After thanking her, Jiang Ling sat down on a low stool next to her, anxiously waiting for the Empress Dowager to speak.

"Did you already know about the third son's affair?" The Empress Dowager's tone was somewhat sharp.

Jiang Ling felt a chill run down her spine. Her hands, gripping her clothes, turned pale from nervousness.

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and whispered, "It's not that early, it's just... it's just that we've had business dealings before!"

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded and went straight to the point, saying, "You also know about that child?"

Jiang Ling was shocked to hear this. She hadn't expected that the Empress Dowager already knew everything. But then she thought that imperial power was absolute, and if the royal family wanted to find out about someone, it would be as easy as turning their hand.

Jiang Ling nodded and continued, "Yes...yes, but I didn't know he was Su...he was the Third Prince's son before!"

"My lady, there are people behind the wall. I think you'd better think carefully before you speak!" The Empress Dowager coldly swept her eyes over Jiang Ling and warned her.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling immediately broke out in a cold sweat. She knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive my clumsy tongue. I didn't know about the child's background at first! Last year, our Lu Family Village suffered a severe drought, and we were almost forced to resort to cannibalism. I saw that child abandoned by the roadside and felt sorry for him, so I took pity on him and brought him back. I never imagined that the child's identity would be so special!"

The Empress Dowager was somewhat satisfied with Jiang Ling's explanation and softened her tone, saying to Jiang Ling, "Get up! Don't kneel all the time, as if I'm going to eat people!"

"Your Majesty, the person has been brought!" Before the Empress Dowager could finish speaking, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face tightened again.

"You may come with me!" The Empress Dowager said, rising and glancing at Jiang Ling.