Better That He Died

When Eunuch Zhao went out to fetch ginseng soup for the emperor, he happened to hear that the empress would soon arrive and hurried back inside to report it.

"The empress is here? Hurry and invite her in!"

The empress had actually come in person, and even brought pastries. This was the first time in more than ten years. How could the emperor not be delighted?

The emperor immediately put down his brush and went outside. He had only just descended the steps when the empress entered, surrounded by several palace attendants.

"Empress!" Dressed in relatively simple everyday clothes, her whole bearing gentle and gracious, the empress walked in and made the emperor feel as though he had returned to more than ten years ago.

Back then, he and the empress had shared a deep affection. Whenever he was busy with affairs of state, only she could offer a few words of persuasion and bring food to coax him into eating. Not a single one of the other consorts had the nerve to disturb him while he was working.

"Has the sun risen in the west today? You've actually brought refreshments yourself?"

His gaze fell on the things the palace maids were carrying. He stopped the empress from sinking into a graceful bow, supported her, and held her hand as he asked gently.

The empress smiled and waved her hand, having the attendants set down the pastries and withdraw before saying, "I heard he has rendered some service over there, so I came to see you."

She had come on Su Ziji's account, and that did not surprise the emperor.

In any case, she had come and was still willing to indulge him like this. The emperor was already somewhat content.

His expression unchanged, he smiled. "Yes, the boy has