"I've been aware of many plots against me. I even have evidence to point fingers, yet I must endure. I know I can only rely on myself; no one will stand up for me, not even the Imperial Grandmother. The palace has more than just one Prince, and she... she wants the winning Prince."
The last sentence the Emperor said with difficulty. These words had been buried in his heart for many years, even Nanny Qi was unaware.
He respected and was grateful to the Former Empress Dowager because she gave him opportunities and sheltered him when he was most vulnerable, allowing him to grow. These are things he would never forget, but he was very aware of the reason behind the Former Empress Dowager's kindness to him.
There was affection, but compared to the imperial power held by the Yuichi family, it paled in significance—that's the familial sentiment of the Imperial Family.
Thus, his feelings towards the Former Empress Dowager were more of respect.
