After returning to the palace from their summer retreat at Jincui Garden, the Empress Dowager and An Shutong were both very quiet. After winter began, the Empress Dowager even fell mildly ill. Feng Yi went to visit but returned to Yaohua Palace in a foul mood.
Although Feng Yi kept it from her, Yun Zhao still found out the truth a few days later.
The Empress Dowager was truly ill, but she tried to use the Emperor's visit as an opportunity. Her desire to have An Shutong receive his favor was still active, and she intended to use the situation to her advantage.
To her surprise, Feng Yi still refused to humor her and stormed out on the spot.
Throughout the winter, the Empress Dowager's health fluctuated. An Shutong also fell ill, and this time, it was a genuine illness, though it was unclear if it was from anger, shame, or fear.
The aunt and niece spent the entire winter doing nothing but recuperating.
