Empress Dowager Mo hurriedly rushed to Yangxin Hall, almost all the Imperial Medical Bureau’s doctors on duty had arrived here. Those who weren’t present were on their way back, and in addition, there was a group of concubines crying and calling for the Emperor outside the hall.
Once the mountains collapse, their fates will have to undergo great changes. It’s understandable they’re anxious.
Upon hearing the cries, Empress Dowager Mo felt sharp pain pulsing through her forehead. Holding tightly onto Nanny Shui’s hand, she coldly glared at the group of young concubines and said, "Why are you all crying? Return to the palace immediately. You’re not allowed to move around recklessly. Anyone who disobeys my decree will be sent to the Cold Palace. Eunuch Ning, see to it they are escorted back to the palace. Where have Consort Lan and Virtuous Consort gone?"
"Empress Dowager, it seems the Eldest Imperial Son and Second Imperial Son are not well. Noble Consort and Virtuous Consort have both fainted," reported Eunuch Ning.
Empress Dowager Mo’s heart skipped a beat, her complexion turning even paler. It appeared that matters were more serious than she had anticipated.
She entered the sleeping quarters, only to see Emperor Yan lying on the bed with a grayish face. Her legs nearly gave out beneath her, almost causing her to fall.
What Ah Jiu said, that the Amethyst star is dim, on the verge of falling, could that day be today?
Empress Dowager Mo couldn’t describe what she was feeling inside, a sourness and pain were unbearable. She cried out loudly, "Emperor!" Seeing everyone kneeling in salutation, she urgently said, "Why are you still kneeling? Quickly, get up and treat the Emperor, quickly."
"Madam, let’s wait outside. With you here, the Imperial physicians won’t be able to perform their duties properly!" suggested Nanny Shui.
Empress Dowager Mo nodded, holding onto her hand as she walked out, sat inside the hall, and accepted the hot tea offered by a palace maid. She sipped it, her trembling hands cupping the teacup.
Suddenly, piercing cries came from outside. She frowned, visibly displeased. Nanny Shui gave the palace maid a sign, and the maid went out to investigate. She soon returned and reported, "Empress Dowager, Noble Consort and Virtuous Consort are requesting an audience."
Empress Dowager Mo walked out and sat in the grand hall where Emperor Yan usually handled state affairs, summoning them in. She saw two normally high-ranking imperial consorts entering in tears, kneeling on the ground and babbling incoherently, nothing more than pleading for the Empress Dowager to issue an order to rescue the princes who had gone to participate in the worship ceremonies.
Empress Dowager Mo suppressed her anger, instructed them to return to the palace and wait calmly, and restrained the imperial consorts. Meanwhile, she sent someone to invite the General Secretary and other ministers for deliberation, as well as inviting Ah Jiu to the palace to preside over the matters.
Beiyan had yet to appoint a Crown Prince, the Emperor remained unconscious, the Empress was confined, and with such a major incident, only Empress Dowager Mo could temporarily preside over the situation. The only person she could trust and rely on was Ah Jiu.
Even if someone accused her of seeking personal gain, she couldn’t care less now!
She glanced in the direction of the sleeping quarters. The Emperor had retreated in time and bore no wounds from blades or such, yet he was unconscious and reportedly vomited blood. Why was that?
The matters at Imperial Jue Temple spread rapidly, and some from the General Secretary were already present, arriving promptly upon Empress Dowager Mo’s summons.
Empress Dowager Mo regained her decisive and fierce youth, issuing one order after another. With Emperor Yan unconscious, internal chaos in Beiyan could not be allowed. Thus, she immediately ordered the sealing of news.
The border garrison and defensive troops were to remain cautious.
The defense within the palace was similarly increased, with guards surrounding Yangxin Hall to prevent spies from infiltrating.
As events unfolded, and the palace’s defensive measures escalated, both palace maids and eunuchs conducted their duties with caution. All news concerning the palace was barred from spreading, and any suspicious individuals were to be apprehended and imprisoned immediately, regardless of their background, unless holding an official warrant.
For a moment, within the palace, there was a sense of palpable unrest.
Someone glanced at the pitch-black sky, sensing an impending change!
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter