From her reactions since the afternoon, it was impossible to tell what she thought about the flower viewing banquet.
He was afraid she was keeping it to herself, silently enduring any grievances.
Thinking of this, the Emperor grasped her arm and halted her movements.
She looked up, baffled, her eyes seeming to ask, "What's wrong?"
The Emperor's voice was somewhat strained, "Are you, well?"
He was afraid mentioning the banquet might remind her of something unpleasant, yet he was also afraid that not asking might leave her brooding. Caught between a rock and a hard place, he could only vaguely ask if she was well.
Lian Hua was stunned. What was going on? Could it be that His Majesty's eyesight was failing? She was standing right in front of him, healthy and well; why would he ask such a thing?
Observing His Majesty's intense gaze, she sensed a subtle nervousness.
Lian Hua thought, such a solemn enquiry might carry a deeper meaning, perhaps others understood "well" differently?