Xie Qi’s words struck the Empress Dowager’s heart like a heavy hammer. Her face turned deathly pale in an instant, and tears spilled from her eyes, uncontrollable and unstoppable.
The thought of her own flesh and blood suffering such profound hardships among the common folk tore at her heart, leaving her in agonizing grief. Choking back sobs, she murmured, "Let... let your mother... take a good look at you, may I?"
Lu Xingze sat quietly, listening to the Empress Dowager’s emotion-filled words, his heart a turbulent mix of feelings. Instinctively, he reached out and gripped Xie Qi’s hand, as if only then could he calm the ripples within him.
Chapter 205