felt a little puzzled."My lord, when Prince Huafu was assassinated, no one in the manor saw anyone enter. We've searched inside and out, but found no clues. It seems we can only wait for Prince Huafu..."What does the Emperor want with you"

The Empress Dowager inquired, her expression growing solemn as she looked at the palace maids and eunuchs present. The grandmother hurriedly dismissed them, allowing the empress dowager and her son to be alone.

"To the Empress Dowager, without the Emperor's command, I cannot tell the Empress Dowager. I beg for your forgiveness, Your Majesty."

The Empress Dowager looked at Dugu City for a long while before speaking.

"Since you are unwilling to speak, this imperial consort shall not press further. This imperial consort is well, and you wish to return, do you not It is still early; leave the palace and return to Linxi County now."

Dugu Cheng looked at the displeasure in the Empress Dowager's eyes. He didn't speak of the Emperor's decree; if he did, the Empress Dowager would be displeased. However, she should know that without the Emperor's permission, his decrees could not be spoken of.

"Your Majesty, when I arrived just now, the Emperor had summoned a physician to check your pulse. I will withdraw after the physician has finished his examination."

"Outrageous!"

The Empress Dowager suddenly roared, and Du Gu Cheng hurriedly knelt down, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

He knew that the Empress Dowager wanted him to leave, but since he knew the Empress Dowager was unwell, how could he leave the capital without confirming her health was fine

This parting, he doesn't know when they'll meet again. He hopes the Empress Dowager lives a long and healthy life and doesn't want to hear any bad news he doesn't want to hear.

"As for my body, I know it well. There's no need to consult a doctor. Now, just return to Xicheng County at once. I don't wish to see you."

"Empress Dowager…"

"Get out!"

Du Gu Cheng was scolded by the empress dowager's sharp voice, feeling very uncomfortable. She must have something on her mind, otherwise she wouldn't treat him like this, chasing him away. Did she want to sacrifice herself

Dugu City did not rise, kneeling before the Empress.

"If the Empress Dowager does not allow the imperial physician to see me, I shall remain seated and not return to Xicun."

"You..."

The Empress Dowager was furious with Dugu City. Looking at the determination on his face, she was very angry.

He couldn't possibly not see that this was a trap set by the emperor deliberately, to see how he and his son related. He staying here wouldn't help with anything, and would only make him more vulnerable to being caught by the emperor, making his situation even more difficult.

"Is it because I'm sick that you're leaving"

Dugu City raised his eyes to look at the Empress Dowager, who took a step back.

The Empress Dowager did this to give him a way out. He wanted to know her situation, but he knew she drove him away because she didn't want the Emperor to discover her feelings for him, afraid that the Emperor would use it against him.

"With Your Majesty the Empress Dowager in good health, I can rest assured."

Dugu City's words made the Empress Dowager's eyes well up. She hastily averted her gaze.

"Alright, just let the imperial physician take a look. Once he's done, you can leave."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Dugu City hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

The imperial physician was summoned to the palace to check the empress dowager's pulse. Dugu Cheng stood beside him, the atmosphere was unusually quiet. Dugu Cheng stared intently at the imperial physician. The empress dowager's face looked normal, she should be fine.

Grandma said that the Empress would have a cough at night, and it would be especially severe late at night. What could be the reason for this

After the imperial physician finished taking the Empress Dowager's pulse, Dugu Cheng hurriedly asked, "How is the Empress Dowager doing"

The imperial physician glanced at the Empress Dowager and, seeing her nod, said, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager's health is fine. It seems she has caught a cold due to the recent weather changes. I will prescribe some medicine for the Empress Dowager to properly treat it and she will be well soon."

"Really"

Dugu Cheng wasn't quite convinced. If that were true, why would the Emperor tell him this

"I dare not lie."

"Er'er, the imperial physician has spoken. You can return now."

Dugu City looked at the Empress Dowager, and what the Empress Dowager said was the same, wouldn't it be that the Empress Dowager wanted to send him away, so she deliberately let the imperial physician say that

But he didn't get to speak with the empress dowager and imperial physicians alone.

"As long as the Empress Dowager is well, I am at ease."

The Empress nodded, looking at the imperial physician, "Imperial Physician Zhang, prescribe a few doses of medicine for this humble concubine to regulate her health. Although I slept soundly last night, my cough is still somewhat troublesome. Since you've come to see me, why not also prescribe medicine for it."

Dr. Zhang hastily replied, "Your humble servant obeys."

"Doesn't the Empress Dowager want to take medicine"

Dugu Cheng looked at the helplessness in Taihou's eyes. This Empress Dowager had never liked taking medicine, and now, living in this deep palace, she was even less willing to.

“I don't like taking medicine, you know that. You insisted on having the imperial physician see me, for a minor ailment I could have cured myself! Now look at this, I have to take this bitter and foul-smelling medicine.”

The Empress Dowager complained that Dugu City remained silent, only comforting her.

"Empress Dowager, please take good care of your health and don't worry the Emperor." Don't worry him, Empress Dowager, your well-being is his greatest hope.

The Empress Dowager nodded, "This Empress knows, you may go back now."

Dugu Cheng raised his hand, looking at the Empress Dowager's impatient urging. His eyes fell on the Empress Dowager's averted gaze, seeing her eyes red-rimmed, clenching her fists, he clasped his hands and said, "Empress Dowager, please take care, I, retire!"

As she watched Dugu City leave, the Empress Dowager turned her head and looked at his departing figure, her eyes welling up with moisture.

Ché'er, take care of yourself!

Du Gu Cheng walked out of Ci'an Palace, turned his head to look at the plaque above the entrance of Ci'an Palace, his eyes full of forbearance, and walked towards Zhao Gonggong in front.

"Your Highness, Prince Chen, how is the Empress Dowager doing"

"Please inform His Majesty through Grand Tutor Zhao that the Empress Dowager is fine, only suffering from a slight cold. The imperial physician has already examined her."

Chao Gong nodded, looking at the slight crimson in Dugu Cheng's eyes, and said, "The Emperor said that after Wang Chen greets the Empress Dowager, he can leave the palace on his own. The rewards have also been delivered to the Prince Chen's Mansion. Prince Chen should go back and collect them."

“I thank Your Majesty for your grace.”

Du Gu Cheng didn't know what the Emperor had bestowed upon him. Leaving the palace, he headed straight for Chen Wang Fu.

At the gate of Prince Chen's Mansion, several boxes filled with imperial gifts were escorted by the Imperial Guard to the mansion entrance. Feng Lingxi finished her chores and was startled by this grand display.

By imperial decree, the Princess Consort of Chen receives this decree!

Feng Ling quickly stepped forward and knelt down, "Your servant accepts your decree."

"By Heaven's Mandate, the Emperor decrees: King Chen and Queen Chen, for their valiant defense of the border, are hereby bestowed with ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand bolts of silk and satin, one night pearl, ten strings of pearls from the East China Sea tribute, and ten pieces of coral. Thus it is decreed!"

"My humble servant accepts your gracious decree and expresses her gratitude. Your Majesty, long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!"

The eunuch in charge looked at Feng Lingxi and said with a smile, "Princess Consort Chen, this imperial gift is for you and Prince Chen. The Emperor specially instructed the slave to tell Princess Consort Chen that it's hard work on the border, so please take good care of your health."

"Please inform the Emperor that this humble concubine is grateful for His Majesty's grace. This is a small token of my appreciation, Grand Eunuch, please accept it."

Feng Lingxi took a box from the side. Inside was a valuable bracelet, which she presented to appease her father-in-law.

"Butler, go to the accounting room and get some silver to give them. Thank them for their trip."

Zhang Gonggong laughed and stopped her, "Princess Consort Chen, they don't have to do that. The servants should also go back. Princess Consort Chen, please take care."

After finishing speaking, he left with these people.

Feng Lingxi looked at the ten boxes of gifts and the imperial decree in her hand. Why was the emperor bestowing so many things upon her This gesture truly baffled her.ourse, but she worried about her father's safety.Feng Lingxi looked at her worried face and smiled, asking, "You haven't come to see me these days since you came back. What have you been busy with"Gu...