At the New Year's Eve banquet, the Empress drank too much.
When we arrived at Plum Garden, she suddenly had an asthma attack and fainted.
It was Princess Mu Yao who discovered her and quickly found me.
Only then could I get the medicine and save the Empress.
Afterward, the Empress rewarded me with many gifts.
Even the Emperor praised Mu Yao, saying, "What a good child."
Since then, the palace concubines often visited me.
The Empress also allowed Mu Yao to visit Kun Ning Palace more frequently.
Crown Prince Jing An also became familiar with me.
He often came to Shuanghua Palace to see Mu Yao.
Today, Jing An stayed behind to have a meal with me.
I asked in confusion, "Your Highness, why don't you go have dinner with the Empress?"
He looked dejected and replied, "Mother does not wish to see me."
I was taken aback.
In the palace, everyone knew that the Empress and Crown Prince Jing An were not close.
But the specific reasons remained unknown to all.
Jing An smiled bitterly. "After my father ascended the throne, the power of the Empress Dowager's Clan soared."
"My father worried about the influence of the maternal relatives, so he ordered a crackdown on the Empress Dowager's Clan."
"Since then, my mother has been melancholic."
"She always feels that she has burdened my mother, and she is distant with me."
"For years, I have tried to please her."
"But she simply refuses to see me."
Seeing Jing An's expression, I felt a pang of sympathy.
In truth, I did not wish to get involved in these palace intrigues.
Yet, looking at Jing An's demeanor, I couldn't help but soften.
I instructed Qiu Yue to add an extra set of chopsticks and a bowl, inviting him to dine with us.
"Thank you, consort Jiang," Jing An said, his face lighting up with surprise.
In early spring, the Empress fell ill.
The imperial physician said that the Empress was troubled in her heart and burdened with worries.
If she could untangle her inner turmoil, her condition would improve.
Otherwise...
A sudden chill ran through my heart.
The Empress leaned weakly against the headboard and sighed.
"My time is short."
"I only worry for An'er."
She grasped my hand tightly. " consort Jiang, I know you have a kind heart."
"After I am gone, I ask you to take good care of An'er."
I felt anxious and uneasy. "May Your Majesty live long and prosper, surely you will reach a hundred years."
"You and His Highness share a deep bond; you will surely enjoy a long life together."
The Empress gave a self-deprecating smile. "Though I am honored as Empress, I cannot even protect my own husband."
"Let alone safeguard my own child."
"They have suffered so much."
"What kind of Empress am I?"
A wave of sorrow washed over me.
The Empress's condition showed no signs of improvement, and the authority over the Six Palaces temporarily fell into the hands of Consort Chen.
Consort Chen, citing the need for the Empress to rest, exempted all the palaces from their morning greetings.
She seized the opportunity to win hearts, bestowing gifts upon others.
In no time, Consort Chen appeared to be the true matriarch of the harem.
Meanwhile, the Empress's palace grew increasingly desolate.
I often accompanied Mu Yao to attend to the Empress's illness.
In truth, the Empress did not dislike Jing An.
It was merely her unresolved frustrations that had created a rift between mother and son.
I frequently encouraged the Empress to spend more time with Jing An.
Mu Yao would also sweetly play and act cute by the Empress's bedside, bringing her joy.
Gradually, smiles began to return to the Empress's face.
As autumn hunting approached, the Empress's condition had yet to improve.
The opportunity to accompany the royal entourage fell into Consort Chen's hands, making her the center of attention.
During this time, a significant event occurred in the palace.
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