After returning to the palace from their summer retreat at Jincui Garden, the Empress Dowager and An Shutong remained remarkably quiet. At the onset of winter, the Empress Dowager fell slightly ill. Feng Yi went to visit her, only to return to Yaohua Palace fuming with anger.
Although he tried to keep it a secret, Yunzhao learned the truth a few days later.
The Empress Dowager was genuinely ill, but her ambition remained as active as ever. She had tried to use the Emperor's visit as an opportunity to push An Shutong into his bed, hoping to force a consummation.
Unfortunately for her, Feng Yi refused to give her any face and stormed out on the spot.
Throughout the winter, the Empress Dowager's condition fluctuated. Shutong also fell ill—genuinely sick this time, though whether from anger, humiliation, or fear, no one knew.
The aunt and niece spent the entire winter doing nothing but nursing their ailments.
