Chapter 1412: Unexpected Incident
Chapter 1412: Chapter 1412: Unexpected Incident
The rumor about Princess Consort Ji and her son being cursed by witchcraft is not a secret. Those who should keep an eye on Prince Min Manor are doing so, and Princess Consort Min, being right in the midst of it, is even more sleepless, tossing and turning without being able to sleep. Instead, she decided to light a lamp, copying scripts and praying to calm herself.
But her gaze occasionally falls outside the window, towards Wan Chun’s direction. Watching from afar, she opens her mouth but ultimately says nothing.
In the palace, Empress Dowager Wang is also keeping up with the news. Though she speaks disdainfully of Princess Consort Ji, in reality, her heart softens for her, unsure if the woman will endure this ordeal.
In Yuxue Palace, the new talent chosen to serve the Emperor tonight is only fifteen. After being favored, her face is delicately pink and radiant, now awake with joy and excitement.
Beside her lies the most noble person in the world—the Emperor, her husband technically speaking.
The young talent gathers her courage and lightly turns her head to look at Emperor Chu, seeing his flushed cheeks and knitted brow. Her gaze involuntarily falls on his lips as she carefully edges closer to him.
Perhaps due to shyness, she feels an overwhelming heat beneath the blankets, intense enough to almost cook her alive.
Finally, she’s next to Emperor Chu. The young talent sneaks a glance, biting her lip in embarrassment, her hand under the blankets touching Emperor Chu’s hand.
Hot, very hot.
Is this the Emperor’s hand?
The young talent timidly touches with her fingertips but pulls back, yet seeing no reaction, she dares to reach out again and gently grasps a finger.
Hmm?
The young talent’s shy face slightly stiffens, looking towards Emperor Chu, softly calling out: "Majesty?"
Emperor Chu doesn’t respond.
Feeling slightly panicked, she calls again, this time boldly reaching for his forehead. Once she touches it, she gasps loudly.
Steward Zhou, who has been waiting outside, hears the gasp and approaches the door to ask softly: "Majesty?"
"Someone, come here." The young talent stammers.
Steward Zhou rushes in, ignoring the young talent entirely, directly checking Emperor Chu, seeing his flushed face. His heart skips a beat as he reaches out to probe, his face instantly darkening.
"Someone, take the young talent away, and call Doctor Lu immediately."
The young talent turns pale, wrapped in a blanket, and is taken away.
Steward Zhou dispatches several orders to those inside the palace, and beyond, meanwhile staying by Emperor Chu’s side himself.
...
Song Ci opened her eyes and sat up from the bed.
Her nanny heard the movement and got up, asking softly: "Madam? Do you want some water?"
"Hmm, did you hear anything?"
The nanny paused, listened carefully, and shook her head: "No."
"It felt like the ground shook, as if someone was galloping right past. What time is it now?"
The nanny glanced at the hourglass, replied: "Almost a quarter past the third watch."
Feeling a tightness in her chest, Song Ci massaged it.
Meanwhile, the gate of the yard in the Prime Minister’s Mansion was knocked open, awakening Song Zhiyuan from his sleep.
Upon hearing Jiang Fula outside, Song Zhiyuan’s brow furrowed as he swiftly flipped off the bed, heading to the main house door where Jiang Fula was waiting anxiously.
"What’s the matter?"
Jiang Fula kept his voice low: "Prime Minister, someone has come from the palace. The Emperor has suddenly fallen into a high fever and coma; they request you to enter the palace immediately."
Song Zhiyuan’s pupils contracted: "Prepare yourself."
"Prime Minister?" Madam, half-asleep, saw Song Zhiyuan’s grim face, and her sleepiness vanished.
"The Emperor is in a coma, I must enter the palace immediately. While the Emperor remains unconscious, I will not leave, you must restrain the servants and ensure they do not wander or communicate outside, including Duke Zhongyong Mansion, understand?" Song Zhiyuan’s voice was somber.
Madam’s face turned slightly pale, she nodded stiffly.