Renshou Palace.
The Empress Dowager sat in the seat of honor. Palace attendants and eunuchs stood on both sides with their heads bowed. The room was utterly silent.
Liang Wan knelt with her gaze lowered.
The Imperial Physician wore a grave expression, taking her pulse with intense focus.
After a long moment, he rose, faced the Empress Dowager, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Liang Ji is not with child. It is merely an upset stomach."
The Empress Dowager's expression softened slightly. She gave a faint nod. "You may leave."
The Imperial Physician withdrew as ordered.
Liang Wan's expression remained placid. 'What an unfortunate coincidence,' she thought, 'to run into the Empress Dowager of all people.'
"Liang Wan." The voice was ice-cold.
The Empress Dowager already disliked her. Now, while Lu Xiu was away, she had spent such a long time with Gao Qian in Taiji Palace. How could that be anything other than a secret tryst?
