The empress rushed straight to the empress dowager’s bedchamber upon arrival at the palace. The anxious empress dowager asked as soon as she saw the empress, “How did it go?”

“He’s taken the pill,” the empress reassured her. “I just saw Xiao’hai off. The emperor should still be asleep. Don’t be too worried, Imperial Mother!”

The empress dowager sighed. “This Empress Dowager would be lying if I say I’m not worried. Something’s been bothering me!”

“It pained this Empress to see Xiao’hai heartbroken!” The empress felt a renewed sorrow at the empress dowager’s words, her heart filled with pessimistic thoughts.

Yang Shaolun was at the door and happened to hear the empress. His hand moved to his chest and clutched at his heart on its own accord, where he was hit with tremendous pain.

“His Majesty has arrived!” Defu reported in a projected voice.

The empress dowager and the empress shared a helpless look as Yang Shaolun walked in.

“Greetings, Imperial Mother!”

The empress bowed to Yang Shaolun. “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

“You’re here as well, Empress!” Yang Shaolun greeted faintly.

“This Empress was chatting with Imperial Mother. Have...