Huang Mingge knelt anxiously; she knew her imperial mother’s methods well, and that aside from her sister, none could partake in even a sliver of affection from her.
At that moment, the Phoenix Emperor’s senior palace maid came in beaming with joy, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has awoken!"
A flash of joy crossed the Phoenix Emperor’s face, "Changge has awoken?"
She stood up, looking at the kneeling Huang Mingge, "I’m going to see Changge. As for you... it will depend on Changge’s wishes."
A robe stirred a cold breeze, brushing over Huang Mingge’s face as if chilling to her bones.
She thought Huang Changge no longer had a chance to turn things around, which is why she had revealed those truths to her.
How could she possibly let herself go? Huang Mingge collapsed weakly.
Gu Shengyin felt unbearable pain in her body and in order not to arouse the Phoenix Emperor’s suspicion, she had not let the system block her sense of pain.
"Changge?" The familiar scent of Phoenix Tail Fragrance reached Gu Shengyin’s nose; she knew the Phoenix Emperor had arrived.
The Phoenix Emperor had never seen this daughter so weak and powerless before, her pale face devoid of any hint of color on her lips.
Gu Shengyin suddenly stretched out an arm and wrapped it around the Phoenix Emperor’s waist, "Imperial Mother, I am in such pain..."
"Don’t move around." The body of the Phoenix Emperor stiffened. Changge, was this her way of acting coquettishly?
This feeling was very novel to her as she had almost solely devoted her overwhelming maternal affection to this eldest daughter. Yet since Huang Changge revered her Imperial Mother from a young age, she had tried to emulate her in every aspect, which made her seem unapproachable even at a young age.
Though this demeanor suited an heir of the Imperial Family, it certainly lacked a bit of childlike innocence.
The Phoenix Emperor’s voice softened unconsciously, "I will have the Imperial Physician concoct some pain relief medicine for you. Do not move around, be careful not to aggravate your wounds."
Gu Shengyin nodded obediently, suddenly looking at her with wide eyes, "Imperial Mother, your daughter has many things she wishes to talk to you about."
She appeared exceedingly pale and weak, but her eyes were full of dependence and admiration, making the Phoenix Emperor not want to refuse her at all.
She sent everyone away, leaving the space for just the two of them to share private conversations.
Gu Shengyin wanted to sit up, but the Phoenix Emperor extended her hand to stop her, "I told you, do not move around."
She bent down, pulled out several pillows from the other side, and propped them behind Gu Shengyin, slightly lifting her body.
In all of Heavenly Phoenix Country, the only person who could enjoy such personal care from the Phoenix Emperor was her.
In her heart, Gu Shengyin lamented that this Phoenix Emperor truly loved the daughter Huang Changge dearly. If it weren’t for the original plot where Huang Changge’s too proud personality and inability to accept her Imperial Mother’s distrust without defending herself, this pair of strong-willed mother and daughter would not have reached that final step.
Gu Shengyin’s gaze was fixed on the Phoenix Emperor, and she suddenly spoke, "Imperial Mother, those things weren’t done by your daughter."
She did not specify what things, but both understood what she was referring to.
The tender look on the Phoenix Emperor’s face vanished as she scrutinized her daughter, unsure of her motive for bringing this up now.
Indeed, being the woman of an Emperor, she never viewed matters simply. Gu Shengyin thought inwardly.
She appeared not to notice the change in the Phoenix Emperor’s demeanor and continued slowly, "Your daughter originally did not want to justify herself, thinking Imperial Mother would understand me. But now, your daughter has come to a realization."