Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2169: Chapter 2166: Concern

When Emperor Xuanming heard this, his gaze sharpened, and he immediately instructed He Dequan to investigate the incense sticks and the palace servants who were working at that time; there would certainly be some actions taken.

In his view, these palace servants should have been attentive to these details early on. Since it was an unintentional mistake, they need not be expelled, but a lesson must still be taught.

After all, working in the palace, how could one not pay attention to these details? If they lack even this ability, they deserve to be transferred out of the Cining Palace.

The Dowager Empress saw the Emperor’s actions and immediately understood his intent.

However, she did not stop him, as the Emperor’s dignity needed to be upheld.

Besides, those palace servants would merely suffer a bit of physical hardship at most.

"Is the Emperor not busy today? Imperial I have nothing much to do, you should return and rest early. I hear that matters of state have been numerous lately, and the Empress is here to keep me company," the Dowager Empress, as always, disliked delaying the Emperor’s important affairs.

Rather than chatting with her, an old woman, it would be better for him to rest a bit more and maintain his health.

Remembering something, she continued before Emperor Xuanming could respond, "By the way, the Imperial Physician said it’s the seasonal change now, so it’s easy to catch a cold. You mustn’t crave cool air; colds are most averse to crowds, lest everyone gets affected and falls ill together."

"Mother, I will stay with you for a while and then return." Emperor Xuanming didn’t reject his mother’s concern.

Remembering something, he looked at the Empress, "These days, sorry to trouble the Empress to spend more time with Mother."

The Empress, seeing he did not reprimand her this time, breathed a sigh of relief and naturally assured him that she would take good care of the Empress Dowager.

When He Dequan returned, he quietly whispered in the Emperor’s ear, and upon learning it was not intentional harm but a mere coincidence, Emperor Xuanming stood up, "Mother, please rest well. Physician-in-Chief Lu will come daily to check on you. If you feel unwell, you must inform the Imperial Physician promptly. I will return to the palace to attend to my duties."

"Go on, go on, with the Empress here with me." The Dowager Empress gently patted the Empress’s hand and smiled kindly.

Emperor Xuanming nodded, then turned to leave.

The Dowager Empress sighed helplessly and said to Empress Lin, "Empress, you may rest; Imperial I have no more needs."

Empress Lin did not agree, saying she would rest after the Imperial Physician came to take the pulse.

Meanwhile.

Emperor Xuanming had just taken two steps out of the Dowager Empress’s bedchamber.

He saw Consort Deng approaching with a newly favored beauty.

The two greeted him with delight.

Emperor Xuanming raised his hand slightly, "When did you come?"

"Emperor, I came this morning after hearing the news, but unfortunately, the Empress found me clumsy and didn’t let me in to care for the Dowager Empress; I’ve just been in my palace copying Buddhist scriptures to pray for her blessings," Consort Deng first expressed concern for the Dowager Empress, then subtly cast a shadow on the Empress.

She gazed into Emperor Xuanming’s eyes, silently conveying affection and concern, "Emperor, many have caught colds recently. Several in my palace have fallen ill. Please take care of yourself; the people of the world and I all need you."

The beauty beside her, surprised at Consort Deng’s intimate concern, hurried to flatter the Emperor too.

However, she remained somewhat in awe of Emperor Xuanming, her words expressing concern sounded stiff.

As expected, Emperor Xuanming did not spare her a glance but accepted Consort Deng to stay by his side, treating her noticeably more affectionately, "Those palace servants who are sick, send them elsewhere; don’t let them stay to serve."