There was no point in going herself. Besides crying over the child, which would only distress the little one further or upset those around, it would serve no other purpose.
But, after all, this was the child she had borne; how could she truly not care at all?
Her heart still clenched with anxiety, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Noble Consort Shih eventually gave up on trying to sleep altogether.
She had someone hastily set up a Buddha statue for her, and she knelt before it in devout prayer throughout the night.
By the next day, her legs and feet were completely numb.
Zhaoer couldn’t lift her alone, so two Little Eunuchs were called to help her back to the inner chamber.
「In Jiaofang Hall.」
The Empress received word early in the morning and immediately excused everyone from paying their respects, hurrying over with her attendants.
In truth, she had known since midnight.
But who would visit in the middle of the night? Only someone utterly bored, perhaps.
Not only did she not come, but she had also slept exceptionally well.
When she arrived at Xifu Palace in the morning, her complexion was rosy, and her attire was splendid.
If not for the tense expression on her face, one might have thought she had encountered some joyous news!
"What’s wrong with the Third Princess? I only found out this morning; I have truly been negligent!" the Empress said.
"Noble Consort, Sister, for such a serious matter, why didn’t you send someone to inform Jiaofang Hall?"
Noble Consort Shih, who had endured a tumultuous night, had bloodshot eyes and looked utterly exhausted.
Seeing the Empress’s feigned urgency, contrasted with her rosy complexion, made Noble Consort Shih feel so disgusted she wanted to vomit.
Acting! Such an actress!
With informants all over the Imperial Palace, I don’t believe for a second that she only found out this morning!
Her visit this morning probably isn’t out of real concern for the Princess, just to flaunt her own sense of superiority!
Thinking this, she sneered.
"The Empress is right; it was my negligence!" Noble Consort Shih replied.
"The Third Princess had a bit of a fever last night, but it has now subsided, and she’s fine!"
Noble Consort Shih wasn’t lying.
Just before dawn, the Third Princess’s fever had indeed broken.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Physicians meticulously examined her again, conferring in hushed tones with lowered heads before daring to report.
"Your Majesties, Empress and Noble Consort, the Third Princess’s illness is no longer of great concern!"
"As long as she avoids catching a cold, doesn’t eat anything unsuitable, and isn’t frightened, she will be fine!"
Noble Consort Shih finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Unreadable emotions flickered in the Empress’s eyes for a few moments before she finally smiled.
"That’s good to hear. If the Little Princess is fine, then I too am relieved," she said.
Then, with a deliberate gesture of relief, she patted her chest.
"The Little Princess is truly adorable and growing healthier by the day. Noble Consort, Sister, you are indeed blessed!"
Noble Consort Shih’s lips curved slightly.
"Thank you for your kind words, Empress!"
However, she had no energy for this now. After being busy all night, she was exhausted.
So she curtsied.
"I am unkempt and have surely been an unsightly presence. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness, Empress!"
Her meaning was clear: she had been up all night and was a mess. If the Empress had no other business, she should leave so Noble Consort Shih could bathe and rest.
The Empress had long seen through Noble Consort Shih’s intentions, but why would she let her have her way so easily? She deliberately chose not to leave.
Thus, she proceeded further into the room, waving her hand dismissively.
"Think nothing of it!"
"You were merely concerned for the Little Princess. Who wouldn’t be?"
"The Little Princess also calls me ’Imperial Mother,’ yet since her birth, I haven’t had a proper chance to see her!"
"Now... this is the perfect opportunity!"
With those words, she headed toward the cradle.
Noble Consort Shih was utterly exasperated, but what could she do? She could only force a smile and accompany her.
The Empress sat beside the cradle, affecting a look of motherly tenderness as she gazed at the Third Princess.
As she did so, the Emperor arrived, having returned from court.
After all, this was his own daughter; he didn’t dislike her that much. She had been ill all night; he had to come.
When he arrived, the Empress was also present.
Zhao Junyao felt quite relieved.
It seemed the Empress did care for the Princess. Even if it wasn’t genuine, putting on a performance was sufficient.
As long as she went through the motions, it was enough.
The Empress and Noble Consort Shih greeted him in unison.
Zhao Junyao said with a smile, "Rise."
With that, he sat down and accepted a cup of tea.
After taking a sip, he glanced at the Empress and Noble Consort Shih standing to the side and couldn’t help but feel an urge to laugh.
These two women had been rivals for most of their lives; could they truly chat and laugh together now?
Of course, he knew it was all an act, but still, he was surprised.
In the past, they wouldn’t even bother to pretend!
Once he was seated, the Imperial Physician who had been on duty all night came forward to report on the Third Princess’s condition.
Zhao Junyao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that the fever had broken.
"Excellent! Reward the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Medical Bureau!"
The Imperial Physicians were moved to tears of gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
A faint smile touched Zhao Junyao’s lips.
Leaving Xifu Palace, Zhao Junyao finally felt a sense of relief.