The hall remained quiet, and Emperor Jingming didn’t emerge until nightfall.
The next day, Emperor Jingming didn’t hold court, causing much speculation among the officials.
On the third day, the fourth day, the fifth day…
The ministers began to panic, but they couldn’t even see the Emperor. They could only see Pan Hai appearing daily at the Qianqing Gate, shouting at them, “The Emperor is unwell. Please return, gentlemen.”
The civil and military officials grew increasingly uneasy.
The Empress had no choice but to end their cold war and take the initiative to visit Yangxin Hall to investigate.
Emperor Jingming was locked in his room, lost in thought. Hearing the Empress’s inquiry, he replied expressionlessly, “You may go back. I need some quiet to consider a decision.”
“Your Majesty—”
Emperor Jingming glanced at her, his tone colder: “I don’t want anyone to disturb me.”
The Empress had no choice but to curtsy and withdraw. As she left Yangxin Hall, she couldn’t help but look in the direction of Cining Palace.
The Emperor’s behavior must be related to the Empress Dowager, right? Perhaps it could even be good news.
At dusk that day, as the sunset painted the sky, Emperor Jingming finally emerged from Yangxin Hall and headed towards Cining Palace.
In Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager was anxious.
The Emperor had canceled court due to illness, and she had sent people to inquire daily, but couldn’t even see him. This was unprecedented.
“His Majesty the Emperor arrives—”
The Empress Dowager stood up and walked out.
Emperor Jingming strode in and glanced around: “All of you, withdraw.”
Soon, only Emperor Jingming and the Empress Dowager remained in the room.
“Your Majesty looks well. I can finally set my mind at ease,” the Empress Dowager said, her demeanor as loving as ever.
Emperor Jingming stared directly at the Empress Dowager, silent for a long time.
“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”
Emperor Jingming turned his back, unable to face that familiar visage, and finally spoke: “Have you been comfortable in Great Zhou all these years?”
The Empress Dowager’s heart jolted, and she exclaimed, “What are you saying, Your Majesty?”
Emperor Jingming suddenly turned around, catching the lingering fear on the Empress Dowager’s face before she could hide it.
The Empress Dowager quickly steadied herself, her expression changing from fear to concern: “What’s wrong, Your Majesty? If you’re unwell, you should rest. The Crown Prince can help with state affairs.”
Emperor Jingming laughed bitterly: “The rise and fall of the Wumiao are closely tied to the legitimate bloodline of the Great Zhou Emperor. Is this your reason for existing?”
The Empress Dowager’s expression completely changed: “Your Majesty—”
“I know everything now. There’s no need for your silver tongue to waste what little familial affection I have left for you,” Emperor Jingming said, his voice trembling. “From now on, you are not to step out of this room until the day you die.”
With that, Emperor Jingming turned to leave.
The Empress Dowager wanted to call him back, but what could she say at this point? She collapsed onto the couch, suddenly looking as if all life had drained from her.
At the doorway, Emperor Jingming turned back and asked in a shaky voice: “All these years, did you… ever truly think of me as your son?”
The Empress Dowager was silent for a moment, about to speak, but Emperor Jingming didn’t want to hear the answer anymore. He laughed bitterly: “No need to say anything. I’ve just been fooling myself all along.”
Emperor Jingming left without looking back. Soon, all the close attendants of the Empress Dowager were replaced, though other palace staff remained unchanged. To outsiders, Cining Palace seemed almost the same, but those who weren’t replaced knew things were different.
They never saw the Empress Dowager again.