Qin Zhenzhen readied her silver needles, poised to begin the acupuncture procedure on the Empress Dowager. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone held their breath.
Especially the two imperial physicians, who were silently hoping they could prevent Qin Zhenzhen from proceeding, fearing potential repercussions down the line.
Yet, the Empress Dowager had just given her consent for Qin Zhenzhen to attempt the treatment.
Prior to commencing the acupuncture, Qin Zhenzhen produced another pill and offered it to the Empress Dowager. "Please take this painkiller pill to alleviate any discomfort during the acupuncture."
"Empress Dowager, would you like to take it?"
Despite having granted permission for the treatment, the Empress Dowager, who cherished her life dearly, couldn't shake off her unease. She worried that Qin Zhenzhen might tamper with the pill, possibly adding some slow-acting poison as an act of vengeance against her grandmother.
