The results of the examination were quite embarrassing for the Empress.
But she eventually overcame her internal barriers.
She was the Empress of a nation, the mother of Prince He, and in the future, she would become the Empress Dowager.
She absolutely could not afford to have anything happen to herself.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the Empress, somewhat absentmindedly, put on her clothes.
Chu Qianli was using a test tube to conduct an examination on her.
"Your Majesty, how is it?" Seeing that Chu Qianli had taken something from her, then used a small jar containing some unknown liquid to fiddle with it, and finally used paper to absorb it, the Empress's heart was filled with trepidation.
Especially when she saw the paper actually change color, the Empress was terrified.
"This... what does this mean?"
"It's not clear what it means yet? It's just... possibly... never mind, it's not clear for now. I need some medium for experimentation."
Chu Qianli put away the items. "Empress, I will be away for several days. When I return, I will give you an answer."
"For now, I will prescribe some medicine for you, both oral and topical."
The Empress's heart grew even more uneasy. "Your Majesty, can't you just say it clearly? I... can handle it."
"Does the Empress perhaps think that I'm not telling you the truth because I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable?"
Chu Qianli smiled without genuine warmth. "I apologize, my feelings for the Empress are not yet that profound."
The Empress's face flushed, and she felt incredibly awkward.
She was so embarrassed that she couldn't utter a word, but her earlier unease had lessened considerably.
Was this a form of indirect comfort?
"It's just that I am indeed lacking some experimental drugs at the moment, but I don't have time to stay and prepare them for you, Empress. This matter is not urgent; we'll discuss it when I return."
After packing everything up, Chu Qianli went behind the screen and tinkered with something. When she emerged, she had some medicine in her hand.
"Take one pill of this medicine three times a day, morning, noon, and night. As for this medicated water, dilute it with warm water in a one-to-ten ratio, and then use it to cleanse... that area."
"Don't worry, the itching and odor will subside in a few days, but you will need to take medicine long-term to adjust your endocrine system."
Although the Empress didn't quite understand, she accepted the medicine.
"As for what specific illness you have, I cannot tell you without a reason."
"I understand."
So, the supposed answer in a few days was just an excuse; she only wanted to know about the past.
"Since I have spoken, I have already decided to tell you. Why play coy with me?"
Chu Qianli merely smiled faintly, a smile that held a hint of indifference. "Then, please tell me, what exactly was the relationship between my mother and the Emperor back then?"
"Your mother and the Emperor did not have any special relationship. However, during the coup d'état in the Longteng Kingdom, your mother sought help from the Emperor."
"I already knew about that."
Chu Qianli's eyes darkened, and a flicker of disappointment crossed her gaze.
She hadn't expected the Empress to only want to discuss this matter, which was somewhat of a waste of her time.
"Empress, I have other important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave..."
"You probably only know one part of this story, not the whole truth."
The Empress curved her lips into a calm and composed smile, a smile that carried a hint of unseen resentment.
"Back then, the Emperor had intended to cooperate with your mother. Do you know who truly prevented the Emperor from helping your mother?"
Chu Qianli's palm tightened, and she suddenly turned to stare at her. "Who?"