The stone landed less than three feet away from Ji Mingxuan. She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the pain in her abdomen intensify. If she hadn't run out of time, she wouldn't have disturbed her.
After everyone regained consciousness, they rushed to check on Yu Liangyuan. Today, if something happened to Yu Liangyuan's dragon embryo, regardless of who caused it, they would be implicated.
Yu Liangyuan was pushed onto Ning Jiejue by Ji Mingxuan and although her face was pale and frightened, she showed no other discomfort. Ning Jiejue, despite being squashed by Yu Liangyuan, managed to escape from under the stone and save Yu Liangyuan, making her lucky.
"Master..." Zi Zhu and Xiao Shuzi cried out.
Everyone turned around to find that Ji Mingxuan had fainted, with blood spattered on the ground.
Yun Ping hurriedly said, "Quickly take Master Ji back to the palace and summon a doctor." Yun Ping scanned the blood on the ground and then said, "Send Ning Jiejue to take Yu Liangyuan back to seek medical attention. Master Ji's matter will be watched over by me."
Yu Liangyuan was shaken but forced herself to shake her head, saying, "I am fine, Master Ji saved me and Ning Sister. I cannot rest until I hear news about Master Ji's safety."
Many heard Yu Liangyuan's words and subconsciously developed some fondness for her.
Ning Jiejue unexpectedly looked at Yu Liangyuan, hiding her true feelings deeply.
Yun Ping ignored it, having said what needed to be said. If anything went wrong again, it wouldn't be her responsibility. She followed Ji Mingxuan back with her, leaving the others puzzled, and they followed her together.
Just as Yu Liangyuan was about to leave, she noticed Ning Jiejue staring at the stone on the ground in a daze.
"Sister..."
Ning Jiejue's gaze turned cold. She ordered the palace maids and eunuchs behind her, "Stay here and guard. Do not leave unless the Empress Dowager does not send anyone to investigate, nor allow anyone to approach."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Yu Liangyuan clutched her handkerchief tightly. Only Ning Jiejue could speak with such confidence.
Ning Jiejue looked at the palace maids behind Yu Liangyuan and said, "Help your mistress."
"Yes..."
Ning Jiejue's expression eased slightly as she said, "Let's go."
Static An Palace had never been so lively, but this liveliness was not the real kind.
Cloud Ping and the others quietly watched as the doctor treated the unconscious Ji Mingxuan. At that moment, someone announced, "Empress Dowager is here!"
Everyone was shocked. The Empress Dowager was actually paying attention to Ji Mingxuan!
Thinking back to how she had just saved Yu Liangyuan, she probably would wake up... Everyone was both surprised and jealous, hoping that Ji Mingxuan would never wake up again.
"Mistress, I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager be blessed."
Lady Li came in, seeing the crowd gathered, she said indifferently, "No formalities."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Lady Li glanced at Yu Liangyuan and asked, "How are you?"
Yu Liangyuan was slightly flustered. Although she met the Empresses Dowager monthly for a visit, Lady Li rarely spoke to anyone. This time, she had spoken to her.
"I am... I am fine, thank you, Your Highness."
Lady Li didn't look at her and said, "Everything should prioritize the heir."
Yu Liangyuan hurriedly replied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Lady Li took a few steps and sat beside Ji Mingxuan's bed.
"Doctress, how is it going?"
Doctor Li Jianmo confirmed the pulse and sighed with relief.
Originally, when the doctors were summoned, it was unclear. Many colleagues truly thought that Ji Xiuhua was buried under the rock and couldn't be saved. They were thinking of ways to avoid blame, eventually pushing him out. He thought of Ji Family and Li Family's relationship, so he came anyway.
Good deeds bring good rewards. This time, not only would he not be blamed, but he would also receive a great opportunity.
"Hei, Your Highness, Master Ji is only experiencing movement of the embryo and fainting due to excessive activity."
The Empress Dowager's face lit up as she said, "So, you mean Master Ji is pregnant?"
All the other palace ladies stiffened, but their faces quickly changed to happiness.
Although Yun Ping guessed some things, upon confirmation, she still felt bitter.
Doctor Li Jianmo sternly said, "It's already one and a half months."
The Empress Dowager exclaimed, "Good! Good! How is Master Ji and his dragon embryo?"
Doctor Li Jianmo said, "Master Ji was shocked and experienced movement of the embryo. Rest is advisable."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Are you working at the Imperial Medical Institute? I have never seen you before."
Doctor Li Jianmo knelt down and bowed, "Last year, I started working there, and this year, I was promoted to Assistant Chief Physician, a position of eighth rank."
The Empress Dowager nodded, "Well done. It's impressive for someone so young to receive Mian Yanzhuo's endorsement. I presume your medical skills are excellent."
Doctor Li Jianmo bowed again.
The Empress Dowager said, "I decree that Mian Yanzhuo will assist with the dragon embryo, allowing you to provide auxiliary treatment. Once Master Ji gives birth safely, I will reward you generously."
Doctor Li Jianmo loudly said, "I thank Your Highness."
The Empress Dowager said, "Get up. Prepare medicine for Master Ji!"
"Yes!"
The Empress Dowager recognized Zhichao because Ji Mingxuan always brought her to the Honored Life Palace.
"Qin Mama, you and Zhichao go fetch the medicine."
Qin Mama came out from behind the Empress Dowager, and Zhichao bowed respectfully. Together with Doctor Li Jianmo, they went out.
The other palace ladies all lowered their heads. The Empress Dowager personally came in, summoned the Mian Yanzhuo who treats only the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Queen, and then dispatched her trusted nanny. Such meticulous protection made people dare not harbor any suspicions.
Yu Liangyuan's heart was complicated. The Empress Dowager... the Empress Dowager... She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. Ji Mingxuan had been favored by the Empress Dowager for not a day.
The Empress Dowager gently touched the unconscious Ji Mingxuan, her eyes softening.
While the Queen was walking down the corridor, she could see this scene from afar. Her steps paused.
"Queen Dowager, you're here!" On that day, Lu Zhu and Hong Zhu were still in love, but the courtyard house didn't care who came in. He shouted loudly to inform them.
The Queen became serious and slowly walked in.
"Queen Dowager, may you live long and prosperous."
The Queen didn't call for her to rise but rather gave the Empress Dowager a respectful greeting.
"I bow to Mother."
The Empress Dowager turned around and said, "The Queen came just in time. Master Ji has conceived, and I have entrusted her dragon embryo to you. I hope you won't disappoint Mother."
The Queen was shocked by this news and momentarily lost her composure. Thinking about this child's future prospects, she definitely had a plan.
"Congratulations, Mother, you are soon to hold a royal grandson."
The Empress Dowager nodded.
The Queen said, "Mother, please trust me."
The Empress Dowager said, "The Queen has worked hard."
The Queen shook her head.
"Have you investigated the matter thoroughly before coming?"
The Queen said, "I have sent people to investigate the fake mountain. I will give a proper explanation to Miss Ji and Miss Yu."
The Empress Dowager listened to this and rose.
"The Queen, handle it as you see fit. However, remember, any attempt to harm the imperial lineage will be punished severely."
The Queen hurriedly bowed, saying, "I will punish them strictly."
The Empress Dowager looked at the other palace ladies present.
"Well, Master Ji needs to rest. Go back to the palace. The Queen, convey the Empress Dowager's order. During the period when the dragon embryo is unstable, no one should disturb her."
For how long had the Empress Dowager not cared about a dragon embryo? This display was like when she was pregnant with Princess Da'er.
"The Queen obeys."
After saying this, the Queen looked at the other palace ladies. They all hurriedly bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Queen, then quietly retreated.
The room instantly became empty.
The Empress Dowager asked, "Did you notify the Emperor?"
Beside her, Zizhu hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Highness, we haven't yet."
The Empress Dowager looked at Zizhu, then at other palace maids and eunuchs. Clearly, they were all obedient and had no thoughts of flattering the master. These servants must have been influenced by their masters, so the Empress Dowager was even more satisfied with Ji Mingxuan.
The Queen was also confused about this situation.
"Go, tell the Emperor about this good news."
Zizhu bowed. Then, she looked at Xiaosuzi.
Xiaosuzi shouted, "Yes!"
After Xiaosuzi left, the Queen hurriedly said, "Mother, I'll take care of this, you rest."
The Empress Dowager nodded. It was almost time for her to chant.
"I'll tell Master Ji to rest well and not come to pay respects anymore."
Zizhu hurriedly replied, "Servant obeys."
I don't know what to think there. At that moment, an unfamiliar eunuch walked in. As soon as he entered the room, he whispered something to the Empress. The Empress's expression became serious. "Zishan, Your Majesty has kept you here to take care of Ji Xiu Hua." Zishan hurriedly bowed. The Empress immediately left with the little eunuch by her side. Zi Zhu and Hong Zhu exchanged glances. Hong Zhu walked over to Zishan, following her wherever she went. Zi Zhu carefully took care of Ji Mingxuan, but her eyes were constantly on Zishan. Zishan knew these two girls' vigilance and suspicion, but she had no ill intentions, so she let them watch her freely. Chucao brought in medicine and walked in. She looked at Zishan, and Hong Zhu quickly explained. Chucao's expression softened. She placed the medicine on the table and said, "Zishan Sister came just in time. Your Highness doesn't have such talent around her right now, but Sister is a trusted person before Your Majesty, so Your Highness wouldn't want to give her instructions easily..." Just as Zishan was about to speak, Chucao interrupted her again. "So we only ask for more teaching from Sister so we can serve Your Highness better." Zi Zhu and Hong Zhu lowered their heads. Zishan sighed inwardly. Ji Xiu Hua didn't seem too well, but the servants below were very loyal and clever. If she really had bad intentions, it would be troublesome. She smiled slightly and nodded. Chucao said, "Zi Zhu, you will stay with Zishan Sister." Zi Zhu hurriedly nodded. After sending them off, only the people in the room remained. Hong Zhu said, "Chucao, Your Highness hasn't woken up yet. This medicine..." Chucao said, "Doctor Li said Your Highness should be waking up soon, so I brought it in." Hong Zhu glanced at Ji Mingxuan and finally said, "I'll go get the small stove." Chucao nodded. Chucao walked to the bed and worriedly looked at Ji Mingxuan. Suddenly, Ji Mingxuan who had been unconscious opened her eyes. Chucao exclaimed, "Your Highness, you're awake!" Ji Mingxuan nodded. She had never fainted, how could she talk about being awake? Chucao helped her sit up and said, "Why did Your Highness act so impulsively? Almost letting Little Prince…" Ji Mingxuan said, "I had confidence in my actions, and I didn't want to bear the reputation of a suspect." Chucao lowered her head. Ji Mingxuan said, "It's all over now. Let's forget about this." Chucao said, "Your Highness, please think twice later." Ji Mingxuan smiled, "Of course." Chucao brought the medicine over, and Ji Mingxuan sniffed it before taking the spoon from Chucao and blowing it. Just as she was about to drink, she raised her head again. Chucao said, "Servant knows that Your Highness dislikes bitter things, so I prepared some sweets." Ji Mingxuan smiled and said, "Quickly bring them, still Chucao." Chucao nodded and turned back to get the sweets from the table. Ji Mingxuan hurriedly ate one and then closed her eyes, drinking the medicine as if she was dying. After drinking, Ji Mingxuan grabbed several sweets and stuffed them into her mouth without any ladylike manners. Chucao found this amusing. She poured a glass of water. Ji Mingxuan swallowed the sweets and asked, "Chucao, is Yu Liangyuan and Ning Jieyi alright?" Chucao said, "They were just frightened, and they stayed with Your Highness for a while before leaving.
" Ji Mingxuan said, "That's fine." Chucao said, "Your Highness is precious now, so don't work yourself too hard. Don't think about these matters." Ji Mingxuan said, "Send someone to check on them." Chucao shook her head. With Ji Mingxuan's increased power, even subordinates had to obey. "I'll send someone to check right away. Your Highness, rest properly. If His Majesty sees Your Highness looking sick…" Ji Mingxuan exclaimed, "His Majesty is coming?" Chucao said, "The Dowager Empress came to see Your Highness, and sent Xiao Shu to deliver the good news to His Majesty." Ji Mingxuan said gently, "The Dowager Empress treats me so well!" Chucao sighed. Good though it was, with a child born, could she still treat the Dowager Empress that way? "The Dowager Empress cares deeply about Your Highness and has sent Cheng Mumma to take care of You." Ji Mingxuan gasped, "Cheng Mumma also came?" Chucao nodded. "Cheng Mumma must not neglect her duties." Ji Mingxuan said, "Your Highness, don't worry." Chucao understood the situation well. Now that she had gained favor with the Dowager Empress, Cheng Mumma could not be neglected. "Mumma sent Cheng Mumma back to Honorable Residence." Ji Mingxuan nodded. "Help me up." Chucao was puzzled. Ji Mingxuan said, "His Majesty is coming, I need to dress up properly and not add any worries for him." Chucao was surprised. How could she look weak if she wanted His Majesty's love? Seeing that she was stunned, Ji Mingxuan added, "Doctor said Your Highness…" Ji Mingxuan said, "Just sitting on the chair, nothing wrong." Seeing that Chucao hadn't moved, Ji Mingxuan got up herself. Chucao helped her stand up and was just about to put on shoes when she noticed a figure blocking the light shining on them. "S-Servant…" Chucao almost shouted, but the words died in her throat. "Servant greets His Majesty." Ji Mingxuan was shocked and quickly dressed herself before bowing and saying, "Pardon my impoliteness, Your Majesty." Zhao Sanyue said, "Take your mistress back to bed. Since I'm already here, this welcoming ceremony can wait." Chucao relaxed as she helped Ji Mingxuan lie down again. Looking towards the little eunuch accompanying Zhao Sanyue, Chucao saw that he was also innocent. The emperor wasn't like others; he wouldn't dare resist even if he had the courage. Thankfully… the little eunuch was relieved. He thought his master was speaking precisely when the woman spoke boldly. Zhao Sanyue leaned against the bed, and he waved his hand for everyone else to leave except the two main parties. Once inside, the room was quiet. Ji Mingxuan peeked over and saw that he seemed pleased. Zhao Sanyue looked at Ji Mingxuan and said, "Your courage isn't big, why are you silent now?" Ji Mingxuan bit her lip and said softly, "Pardon me for usually being quiet when I make mistakes." Zhao Sanyue laughed and said, "I didn't expect anything wrong with Miss Ji?" Ji Mingxuan immediately lifted her head and asked, "Is Your Majesty telling the truth?" Zhao Sanyue asked, "If true, what will happen? If false?" Ji Mingxuan smiled confidently and said, "If Your Majesty says it's true, then Miss Ji won't be wrong! If it's false, I admit it, and Your Majesty can't deny it either…" Zhao Sanyue walked over and sat next to Ji Mingxuan. He laughed and shook his head. Ji Mingxuan lowered her head. Zhao Sanyue was a domineering person, and his thoughts and behavior resembled a historical figure she knew. Although she spoke boldly, she hit the nail on the head regarding his innermost thoughts. And he found it believable because it sounded like a woman blindly worshipping and trusting him. "Miss Ji, read more books," he said close to Ji Mingxuan. Ji Mingxuan looked at the person beside her and felt both joy and affection. She lifted her head, pouting, and said, "Miss Ji…" Zhao Sanyue turned his head and said close to her, "My dear, I like talented women.