As the Empress Dowager’s personal palace maid, Xuexue naturally had seen them many times. She looked behind Eunuch Li a few times and asked strangely, "Eunuch Li, where is the person unveiling the Imperial Edict? Wasn’t someone supposed to come to treat the Empress Dowager’s illness?"

Xuexue expressed helplessness. She stood there, quite conspicuously behind Eunuch Li, yet the Old Palace Maid chose to ignore her.

Eunuch Li pointed helplessly at Situtu Xueer behind him, "Aunt, she’s the one who has come to treat the Empress Dowager’s illness."

The Old Palace Maid looked shocked, "Wh-what? Isn’t she Madam Situ?"

Eunuch Li nodded, his tone slightly sarcastic, "Madam Situ is talented; she not only does business but also has excellent medical skills. Whether the Empress Dowager’s illness can be cured depends on her."

The Old Palace Maid, worn out these past days by the Empress Dowager, did not catch the sarcasm in Eunuch Li’s words due to her less agile mind and said with delight, "Really, that’s great."

Eunuch Li pursed his lips and said nothing more. He had exhausted himself talking, and Situtu Xueer still insisted on treating the Empress Dowager, so with pressure from the Emperor, he could only say, "Of course it’s true."

The Old Palace Maid immediately left Eunuch Li, grabbed Xuexue, and walked towards the palace, urgently saying, "Madam Situ, you don’t know, these days the Empress Dowager has been suffering, unable to sleep, with eyes wider than a Copper Gong. The Imperial Physicians were worried about her health and prescribed some sleeping aids, but she woke up in less than four hours, refusing to close her eyes. It’s driving the maid crazy. Please, hurry in and have a look."

Xuexue nodded, "Alright!"

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the Empress Dowager’s bedroom.

A few palace maids were standing vigil on both sides.

The Empress Dowager lay on the bed, with eyes wide open; she had become significantly more haggard in just a few days, her cheeks visibly sunken, and now the once smooth face bore faint wrinkles.

"Empress Dowager, the Emperor is filial, posting Imperial Edicts everywhere, and has found a Divine Doctor for you," the Old Palace Maid said softly next to the bed.

Though confused recently and often mistaking people, the Empress Dowager still could respond to questions. Now, her condition was more severe; she would not respond to questions, only stare at the questioner with wide eyes.

The Old Palace Maid turned helplessly to Situtu Xueer, "This is the Empress Dowager’s current condition; her health is deteriorating."

Xuexue replied, "Aunt, don’t worry; the Empress Dowager is blessed and will be safe."

Although the Empress Dowager was ill, she was still lying in bed, ears perked, watching them intently. The Old Palace Maid nodded quickly, "Yes, the Empress Dowager will have a long life and will surely be fine."

At this time, a quick-witted palace maid brought over a chair, placing it by the bed for Xuexue to examine the Empress Dowager.

Xuexue first took the Empress Dowager’s pulse, then took out a needle pack from her bosom, placed it on a nearby table, and opened it, revealing over twenty silver needles of varying sizes.

Xuexue picked up a needle, approached the bed, intending to insert it into the Empress Dowager’s head when her eyes suddenly widened with a flash of fear, clearly frightened by Xuexue’s move.

Xuexue said softly, "Empress Dowager, don’t be afraid; Xuexue is treating you! With the needle, your illness will be cured."

The Old Palace Maid quickly added, "Yes, Empress Dowager, Eunuch Li said Madam Situ has superb medical skill, and the Emperor specifically asked her to come and treat you."