The Return of an Old Friend (21)

Emperor Yong Le was silent for a long time, so long that he could almost hear the sound of frogs in the pond and cicadas on the willow tree. He said, "You can also choose. Qing Zhen…"

"I didn't have a choice from the beginning." Empress Xiande interrupted him. "I've invested everything in you. How can you ask me to choose at this moment?"

Emperor Yong Le was stunned. Empress Xiande had already raised her wine bowl and finished the second bowl in one gulp.

"Your Majesty, do you think of me any differently from other women?" Empress Xiande looked at him. "Did you also choose me because you had to?"