Nine Chamber Hall.
On the imperial desk, bamboo slips were piled as high as mountains.
Di Xin held a scroll in his hands, reading with extreme concentration. His brows sometimes relaxed and sometimes furrowed, and throughout the entire hall, the only sound was the rustling of bamboo slips being turned.
"Her Ladyship has arrived."
Outside the hall, an attendant respectfully announced her arrival.
"Your Majesty, Queen Jiang has arrived."
Di Xin set down his vermilion brush and moved his somewhat stiff neck.
When he raised his head, he saw Queen Jiang, dressed in a splendid phoenix robe and carrying a food box, walking gracefully into the hall.
A gentle smile appeared on Di Xin's usually imposing face.
"Why does the Queen have time to come to the Nine Chamber Hall today?"
Queen Jiang gently placed the food box at one corner of the desk. When she opened the lid, the rich fragrance of ginseng soup instantly filled the air.
She ladled out a bowl and pushed it in front of Di Xin.
"Seeing Your Majesty laboring day and night, I was worried, so I specially stewed some ginseng soup to nourish your health."
She looked at Di Xin. Beneath the dignified bearing of the mother of the realm was a wife's purest concern for her husband.
"It is good that Your Majesty is diligent in handling state affairs, but you must also rest more. Do not exhaust yourself."
"The entire realm and its people depend upon Your Majesty alone."
Di Xin felt warmth spread through his heart.
He lifted the ginseng soup and took a large sip. The warm broth slid down his throat.
"Thank you for your trouble, Queen."
"My constitution is very strong. You need not worry."
Di Xin took her hand and gently patted it.
"It is