By late October, the Empress's illness had finally improved somewhat under meticulous care. Never mind her mood. Her physical illness was, at last, nearly mended.
On the 24th of this month, it was Crown Prince Zhao Qichen's second birthday.
According to Xia Ruqing's wishes, it wasn't to be a grand celebration. The Princess's birthday hadn't been celebrated, nor had the Empress's. Although a Prince's status was different, his celebration shouldn't overstep the others; that was the rule.
Nevertheless, the Empress sent word, saying, "The Princess's celebration was omitted because it was inopportune, and my own due to illness! Now that I am well, and it coincides with the Little Prince's birthday, it would be unreasonable not to celebrate!"
She also said that she had personally prepared everything on her end.
Xia Ruqing, looking at the gift list in her hands, suppressed the displeasure in her heart and instructed Zi Yue to properly send off the Empress's envoy.
