In her anxiety, the Empress Dowager felt her words had been too harsh.
The Ji Family had no one else to rely on at the moment, and this niece of hers was at least calm and composed in the face of trouble.
Before leaving, the Empress Dowager made a point to explain.
"During this morning's court session, an official from the Astronomical Bureau accused you of bringing harm to the imperial heir. To avoid any bad luck, the Emperor might be unwilling to see you. You are to wait for news here in Cining Palace."
Ji Qingwu wasn't the least bit hurt by the Empress Dowager's words. She simply smiled, nodded, and respectfully saw the Empress Dowager off.
After they left, she sat down again.
Outside, the sky had already darkened. It was nearly time for the evening meal.
After an afternoon of hard labor—digging earth and burying medicine—Ji Qingwu's stomach had started growling long ago.
She could only drink a few more cups of tea, filling her stomach with water to tide her over.
