Inside the Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager removed her elaborate headwear, leaving only a simple updo, and changed into a bright yellow nightgown.

Yan Ning changed into her usual clothes and knelt outside the inner chamber of the Empress Dowager's bedchamber, awaiting her instructions. Wisps of smoke rose from the sandalwood incense burner inside. Yan Ning dared not look up at the objects in the chamber; even what she could see was resplendent with gold and jade. Her knees were numb from kneeling, and her head throbbed with unbearable pain.

Granny Mang's voice came from above Yan Ning, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is feeling unwell today, so she will not be summoning you, Miss. You should leave the palace as soon as possible."

Yan Ning breathed a sigh of relief, stood up shakily, and curtsied to Granny Zhuang. "Thank you for your trouble, Granny!" Granny Zhuang smiled and said, "Although this is your first time entering the palace, you have not been lacking in manners. You truly are worthy of being a daughter of the Su family of Jiangnan!" A suitable smile bloomed on Yan Ning's face, which was covered with fine sweat, and she slowly retreated towards Granny Zhuang. Only after retreating to the entrance of the sleeping quarters did she turn around and walk towards the palace gate with the few eunuchs who had brought her there.

Upon hearing that Yan Ning had been praised by the Empress Dowager, the eunuchs who were carrying the rewards and walking in front of her treated Yan Ning very differently than before.

The last rays of the setting sun couldn't penetrate the towering, overlapping palace walls, and palace lanterns were already lit before the crowded halls. In the dim light, everything was coldly orderly and disorderly. Yan Ning's hands unconsciously went to her shoulders. If looks could be weapons, she would have died today under the gazes of these concubines.

She arrived at dawn and left at dusk. Yan Ning had never seen the Forbidden City under the sun. After the warmth dried the cold sweat on her body, Yan Ning no longer felt any anticipation for the Forbidden City. She quickened her pace, wanting to escape this palace where the air seemed to be thick with the scent of death.

Once outside the Xihua Gate, Yan Ning once again dried the cold sweat on her body.

Zhao Xing and Zhu Xiang had been watching from a distance at the palace gate. When they saw someone coming out, they quickly ran over. The eunuchs handed over the brocade, spices, palace flowers, and other items they were carrying to Zhao Xing and Zhu Xiang. After receiving the silver from Zhao Xing, they bowed to Yan Ning and hurriedly entered Xihua Gate before the palace gates closed.

Zhao Xing and Zhu Xiang looked at the distraught Yan Ning, unsure of what to do. They thought that Yan Ning must have pleased the Empress Dowager to receive so many rewards. However, Yan Ning seemed to have been frightened.

After Zhu Xiang carefully helped Yan Ning onto the carriage, the three of them returned to the Fucha Mansion.

After the old lady awoke, Fukang'an personally served her medicine, but she fell into a deep sleep again due to unbearable pain. The imperial physicians, seeing that the old lady had awakened, informed Fukang'an that she was out of danger, and Fukang'an sent someone to lead the physicians to a guest room to rest.

Like Fukang'an, Xi Ying had not rested for two days and one night. She was worried that Fukang'an would miss the morning court the next day, so she asked Fukang'an to return to Jiangongzhai first.

Seeing that the old lady was out of danger, Fukang'an hadn't yet figured out how to ask the Emperor for leave after the morning court session and go to Jilin later. He returned to Jiangongzhai looking exhausted.

Yan Ning, having just returned to the Fucha residence and changed her clothes, was preparing to visit the Old Madam at the Peony Hall when she heard servants greeting Fukang'an. She went out to greet him.

Under the moonlight, Fukang'an's haggard face was veiled in silver light, making him both handsome and heartbreaking. Fukang'an forced a smile and smoothed Yan Ning's dark hair. "How is the Empress Dowager?"

Before Yan Ning could reply, Zhao Xing pointed to a pile of rewards placed in the hall, "These were all bestowed by the Empress Dowager!" Yan Ning glared at Zhao Xing and then helped Fukang'an into the room.

Zhao Xing chuckled and scratched his head, looking at Zhu Xiang with an innocent expression. Zhu Xiang smiled at him and followed Yan Ning into the main room.

Yan Ning took the handkerchief from Zhu Xiang and gently wiped Fu Kang An's hands. A full meal was laid out, but the two of them only ate a few bites each.

Inside the bedchamber, Fukang'an's brows furrowed deeply. He didn't want to discuss his mother with the Emperor. But tomorrow he would have to beg the Emperor to allow him to stay a few more days to be by his mother's bedside and to find out who had harmed her.