After Consort An returned to the palace, a eunuch announced that she was to see the fake emperor.
"My dear consort, you have been out of the palace for a long time. I have missed you dearly. I had intended to let you stay at your family's home for a few more days, but I find myself thinking of you incessantly. Therefore, I have summoned you back to the palace. You do not blame me, do you?" the fake emperor said.
"Your humble concubine greets His Majesty," Consort An bowed to the fake emperor. "Your humble concubine has also missed Your Majesty."
On the surface, no one knew that Emperor Chongwen and his body double had swapped identities.
Therefore, Consort An had to play along.
"Come, my dear consort. This is what I had the imperial kitchen prepare, your favorite dishes. I shall dine with you," the fake emperor's every move was identical to Emperor Chongwen's usual demeanor. Even his tone was the same, and the gaze he cast upon Consort An was filled with affection.
Consort An smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, your humble concubine likes it very much. However, upon my return, there are still many matters in my palace that need arranging. Perhaps, after I have made the arrangements, I can dine with Your Majesty? Or, Your Majesty could accompany me?"
"I was injured by assassins, and my health has not yet fully recovered. The imperial physicians have instructed me to rest," the fake emperor said.
"Where was Your Majesty injured?" Consort An asked with feigned concern. "When I heard of Your Majesty's assassination attempt at the Duke's mansion, I was terribly worried and wanted to return to the palace, but the Empress Dowager stopped me."
"It was a shoulder wound. The imperial physicians have been treating me, and it has improved considerably," the fake emperor said.
"Then Your Majesty should rest well. Your humble concubine shall not disturb Your Majesty's recovery," Consort An said.
"I miss my dear consort. With you by my side to care for me, this injury will surely heal quickly," the fake emperor said.
Empress Lu had instructed that after Consort An returned to the palace, she was not to return to her own chambers, nor was he permitted to visit hers.
"Does Your Majesty mean for your humble concubine to stay in your imperial chambers? This is not in accordance with the rules," Consort An said. "Throughout history, concubines are not permitted to stay overnight in His Majesty's imperial chambers."
"There is indeed such a rule throughout history, but I am the Son of Heaven. This harem is my home, and these rules are naturally dictated by me. Do you not agree, my dear consort?" the fake emperor said.
Consort An sighed. "Since Your Majesty says so, your humble concubine shall obey. However, upon my return to the palace, I should report to the Empress Dowager. In that case, your humble concubine shall first pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."
"I always felt that you, my dear consort, have always been the most well-behaved in this palace. Go, I shall await your return," the fake emperor said.
Consort An went to Empress Lu's palace. Everything appeared to be the same as usual.
"Your humble concubine greets the Empress Dowager," Consort An bowed according to the rules.
Empress Lu stared at her with piercing eyes for a long moment before managing to utter, "Consort, you may dispense with the formalities. I see that your complexion is excellent. I presume your visit to your family went very smoothly."
"Thanks to Your Majesty and Your Grace, your humble concubine is well," Consort An replied in a flat tone.
Empress Lu's eyes were filled with venom. "You are still putting on a pretense with me here. Do you think I don't know?"
Consort An's expression remained calm. "What is Your Grace referring to? Your humble concubine does not quite understand."
"Very well, very well. If you say you don't understand, then so be it!" The venom in Empress Lu's eyes vanished, replaced by a smile. "All of that is secondary. The important thing is that you have returned and are to attend His Majesty. His Majesty has always held you dear. These past few days are your 'good' days, and who knows, you might even receive good news. Tell me, is this matter not very important?"