The Enchanting Imperial Concubine

Chapter 48 - Unworthy

In the evening, neither had the energy to do much, so the two of them went to bed early.

The next morning, Ning Chen got up for court, and Ye Yun, who had to pay her respects, got up as well.

Yuan Jiu came in to serve and quietly reported something, "Last night, Cining Palace summoned the imperial physician. I asked someone to inquire, and they said it was due to blood stagnation and excessive liver fire. She needs to rest."

Excessive liver fire? That means she got angry, Ye Yun thought to herself, speechless. This old lady—was it really necessary?

Sure enough, after hearing this, Ning Chen's expression darkened. "I'll visit the Empress Dowager after court. Send some nourishing supplements over first."

The Empress Dowager was unwell, so a visit was inevitable.

"Your Majesty, there is... there is one more thing," Yuan Jiu said with a troubled expression.

Ning Chen frowned, "Speak..."

"The Empress Dowager said that Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, and since she needs to rest, there's no need for Your Majesty to visit. She suggested that the Empress attend to her instead. Additionally, the Empress Dowager said she's getting old, and the dogs are too noisy, so she's sent them all back."

After saying this, Yuan Jiu immediately lowered his head. The Emperor would undoubtedly be angry, but he couldn't keep this from him.

The Empress Dowager was practically asking for it.

Ning Chen almost laughed in anger. He clutched the jade pendant he hadn't yet fastened to his waist, his gaze cold as the icy winds of December.

"There are already three women in the harem pregnant. As the end of the year approaches, there are countless palace banquets to organize. The Empress is required to oversee everything. How could she possibly manage it all? Looking around, the only one with ample free time is Chen Wanrong, who has always been favored by the Empress Dowager. I believe that Chen Wanrong would be a more suitable candidate to attend to the Empress Dowager than the Empress herself."

The woman's voice came from behind, calm and unhurried.

Ye Yun reached out and gently grasped Ning Chen's clenched fist. She pried his fingers open one by one and took out the jade pendant from his palm, fastening it for him.

"Aren't you afraid I'll think you're being too meddlesome?"

Ning Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, lifting his hand to pinch Ye Yun's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Ye Yun gazed steadily back at him, showing no fear. In her beautiful eyes, there was only concern. "Your Majesty, not everyone is fit to be a mother. In fact, some people don't deserve to be mothers."

Her tone was low and deliberate, her voice soft but each word landed clearly in Ning Chen's ears.

"Ye Shi, you've overstepped," Ning Chen's gaze darkened.

He tightened his grip on her chin for a moment, then abruptly released her and strode past her without looking back.

Yuan Jiu had been stunned by Ye Yun's bold words, and after casting her a quick glance, hurried to follow the Emperor.

"Your Ladyship..." Nan Zhi's face had turned pale, her worry written all over it.

"It's time to pay our respects," Ye Yun said with a smile, smoothing her dress before leaving Jiuchen Palace.

Some things had to be said.

Ning Chen valued his relationship with the Empress Dowager more than anything. It was his weakness, shaped by the times he lived in.