Chu Qianli remained silent.
Fu Ning knew that she rarely confided her thoughts to others.
After a long pause, Fu Ning spoke again, "My elder brother sent word this evening that the Empress Dowager is gravely ill. This time... I fear she may not recover."
"She is advanced in years, and her health has always been poor. Previously, Yu Linglong took care of her, but after Yu Linglong's incident, her mental state also declined."
When people reach a certain age, coupled with poor health, even with medication to sustain life, it won't last long.
Although Yu Linglong had done many wicked deeds, in her service to the Empress Dowager, she could be considered diligent and dedicated.
Even though her actions were aimed at getting closer to Feng Yexuan and consolidating her position through the Empress Dowager,
Regardless of her motives, her treatment of the Empress Dowager did have an effect.
Now that Yu Linglong is gone, the Empress Dowager's condition has worsened, and this outcome was foreseeable.
Even if she were to enter the palace to treat the Empress Dowager, it would be of no avail.
"Is Jin Rui still serving in the palace?"
"Yes." Fu Ning nodded.
"That's good." Having Feng Jin Rui by the Empress Dowager's side, not involved in the affairs of Hua Rong and Feng Yexuan, was a good thing for him.
Jin Rui was too naive and upright, while the worlds of Hua Rong and Feng Yexuan were too complex.
If he were to get involved, he would inevitably get hurt.
"Your Majesty, what about Prince Xuan..."
"He could save you once, but not necessarily a second time. Hua Rong's situation is very complicated, and the forces involved behind the scenes may be beyond our imagination."
In fact, she had no evidence for many things, and she couldn't even find a direction right now.
"Regarding Hua Rong, you don't need to investigate for now. I will handle it."
"Your Majesty, do you... dislike me for being unable to do things?"
Fu Ning felt a pang of disappointment. Her failure this time was indeed her fault; she had been too impulsive.
"No, I have an agreement with Long Xinghe, and there are some matters I must complete first. Fu Ning, you must help me."
Of course, the most important reason was not wanting Fu Ning to continue taking risks.
Fu Ning understood this clearly.
But since it was His Majesty's decision, she would comply.
Hua Rong's influence indeed exceeded her imagination. She had been too careless this time; she would never repeat the same mistake in the future.
"However," Fu Ning looked at Chu Qianli, speaking from the heart, "I see that Prince Xuan doesn't truly listen to his mother entirely. Your Majesty..."
Fu Ning hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, you and the Prince, perhaps there will still be..."
"What happens in the future, we'll discuss in the future. But at least for now, it's impossible for me and him."
"Your Majesty, can you truly be so heartless?" Doesn't your heart truly ache?
Chu Qianli smiled and said, "Everyone has their own aspirations."
Fu Ning didn't believe it, but Chu Qianli simply disliked revealing her emotions, so she didn't ask further.
His Majesty must be in great pain, but she simply didn't want to say it.
"Then, Your Majesty, I will take my leave. You should also rest early."
It was past midnight, and such a night should not be spent in further toil.
"In the future, I will definitely be more careful and protect myself, so as not to worry Your Majesty!"
After Fu Ning withdrew, Chu Qianli stood by the window, looking out at the night.
The Empress Dowager was dying, the Emperor had been poisoned, the imperial dynasty was in turmoil, and Hua Rong returned at this time...
This long-planned battle was about to commence.
Feng Yexuan, in the end, where will you stand?
What is the purpose of your melancholic existence at this moment?