The Empress Dowager had already anticipated Old Madam Ji's point.
But Prince Yong was her own son, and she was perfectly clear on who she needed to protect.
The Empress Dowager's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of her throne. Her gaze, seen through the beaded curtain, grew even more detached.
"Old Madam, you are mistaken. What does this have to do with my son?"
Hearing the change in her form of address, the old madam's face fell.
Her tone was sorrowful. "Xu Wen died young, leaving behind only his two children and their widowed mother. I will protect Chang Yan's life even if it costs me my own. If Your Highness wishes to wash your hands of this, then I shall trouble the Empress Dowager no more."
Mrs. Qiao, who had been watching from the side, gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head.
