Chapter 1085: Chapter 1083: There Is Still Time
The Emperor Yan stayed for only a short while before leaving; after all, political duties were pressing, and he couldnât linger by Empress Dowager Moâs side like Ah Jiu.
Inside Cining Palace, the mother and son exchanged words one after the other.
"Mother." Ah Jiu looked at his motherâs pale face with great concern, and said, "Tomorrow, I will have Bai Xiaobai come into the palace to examine you."
"Itâs not unusual for someone my age to fall ill, donât be afraid." Empress Dowager Mo looked at her son affectionately and said.
"Nanny Shui, what exactly is going on? How did Mother get so violently ill so suddenly?" Ah Jiuâs gaze was sharp as he looked at Nanny Shui and angrily demanded, "Is it a real illness, or is it foul play?"
This question was asked to determine whether it was truly an illness or if someone had administered something inappropriate to Empress Dowager Mo.
Nanny Shuiâs heart skipped a beat, and before she could speak, Empress Dowager Mo said, "It is naturally an illness, it just came on fiercely and suddenly. With my age, it was overwhelming for me, which is why I was unconscious for two days."
She spoke lightly, but Nanny Shui knew what had occurred in the Harem during the two days the Empress Dowager was unconscious. Just in Cining Palace alone, due to the Emperorâs wrath, twenty people died, and in the Imperial Medical Bureau, five more.
If the Empress had not awakened in time, it is feared that the entire Imperial Medical Bureau would have suffered dire consequences, with none spared.
Recalling those days, the Emperorâs gloomy expression was so intimidating that even Nanny Shui, being the Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the Empress Dowager, dared not approach.
"Royal Mother." Ah Jiu looked at Empress Dowager Mo helplessly and said, "I have grown up." Meaning, donât brush me off, assuming I know nothing.
Empress Dowager Mo smiled with relief, "I know, my son has indeed grown up." She lovingly patted his head and said, "You hurried back all the way, surely without rest. Look at how weary you are; go freshen up and rest. Make sure to be presentable for the family banquet tonight."
Since Ah Jiu had already left the palace and been granted a princely estate, and was about to reach coming of age, he couldnât stay in the Harem for long. If the Imperial Censor found out, the impeaching memorials would likely pour in one after another.
"I still want to chat with Mother," Ah Jiu said.
"There is time in the future. Now that youâre back, are you afraid we wonât have chances to talk?" Empress Dowager Mo chided.
Ah Jiu hesitated, and then Empress Dowager Mo sighed, "Jiujiu, etiquette cannot be neglected, listen."
As she said this, Ah Jiu had no choice but to stand up, bow respectfully, and say, "Royal Mother, I will return after I freshen up."
Empress Dowager Mo nodded with a smile and waved him away.
Knowing there is always tomorrow, Ah Jiu didnât delay and left after instructing Nanny Shui with a few words.
Returning to the sleeping quarters, Nanny Shui found Empress Dowager Mo reclining on soft pillows, seemingly dozing. When she saw Nanny Shui enter, she asked, "Is he gone?"
"Yes." Nanny Shui stepped forward with a smile and said, "I must congratulate Your Majesty, the prince has finally returned, now you can see him daily."
Empress Dowager Moâs gaze softened as she said, "Not daily, but if he comes by now and then to chat with this old lady, I will be content."
"Your Majesty, please donât say that, you are in your prime, how are you old?" Nanny Shui quickly consoled, "The prince is reaching coming of age this year, becoming an adult, soon itâs about his marriage, and Your Majesty will soon hold a grandson."
Thinking of her sonâs children, Empress Dowager Moâs gaze softened even more, clearly, Nanny Shuiâs words resonated with her.
"So, Your Majesty, take my advice, carefully take your medicine and recuperate, so the prince wonât worry about you. He is counting on your support!" Nanny Shui added.
Empress Dowager Mo, thinking of something, slightly restrained her smile and sighed, "Yes, he still needs my support. Go fetch the medicine."