Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2025: Sudden Death

Their moods were somber, tinged with a mix of panic and apprehension. Yet amidst the panic, a subtle undercurrent of anticipation lingered.

Since dispatching Daoist Shang Zhen to the palace, Honored Princess Mei and the Fourth Prince refrained from any private communication with him, abstaining from seeking his assistance.

However, Daoist Shang Zhen remained steadfastly aligned with their cause.

Honored Princess Mei understood his temperament all too well. Any attempt to contact him privately, even if innocuous, would risk undermining Daoist Shang Zhen’s credibility with the Emperor, a risk they couldn’t afford to take.

When Daoist Shang Zhen examined Emperor Xuan’s pulse, he shook his head gravely at Honored Princess Mei.

The Emperor hovered on the brink of death. This time, without divine intervention, his survival seemed improbable, unlike the previous two instances.

Perhaps, the Emperor might never awaken again.

Honored Princess Mei’s entire being was taut with tension. Her hands clenched tightly, yet her body quivered uncontrollably.

A tumult of emotions surged within her—nervousness, excitement, terror, fear, determination—all intermingled.

She was acutely aware of what she needed to do, what she must do.

With the Emperor’s failure to depose the Crown Prince, his demise seemed the most expedient resolution.

Departing the Thousand Autumn Palace as usual, Honored Princess Mei maintained her facade.

The palace now lay under her and Daoist Shang Zhen’s dominion. Those loyal to the Emperor had fallen victim to her subterfuge, captured and disposed of, their bodies cast into the well behind the palace. With Daoist Shang Zhen overseeing security, she harbored no apprehension.

But lingering too long risked arousing suspicion.

The Queen and Princess Concubine Virtue posed formidable obstacles.

Over the past two years, with the Emperor’s ailing health, they maintained vigilant watch over the Thousand Autumn Palace.

Their scrutiny extended to any visitor, even one of their own.

Having embarked on this path, Honored Princess Mei knew there was no retreat.

She could only charge forward in one go.

Hence, at noon that day, the crown prince died from drinking a cup of tea in the study of the East Palace!

Honored Princess Mei’s carefully laid plans, embodied in that nail, finally bore fruit after more than a decade.

The sudden turn of events left no room for concealment.

Moreover, Princess Consort lacked the fortitude and resilience to cope. Upon hearing the shocking news of the Crown Prince’s demise, she initially dismissed it as a cruel jest.

Who would dare jest about such a grave matter? Such jesters deserved nothing less than death!

Reality crashed upon Princess Consort with devastating force once she grasped the truth.

In a frenzy, she hurled herself towards the study in the East Palace, clinging to the desperate hope that the Crown Prince could still be revived. Surely, he wouldn’t die—he couldn’t die!

Just yesterday, they shared dinner. This morning, he stood in court. How could someone so vibrant succumb to death?

It had to be a hoax—a cruel deception…

The sight of the Crown Prince’s lifeless body shattered Princess Consort’s resolve completely. Her cries echoed through the palace as she beseeched anyone who would listen to summon the imperial physician, to save the Crown Prince. Little did she know she’d soon be thrust into the chaos—rushing to court, summoning the eldest grandson, and rallying trusted ministers.

The news of the Crown Prince’s sudden demise rippled through the Eastern Palace like wildfire.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince had long prepared for such a moment. Swiftly, he dispatched trusted aides out of the capital to rally support while fortifying the palace with his most capable guards.

Emperor Xuan of Qi had passed away over two hours before the Crown Prince breathed his last. Daoist Shang Zhen, having administered the customary immortal pills dissolved in water, watched as Emperor Xuan of Qi’s breath ebbed away with alarming swiftness.