Chapter 341: Chapter 342: No Visiting Allowed

Upon hearing that The Emperor was safe and sound, everyone’s tense hearts finally relaxed.

When the Empress Dowager saw the two embracing each other, she coughed lightly with her hand holding the handkerchief to her mouth, signaling them to be mindful of their surroundings.

Shao He immediately realized, pushing away the person holding him, and Pei Huaian, with a look of guilt, said, “I apologize, Doctor Shao. I was overexcited just now and acted inappropriately.”

Shao He nodded slightly and continued, “However, The Emperor is still unconscious, and has not awakened yet. We cannot visit him for the time being.”

“Why hasn’t The Emperor woken up? Didn’t you say the surgery was very successful?” The Empress immediately expressed her dissatisfaction upon hearing that they could not enter.

She even suspected whether Shao He was deliberately delaying here, and whether The Emperor was truly alright.

Pei Chengye also spoke up, “Without seeing our father, how can we know if he is safe or if you are lying?”

His gaze sharp and fierce, he seemed to want to find some clue on Shao He’s face.

Shao He said very calmly, “After any surgery, visitation is not allowed until the patient awakens. It’s not just The Emperor who is treated this way.”

“We just want to see whether The Emperor is alive, without causing any disturbance. Wouldn’t that be possible?” The Empress’s phoenix eyes flickered with displeasure.

“No,” Shao He shook her head resolutely.

Pei Chengye stepped forward, as if intending to force his way in, but Pei Huaian blocked him with the sword he wore.

“Imperial Brother, think it over. Our father commanded that everything be arranged by Doctor Shao. If anyone wishes to barge into the operating room, they can be executed without prior approval.”

“You dare!” Pei Chengye was instantly enraged by his words; he didn’t believe Pei Huaian would truly kill him.

Off to the side, the Empress Dowager scolded sharply, “Enough! What are you all quarreling about here, when The Emperor is still inside unwell, and yet here you are, arguing endlessly. Truly, indulgent mothers breed useless sons.”

After being reprimanded, the Empress and Pei Chengye did not dare to say anything more.

“Alright, since The Emperor is safe and sound, you all should go back and rest, and come back tomorrow,” the Empress Dowager waved her hand, dismissing everyone to leave first.

“Mother, how can this be? There’s not even someone to take care of him inside. What if something goes wrong?” The Empress still wanted to showcase her virtuousness, hoping the Empress Dowager would let her in.

However, the Empress Dowager rebuked her with scorn, “Ha, if you had this concern earlier, how could The Emperor have ended up in this state? Go back.”

The Empress dared not retort and could only leave unwillingly. As she left, she cast a fierce glance at Shao He, seemingly blaming her for everything.

The rest also departed one after another, and once everyone was gone, the Empress Dowager asked again, “Now, tell me the truth, how is The Emperor actually doing?”

“To reply to the Empress Dowager, The Emperor is indeed safe and sound. However, his nutrition must be enhanced, he needs to take some medicine, tend to the wound to prevent infection, and most importantly, maintain a pleasant mood and ample rest.”

“Good, I have noted this,” the Empress Dowager finally put her mind completely at ease.

Exhausted, Shao He instructed Pei Huaian to keep a good watch over The Emperor and then went to rest himself, as he needed to replenish his strength.

The sun completely set in the west, the glow of twilight gradually faded, and the night silently descended.

Pei Huaian stood in front of the window, one hand behind his back, his expression revealing a deep sorrow, his current mood very complicated.

Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from outside the room, followed by the door opening.

Ah Mo walked in from outside, “My lord.”

“How are things on Yun Qian’s end?” Pei Huaian’s expression became grave.

“Doctor Yun has gathered enough evidence to question Imperial Doctor Yun’s handling, and the final witness will arrive in Capital City the day after tomorrow. Soon, the truth will be brought to light.”

“We must act quickly against the Empress.”

Pei Huaian did not want to wait any longer. Only by removing the Empress could he ensure Shao Hean’s safety.

“The Empress is outwardly very good to me. At the early stage of this matter, it’s not suitable for me to come forward. Make sure you have someone protect Yun Qian.”

“Understood, my subordinate knows what to do!”

The hand that Pei Huaian kept behind him continuously rubbed, his heart faintly anticipating the day to arrive quickly so that he and Shao He wouldn’t have to hide any longer.

After ensuring everything was in order, Pei Huaian left the room and came to the door of The Emperor’s room, just in time to encounter Shao He, who had just finished checking on The Emperor’s condition.

Their eyes met, and Pei Huaian asked, “Has father not awakened yet?”

“Not yet, it’s likely not until tomorrow, but his recovery is very good and there are no signs of infection,” Shao He replied as they moved to the pavilion in the courtyard.

“If The Emperor recovers, the Empress and her son will probably not be able to hold on any longer.”

“Yes, the remnants of Zheng Family’s power have been suppressed by me throughout this half-month, but a dying insect still thrashes. I have accelerated the pace for Yun Qian’s vindication,” Pei Huaian also worried, which was why he hastened the move against the Empress.

Only by convicting the Empress could Zheng Family completely lose any chance of turning the situation around.

“I’m concerned that The Emperor values blood ties, and even if the Empress is dealt with, as long as Pei Chengye doesn’t undermine the nation’s foundation, his punishment won’t be too severe.”

Shao He’s worry was not unfounded. The Empress initially chose to abandon the Zheng Family to save the Second Prince; this time, it was hard to guarantee she wouldn’t sacrifice herself to protect Pei Chengye.