Zhou Shuren got up and walked around twice. "You're right; rumors don't come from nowhere. Perhaps the Empress really is ill. Did you ask our daughter?"
"Xue Han hasn't gone to the palace recently. You know how cold it's been—Xue Han is afraid Xiaxia might fall ill, so she doesn't dare leave Xiaxia's side."
Zhou Shuren sat down. "The Emperor hasn't reacted much, which indicates two things: first, the Empress's illness isn't serious; second, the Emperor is aware of her condition and has been mentally prepared for a long time."
"I lean toward the latter."
Zhou Shuren agreed. "Ah, for now, the Empress staying healthy is good for both the Crown Prince and the stability of the court."
If the Empress's health declines, it will embolden the harem's ambitions and disrupt the currently stable political situation.
