"The men of the Shu family are all ruthless. I have to be careful what I say to my son now," the Empress Dowager sighed.

“Your Majesty, you are overthinking it. After all, His Majesty is your own flesh and blood. But which emperor isn’t like this? Doesn’t he like to hear things that go his way?” said Granny Fei.

"Peihuan, in your opinion, these matters..." The Empress Dowager paused.

"You may all leave. You don't need to come in unless called," said Granny Fei, waving her hand.