The night deepened. The Emperor was the first to leave.
The Empress glanced at everyone's tired expressions and instructed lightly, "No need to keep watch; all of you may leave. Come back tomorrow morning!"
After speaking, she gave further instructions to Sister Ji. "You and Yu Fu take turns keeping watch here. If anything happens, report it immediately!"
Sister Ji hastily acknowledged the order. The Empress took another look inside before departing.
Once the Empress left, the rest of the people also dispersed. They naturally could not afford to leave someone to watch over as the Empress did. At most, they ordered their personal attendants to keep an eye out for news from here.
「The night passed without incident.」
Lights were kept burning all night in Yichun Palace. By the wee hours of the next day, the cry of a newborn baby finally sounded. It was not particularly loud, but enough to bring tears to Honored Lady Cheng's face.
