When Felix arrived, the empress was already there. She was standing in the hall in white undergarments, wearing no coat. With a mixed expression on her face, she looked worried. The mother and son were planning to make the emperor sick and unable to recover from his illness. They thought this would help the son ascend the throne justifiably. But, shattering all their dreams, the emperor woke up unexpectedly.
Felix frowned slightly and said, "Mother, why did you come here with no coat or shoes? It's freezing outside, and you may catch a cold. I heard that Father has woken up. Is it true?"
The empress regained her composure and ambled towards the emperor. "Your Majesty, you finally woke up. I have been so worried about you."
The emperor opened his eyes slowly and looked at the empress, uttering in a faint voice, "Gloria, I... How long had I been asleep?"
"Your Majesty, you have been asleep for more than half a month. For all these days, I have been waiting here and taking care of you for your speedy recovery. Now that you finally woke up, I..."
The empress wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "Your Majesty, I am so glad to see that you are awake."
The emperor looked weak, but his heart was filled with hatred. The empress had set him up by poisoning him, and now she was squeezing out tears for earning his sympathy. The emperor realized the fact that the lady in front of him was a back-stabbing and double-dealing twister.
Although the emperor hated the empress in his heart, he didn't show it on his face. He held the empress's hand, pretended to be weak, and said affectionately, "Gloria, I know you care about me a lot. I'm getting weaker and weaker. I'm afraid I'm dying soon."
"Your Majesty, please don't use such harsh words. I am certain that you will live a long life as the emperor of the Bright Dynasty." The empress held his hand in turn. "Look, now you are awake! I am sure you'll be getting much better in the forthcoming days."
The emperor shook his head and waved at Felix. "Felix."
"Father." Felix panicked as he saw the emperor awake. He quickly regained his composure and knelt in front of the emperor. "Father, I'm so happy to see you awake. I feel so relieved right now."
"I think it's still early to say that you are relieved!" the emperor said, clearing his throat. "You will have to bear the heavy burden of the throne."
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