The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, recognized Jun Zhe, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. "It is a great blessing that I was not killed by the Empress!"
Jun Zhe felt a sudden pain in his chest. "Mother, I know you are in pain, but I have asked clearly, and the painting fell down on its own. It has nothing to do with the Empress."
The Empress Dowager's headache intensified her anger. "Whether it is or not, I know very well. The Emperor is currently blinded by lust and will not believe anyone except the Empress."
"Mother!" Jun Zhe called out, his heart filled with anger. He stared at the Empress Dowager, wanting to say something in rebuttal, but seeing the injury on her head, his heart softened a little. "Mother, you are not feeling well. You should rest more and think less. Your son will stay here with you."
The Empress Dowager was somewhat furious and coldly said to Linghu Lan, "Kneel down before me!"
Linghu Lan calmly said, "If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, I dare not disobey. However, a palace cannot exist without palace rules. When the late Emperor was alive, even punishing a palace maid required a reason. What is Your Majesty's reason for punishing me? If you do not explain clearly, I am afraid I cannot comply!"
"Fine! Fine!" The Empress Dowager looked at Jun Zhe with a cold face and said, "Are you just going to let her anger me like this?"
Jun Zhe glanced at Linghu Lan, then thought of the oil in front of the palace gate, and his heart turned cold. "Mother, the Empress is right! You cannot punish him without cause, much less intentionally harm him."
The Empress Dowager's eyes widened in anger. She pointed a finger at the two men and coldly shouted, "Get out!"
Jun Zhe felt as if his heart was being torn apart, and he couldn't help but take two steps back.
The imperial physician, who had been holding his breath, saw that the emperor was in trouble and that it was only right for a subject to share the burden of his father. He hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has just taken her medicine and needs to rest quietly. She will probably be asleep soon. Your Majesty, please leave this place to this old minister. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
Jun Zhe stood up, nodded, and silently withdrew.
Linghu Lan followed behind him and also left.
Once they reached the outer hall, the two asked in unison, "Are you alright?"
They answered in unison, "It's alright!"
After they finished speaking, the two stared at each other.
Linghu Lan chuckled and walked to the back window, looking out at the misty rain.
Jun Zhe walked beside her, and the two stood quietly, side by side, looking at the world.
Jun's chaotic heart suddenly calmed down, as if he had found his homeland.
He thought for a moment and said, "I don't know why, but I always feel happy when I see you."
Linghu Lan glanced at him and smiled, "Me too!"
"On our wedding day, you said you hoped that the phoenixes would sing in harmony and never betray each other. I believe I can do that."
These words, coming from Jun Zhe, were naturally a weighty promise, but Linghu Lan smiled slightly. "I've always thought you could do it!"
Jun Zhe nodded. She had never doubted him, which was for the best.
The two stayed for a while longer when a commotion came from behind them. It was Yun Nian escorting several people to a side hall, where they were bowing to the two.
Linghu Lan sighed softly, looking tenderly at Jun Zhe. "I should go back now."
"I want to stay with the Empress Dowager a little longer. You may go back now!"
"Yes! Be careful." Linghu Lan turned and left.
Jun Zhe breathed a sigh of relief after watching her walk out of Xiankun Palace safely, and then headed towards the Empress Dowager's bedroom.
Inside the room, Yun Nian bowed.
Jun Zhe raised his hand and said, "I'm here to look after the Empress Dowager. You may leave."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com