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Such an elderly person had worried for a lifetime, and it was best to now relax and not burden others with concerns.

Even when Nanny Qi sensed something was amiss at this moment, he wasn’t worried and merely turned back and said, "The more people, the more assurance."

Lian Hua, inside, had finally hidden the crucial item, and with her mind at ease, couldn’t help but come out joyfully to welcome the Emperor.

Upon seeing the Emperor, she walked over with a smile and coyly asked, "Did Your Majesty just finish the court session? Why have you returned?"

So early, still wearing the heavy court robes, it seemed just like he had just come from the court session.

Whenever she saw His Majesty in his court attire, she always thought he looked exceptionally handsome, carrying an aura not ordinary, exuding a natural dignity.

The Emperor pinched her face, "Mhm, just came from the court. I thought today was the day for the Pulse of Peace, so I came back to join you."

Lian Hua’s smile immediately froze; she grabbed the Emperor’s hand and stretched her neck to look behind him, her gaze moving past Nanny Qi, only to see the dark figure of Charcoal Head standing outside the Side Hall with a medicine box, head bowed.

Her heart skipped a beat, dreading to see Charcoal Head, who was fierce and loved to scare people.

Was it again the day to request the Pulse of Peace? Hadn’t it been not long since the last time? How had it come again so soon?

With His Majesty also back, she definitely couldn’t avoid it now...

As her gaze moved past Huang Zude, she suddenly noticed an amiable old man beside him with white hair also carrying a medicine box?

She was stunned, slowly turning her head back with a mind full of question marks looking toward the Emperor, her eyes querying why there were two Imperial Physicians.

The Emperor, seeing her dazed and adorable demeanor, which included a mix of resistance and panic, couldn’t help but affectionately stroke her soft hair, explaining, "I too am due for the Pulse of Peace today."

"Oh, I see..." Lian Hua breathed a sigh of relief, thinking there was something wrong with her that required two Imperial Physicians to examine her, nearly scaring her to death.

If two Imperial Physicians were needed, it must be a serious matter, one might not suffice, therefore another was necessary, she understood clearly.

Fortunately, fortunately, the kind old man was there to take the Pulse of Peace for His Majesty, and not for her; she was truly frightened.

She patted her chest, glancing reproachfully at the Emperor, her cheeks puffing out, "Why didn’t you say so earlier, Lord? I thought they were both here to examine me."

Well...His Little Concubine was quite astute, but now he absolutely couldn’t let her think that way, or she might cry out, which would turn into a big issue.

He still needed to think of a strategy, to take a more indirect approach.

The Emperor held her hand and walked inside, subtly suggesting, "It’s my fault, today just happens to be the day I am due for the Pulse of Peace, so I thought I’d come with you and also spend time with you and Nanny Qi."

While speaking, he glanced back, leading Lian Hua to a corner to stand, shielding her inside.

Zhang Qing, understanding the hint, immediately led people into the hall to begin arranging chairs meticulously according to a rehearsed plan, determined to succeed swiftly.

Lian Hua’s attention was all on the Emperor, feeling very intrigued to hear such a thing: "Lord, you also need to have the Pulse of Peace?"

She had never seen it before.

His Majesty was strong and, unlike her, not pregnant; he also needed it?

Ah, yes, she remembered. She had heard before that His Majesty’s health mattered greatly to the state and needed to be well looked after, so whether there was something or nothing, it was necessary to invite the Pulse of Peace. However, she had only heard about it and had never seen it done.

The Emperor was pondering how to let her have her pulse taken by the Imperial Medical Bureau without her noticing.

Hearing this, he chuckled, "Yes, I need it too, and so does Nanny Qi, everyone needs it.

The so-called Pulse of Peace is merely a way to reassure, meant to put people at ease, missing it is not an option, and it does not mean there is illness. "

Lian Hua nodded understandingly, realizing that His Majesty, like her, also needed to have his pulse taken.

Thinking about this, she felt somewhat happy, her lips curling up slightly. What she had once resisted no longer seemed so unbearable.

His Majesty wanted to accompany her. He had come back specifically to be with her, so what was there to fear?

Having her pulse taken with His Majesty felt different; she felt much more reassured, though she didn’t know why.

As for Nanny Qi, in her heart, she was a protector, and Lian Hua felt she must protect Nanny Qi.

When having her pulse taken with Nanny Qi, that Charcoal Head always made troubling remarks, mentioning her frail spleen and stomach, and dietary precautions, as if Nanny Qi would be prescribed medicine soon. This alarmed her, and she secretly worried about her grandmother.

After worrying about Nanny Qi, it was her turn to have her pulse taken, and she had to worry about her own condition, which was always very distressing. Seeing Charcoal Head about to speak, she felt scared, always fearing he would say her medicine doses would increase from five to ten.

So, it was no wonder she spoke ill of Charcoal Head with Concubine Fang Pin; she could only hold her nose and endure in front of Charcoal Head.

But now, His Majesty was having his pulse taken with her too, by her side, thinking of everything for her, which made her feel very reassured.

Having realized this, she felt cheerful and smiled broadly, "Your Majesty, let’s invite the Pulse of Peace together then."

While saying this, she shook the Emperor’s hand, smiling sweetly.

This made the Emperor’s heart flutter, as Nannan trusted him so much, yet what occupied his mind was how to deceive her into the trap, ah...

Whenever he faced his Little Concubine, his resolve was never strong enough; he had to continually reassure himself that what he was doing was for her own good and a necessary evil.

The Emperor, masking his feelings, still replied with a smile, "Yes, together with you."

After agreeing, he turned to glance at Nanny Qi, who was standing outside and temporarily could not come in, and discussed with Lian Hua, "Shall we let Nanny come first?"

Lian Hua nodded, "Indeed, she usually goes first."

After Nanny Qi was done, then it would be her turn; it was always like this, with Nanny Qi leading by example and her following behind.

Nanny Qi, standing outside, became even more convinced of her own suspicions. Glancing at the two Imperial Physicians beside her, and seeing the turmoil inside, she thought there must be something fishy about just taking a Pulse of Peace with such an elaborate setup.

With Pang Ya supporting her, she didn’t ask further, calmly waiting, seeing through all but keeping her thoughts to herself, and watched what craftiness the Emperor was up to. It seemed like he was setting a trap for the young lady, but perhaps it was not a bad thing.

As Lian Hua agreed to let Nanny Qi have her pulse taken first, she wanted to look for Nanny Qi; however, standing face-to-face with the Emperor, whose tall stature completely blocked her view, she could only crane her head to see out.

She then noticed that the hall had completely changed in appearance, leaving her somewhat stunned.

She had heard noises earlier but had not seen how Steward Zhang and his men had rearranged everything. Now she could see clearly.

The original tables and chairs had been moved around; the tables had been taken out, with intentions to bring in two small square tables arranged with one in front and one behind with two chairs each, one end for the Imperial Physicians and the other for those being examined.