Emperor Xingwu had fallen into a coma for three full days; by the time he awoke, the royal decree to recall Ye Ke to the capital had already been issued. Even as the Emperor, even with the desire to stop it, he could not disregard the will of the court ministers and the citizens throughout the city.
Learning this news almost made him faint again from anger, but he managed to hold on, though his health plummeted drastically.
"It was you who orchestrated this, wasn't it? It was you." Lying in bed, he pointed at Empress Liu, trembling with rage.
"Your Majesty, you are unwell. Please rest more. The affairs of the court can wait, as various ministers are there. Ke'er will soon return to the capital; he will help share your burdens," Empress Liu affectionately tucked him in.
