Li Qiong was filled with resentment. 'Why is the Grand Empress Dowager so heartless? She won't even grant a single day's extension!'
He pressed his lips together. "The Grand Empress Dowager is right. I will make the arrangements at once."
Her goal achieved, the Empress Dowager left, satisfied.
Li Qiong set aside his work and personally made a trip to Yufu Palace.
He looked at his plainly dressed mother and opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but his throat felt as if it were blocked. A long time passed without him uttering a single word.
In the end, it was Princess Consort Zhen who spoke first.
"I know what you want to say. Going to the nunnery to live in seclusion was my own choice. You've already done your absolute best, so there's no need to blame yourself."
The more she said this, the more ashamed Li Qiong felt.
He knelt and solemnly kowtowed.
