"Father, what's wrong?" Jun Ning asked, puzzled, as she walked up to Emperor Yongning.
Emperor Yongning touched Jun Ning's head, his mind constantly echoing the words the Imperial Physician had just spoken.
"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager's illness has not only failed to improve but has worsened. It flared up again just now. If it continues like this, even with the best medicines in the palace, the Empress Dowager may only have a year left."
"Please make plans soon, Your Majesty."
Emperor Yongning's hand shook inside his sleeve, but he didn't let any emotion show on his face.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pulling Jun Ning into his arms. With a voice as deep as it could be, he said, "Yiyi, when we're done here, go visit your Grand Empress Dowager; she misses you."
"Father, has something happened to Grand Empress Dowager?" Jun Ning asked. "Father, you seem different from usual."
