The Emperor gently tucked Lian Hua's hand beneath the covers and rose to leave, his regal presence subdued, still retaining the cool composure of a ruler, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.
He said to Nanny Qi, "I understand."
Seeing the tears on Nanny Qi's face, he paused, knowing how deeply she cared for his Little Concubine. Now that she lay in a deep slumber, surely the pain in her heart was no less than his own.
Approaching her, he took out a handkerchief and tenderly wiped her tears, speaking solemnly, "You have worried too much. I will not act like this again."
Nanny Qi received the handkerchief with tearful gratitude, "Good child, now this old servant is relieved." She knew the Emperor was perceptive and had only momentarily lost his calm; a small nudge was all it took to regain his clarity.
The Emperor nodded slightly and turned to say, "Hu Miaomiao, summon Madam Lian to the palace."
