These rumors were undoubtedly extremely beneficial to Shang Changge and Xiao Ji, though of course, someone must have been involved in guiding them.

As for who was behind it, it must have been the cunning Shang Changge.

The time is almost right; it's time for her and General Xiao to get married.

Midday, Cining Palace.

After a morning of fussing, the Empress Dowager's condition finally stabilized.

At this moment, Shang Changze was having a meal and talked about his plans.

"Ze'er, Your Majesty plans to issue an imperial decree later to finalize the marriage between Changge and Xiao Ji."

She knows her own body well; she probably won't last much longer.

Shang Changze paused in his chopsticks, and after a long while, looking at his mother who was suffering from the effects of the poison, he slowly uttered a single word: "Good."

The Empress Dowager smiled, understanding that her son was concerned for her, and comforted her by saying:

"I am content that I have lived to see you reign over the world and become a monarch praised by the people. Ze'er, there is no need to be sad."

Before 1-3 PM, the imperial edict was issued.

The gist of it is that the imperial physicians predicted the Empress Dowager's death was imminent, and upon learning this, the Empress Dowager issued this imperial edict.

The reason was that the Empress Dowager harbored resentment over the fact that her illness had ruined her daughter's marriage, and now that her time was drawing near,

He wanted to see his daughter marry Xiao Ji before leaving this world, to settle this knot in his heart and fulfill a wish.

"Daughter thanks Mother."

Shang Changge accepted the imperial decree, expressing gratitude but not much.

It was something that had been agreed upon beforehand, and she had recently been doing a good job of complying with her stepmother's wishes, which was what she deserved.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager's decree was not for her daughter's happiness, but to consolidate her brother's throne.

"Congratulations, Princess! Congratulations, Princess!"

As soon as the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree left, a chorus of congratulations and bows erupted from Qingyao and Zhuque.

Shang Changge was indeed very happy; her bright smile rivaled that of the blazing sun.

But the smile quickly faded, and by the time everyone stood up, his eyes were red with sorrow as he looked at the imperial edict.

Without saying anything, he turned and left.

Qingyao and Zhuque exchanged a knowing glance. Zhuque followed, while Qingyao stayed behind to give instructions to the people in the manor.

For example, it's okay to be happy for your master, but you can't show it on your face, especially since the Empress Dowager is still seriously ill.

Shang Changge received the imperial decree, and so did Xiao Ji.

After receiving the imperial edict and expressing his gratitude, Xiao Ji rose and personally escorted the person who had come to read the edict out of the general's residence.

This was the first time the ruthless general had shown such humanity to an outsider, leaving the man so flattered and trembling that he dared not even breathe loudly and hurriedly got into his carriage to return to the palace.

Watching the carriage depart, Xiao Ji looked away, his handsome and rugged face showing joy, clearly in high spirits.

Xiao Zhen was also happy. He patted his son on the shoulder without saying anything. He wanted to say that his son had finally waited for this day, but given the current situation, he could only sigh in his heart.

Not long after, Xiao Ji came to see Shang Changge.

Just then, Shang Changge finished arranging the pills, stuffed them into Xiao Ji's mouth, watched Xiao Ji swallow them, and pinched Xiao Ji's left arm.

"How is it? You should be fully recovered by now. Come on, hug me with one arm and see if you can feel if you've regained your former arm strength."

Logically, he should be fully recovered. These two pills were given to him today because she was worried about him; otherwise, he could have stopped taking the medication.

Xiao Ji took Shang Changge's hand, his overly handsome and seemingly cold nose brushing against Shang Changge's heart, his beautiful thin lips kissing the edge of her palm for a long time before leaving.

Then, very obediently, he used his left arm to support Shang Changge's bottom and lifted him up with one hand, not only that, he even weighed him in his arms.

Looking at Shang Changge with unfathomable, deep eyes, he was incredibly obedient, and his mature, magnetic voice was also incredibly sexy.

"You're all better now, thanks to my little rascal. You suffered so much."

Shang Changge's naturally upturned eyes narrowed, realizing that Xiao Ji had probably guessed that he knew her secret.

His phoenix eyes narrowed dangerously, and he pinched Xiao Ji's cheek from above without saying a word.