The Empress paused in her movement to cover the Emperor with the blanket. If not for the very clear words "I'm sorry," she would have thought she was hearing things.
The Emperor actually said he was sorry to her?
Eunuch Li, who stood nearby, also heard, but it wasn't as clear to him; he thought he must have heard wrong and left with the medicine bowl.
The Empress watched as the Emperor closed his eyes, having just taken his medicine; he was likely to fall asleep easily.
She adjusted the blanket properly and continued to sit by his side, waiting.
By evening, the Empress, who had not slept for a day and a night, couldn't hold on any longer. She looked at the Emperor lying on the bed and began to loosen her clothing.
Soon, she had taken off her luxurious robes and climbed into bed beside the Emperor.
For so many years, she had never stayed overnight in Yangxin Hall; although the Emperor had suggested it several times, she simply would not stay in Yangxin Hall.