At the Empress Dowager's words, Ji Qingwu instantly stopped crying.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she said, "Empress Dowager, have you noticed something isn't right? Ever since I entered the palace, the Emperor's interest in me lasted a mere two days before he grew tired of me."
The Empress Dowager mulled over her words. She had ordered Ji Qingwu to appear before the Emperor daily, but it seemed to have backfired.
"Are you saying that I was too hasty?"
Ji Qingwu replied, "This matter cannot be rushed. We must approach it slowly and strategically."
The Empress Dowager said, "Tell me, then. What is your plan?"
Ji Qingwu glanced at Shixi and Fanghua, who were standing in the hall, and hesitated to speak.
The Empress Dowager said, "They have both served me for many years. There is no need to send them away."
Ji Qingwu pressed her lips together and said, "Empress Dowager, it's not that I don't trust them. It's just... what I have to say is a little embarrassing..."
