Three days later, there was excitement in the palace.
The Emperor, in court, suddenly felt an intense itch all over his body. He hastily adjourned the morning session midway and returned to Hanyuan Hall.
Back in Hanyuan Hall, the Emperor removed his Dragon Robe. The bruises inflicted by Marquis Dongxiang, which had mostly faded after treatment, were now back in full view, even more shocking than before.
In the Political Discussion Hall, officials, having seen the Emperor's discomfort, were anxious about his health and stayed outside Hanyuan Hall, filled with worry.
The Emperor refused to summon the Imperial Physician.
But when the Imperial Physician hurried over upon hearing the news, he was stopped at the door by the little eunuch.
No matter what he said, he wasn't allowed in; instead, they insisted on summoning the Princess Consort Zhenbei to the palace.
The little eunuch hurried to deliver the decree, but was stopped by the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was furious.
