Why had the Emperor come at this time?
The Empress frowned slightly, but quickly composed herself and led the others out to greet him. Facing the Emperor, she smiled and slowly performed a formal curtsy.
"Your Majesty, why did you not send word ahead of time? This concubine could have had wine and dishes prepared for you."
Seeing her salute, the Emperor personally helped the Empress up and laughed heartily. "I came to bring you good news. Prince Dai's Consort has just given birth to a son. Mother and child are safe. Tell me, is this not a great joyous occasion?"
As he spoke, the Emperor seemed somewhat saddened. "I know you still harbor regrets over what happened before, so the moment I received the news, I came to tell you."
"Heaven has blessed us. It truly is a great joyous occasion." The Empress beamed, though her voice trembled and was even somewhat choked with sobs.
Seeing her grief, the Emperor could not help growing despondent as well. Only after a long while did he continue, "I was also at fault in what happened before. I believed the slander of petty men. Yet I never gave the order to punish them—it was the Crown Prince who misunderstood, causing the tragedy. Not only you; I, too, am filled with regret. From time to time, I still dream of those days."
Before he could finish, the Empress could no longer restrain herself. Tears spilled forth, and she hurriedly wiped them away.
After the Empress had calmed down, the Emperor continued, "Now that Prince Dai has a son, the Crown Prince has descendants. I am truly overjoyed. Yet there is no one else I can speak to about this, so I could only come here to you. You must not despise me!"
The