Empress Dowager Wang returned to Cining Palace, dismissed the attendants, and held onto Lian Qiao's hand, sitting down heavily, her eyes red, but taking deep breaths.
"Lady, please don't scare your servant." Lian Qiao's face was full of worry.
Empress Dowager Wang waved her hand and said with trembling lips, "Pour a cup of tea for me."
Lian Qiao promptly complied, went to the table, checked the temperature of the tea, and poured a cup to bring over.
The Empress Dowager took it and drank two sips before putting the cup heavily on the small table, looking lost and despondent.
The Emperor contracted an epidemic, suddenly developing a high fever and falling into a coma.
This was the shocking and horrifying news relayed to her ears by Song Zhiyuan.
