Holding Zhu Xiong Ying's hand, Empress Ma said, "Grandson, I know you miss your mother. Your grandmother will go over first and take care of her for you. My grandson is so intelligent and sensible, she will surely be happy."

Zhu Xiong Ying's tears streamed down her face as she choked out, "Grandmother, I don't want you to go to Mother. If you leave too, what will happen to me? What will happen to Father? What will happen to Grandfather?"

"You three, you must all take good care of yourselves." Empress Ma forced a smile, her voice weak. "Your grandmother is over there, and she will protect you."

Empress Ma's serious illness left not only Zhu Xiong Ying distraught, but also Zhu Biao, who was deeply anxious and heartbroken. The workaholic Zhu Biao, too, neglected state affairs and frequently visited the Empress Ma's grave.

Zhu Xiong Ying stayed by Empress Ma's side, sensing that his grandmother might leave at any moment.

One early autumn day, Empress Ma, who had been in a coma all day, suddenly woke up. She looked at Zhu Xiong Ying lying beside her, and at Old Zhu and Zhu Biao, who were dozing in chairs, and coughed softly.

In an instant, everyone who was supposed to wake up woke up.

Old Zhu felt a chill run down his spine, but forced a smile. "Girl, you scared me to death!"

"Chongba," Empress Ma said with a smile, "I hope Your Majesty can seek out virtuous and capable people, listen to others' opinions, and take things seriously from beginning to end, so that your descendants can all be virtuous and capable, and that the ministers and the people can all have someone to rely on."

Old Zhu nodded repeatedly, his voice choked with emotion, "Sister, we'll remember. Sister, as long as you're alright, we'll agree to anything you ask! Remember, only you can persuade us!"

Empress Ma looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, remember to be filial to your father and take good care of Ying'er."

"Grandmother, you mustn't say such unlucky things!" Zhu Xiong Ying said anxiously. "If you're not here, what will happen to the three of us? Without you in charge, no one can take care of us."

Empress Ma forced a smile and said with difficulty, "Then our Ying'er will have to work hard. Your grandmother is no longer here, so remember to take good care of your grandfather and your father."

"I can't persuade her!" Zhu Xiong Ying said, tears streaming down her face, her voice choked with sobs. "Only the Empress Dowager can take care of us..."

Empress Ma was very weak, her voice barely audible, "Foolish child, your grandmother is old and it's time for her to leave. Ying'er, let's go take care of your mother first, and protect you together. Ying'er, promise your grandmother that you will be a good emperor in the future..."