Emperor: "..."
Did he just explain to no one in particular?
The Empress Dowager's cold response was definitely a heavy blow to the Emperor, who would never have thought that he was being dismissed because he had lost his value in exchanging for preserved fruits. He stubbornly believed that the Empress Dowager was angry with him for the many years he had hurt her.
Some things are only a thought away from understanding.
Yet, some chasms take over twenty years to bridge.
The Emperor visited Bishui Alley again.
Xiao Liulang guessed that the Emperor would frequently visit Bishui Alley these days, so he specifically took leave from the Hanlin Academy to stay at home to "take care of" Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao sat on the bed, enjoying fine food and drink, as well as the view of her husband's unparalleled beauty.
Xiao Liulang sat on a stool by the bed, peeling an orange for her.