"I've confirmed it with the imperial physician. The imperial physician said that Francis has long suffered from a serious chronic illness, and his current condition is just a momentary improvement before death. Some days ago, he was seriously ill, and it was doubtful that he would survive past New Year's Day. Strangely, he has become much better after leaving the Imperial Palace. He even had the strength to ward off the sword which would have killed Father. His illness... Don't you think it's rather hard to explain?" said Felix.

"I have also heard from the imperial physician that he was born a very weak body," answered the empress, her eyes lighting up.

"Mother, do you find it believable?" Felix was obviously unimpressed by what she said. If Francis was really born with a weak body, how could it be possible for him to recover as soon as he moved out of the Imperial Palace? There must be something he didn't know.

Holding her teacup in her hands, the empress fell into silence. She

o bold. If anything went wrong with it, they would all be doomed.

"Of course it's reliable. I've been informed that the physician, who is highly skilled, has been working on this all his life. It's almost completed. When I visit him, I can get that very gift for Father as his birthday present. I'm sure he will like it," Felix replied firmly. The gentleness of his smile at that moment was rare, but the coldness in his eyes was permanent. He was absolutely determined to win the emperor's favor this time.

"Well, then I will take your word for it. Take care of yourself well, and prepare the birthday present. Don't let others take it before you, and don't tell anyone. After all, this is the most important thing," the empress said softly. "Since we don't need to beware of Francis, we can just focus all our attention on Matthew."

"Mother, don't worry. It's all in my hands and everything will be taken care of well," Felix replied obediently, keeping the sinister smile on his face.