Chapter 333: Champion of the Palace

Chapter 333

Upon hearing the sad news, Xiao Jingheng immediately rushed to Xian Shou Palace.

The imperial physician was kneeling outside the gate, their faces filled with sorrow.

Upon seeing Xiao Jingheng, Guo Imperial Physician Zhou paid his respects before slowly speaking, "Your Majesty... The Empress Dowager's lung disease is chronic, and her internal organs are weak. There is no way to restore her vitality..."

Xiao Jingheng asked, "Tell me, how much time does my mother have left?"

Guo Imperial Physician bowed deeply and mournfully replied, "Empress Dowager... is on her deathbed!"

Upon hearing the words "deathbed," Xiao Jingheng's heart felt like it had been turned upside down, unable to express the mix of emotions he experienced.

He walked heavily into the inner chamber of Xian Shou Palace,

Where a faint smell of decaying flesh permeated the air.

Though the fragrance of southern pear blossoms masked it well, Xiao Jingheng could still discern it.

It was the odor unique to someone on the brink of death, emanating from their body.

Xiao Jingheng lifted the veil and saw the Empress Dowager lying weakly on the bed, Qingzhu tearfully applying makeup for her.

The Empress Dowager said with a smile, "Qingzhu, don't let your hands tremble. Serve me one last time and let me meet the late Emperor with dignity."

Countless candles illuminated the hall, making the night as bright as day.

Xiao Jingheng slowly approached the bed, kneeling before the Empress Dowager and paying his respects.

"Your son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."

"The Emperor has arrived." The Empress Dowager's complexion improved slightly upon seeing him.

She weakly beckoned Xiao Jingheng to come closer. "Come, come to my side."

Xiao Jingheng looked at her withered hand and couldn't help but shed tears.

He remembered the care the Empress Dowager had given him when he was raised by her, surpassing even the care she gave her own sons.

At that time, the Empress Dowager would stroke his forehead and say, "Jingheng, don't be afraid. In the future, you and Jingxuan will be my good children."

And his fourth younger brother, Xiao Jingxuan, was equally generous to him,

Anything the late Emperor rewarded Xiao Jingxuan with, he would share with Xiao Jingheng.

Thinking of this, a subtle change in Xiao Jingheng's expression could be detected,

His hands, naturally resting at his side, clenched tightly into fists, and the long-suppressed resentment surged forth: Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

The love of his birth mother, the late Emperor's rewards—these were all rightfully his!

Why did he have to become dependent on the mother and son, Xiao Jingxuan, now?

"Emperor? Cough... Emperor."

But upon hearing the news of the Empress Dowager's critical condition, she hurriedly rushed over.

When she arrived, a troupe of actors in the courtyard was performing a play, their voices resounding loudly, causing a ringing sensation in the ears.

Inside the main hall of the Xian Shou Palace, the concubines were kneeling on the ground, their tears flowing like pear blossoms. Seeing them, one couldn't help but feel pity.

When everyone saw Song Zhao, they had their own thoughts, but no one dared to say anything and continued pretending to weep.

At that moment, Xiao Jingheng sat at the head, watching Song Zhao intently.

But Song Zhao didn't even spare him a glance, as if he didn't exist. She walked past him directly and headed for the inner chambers.

"Empress Dowager..."

Song Zhao half-knelt in front of the Empress Dowager's bed, holding her cold hand in her own and warming it in her palm.

"I have been unfilial, I arrived late..."

The Empress Dowager held her hand in return. "You are here now, and that's good."

Within the depths of the palace, every step is a calculation,

And precisely because of this, even the tiniest shred of genuine affection from others becomes exceedingly precious.

The same applies to Song Zhao's relationship with the Empress Dowager.

Despite having once used the Empress Dowager to vie for favor, her filial devotion towards the Empress Dowager was genuine.

With reddened eyes, she forced back her tears and smiled as she spoke to the Empress Dowager, saying:

"Empress Dowager, please take good care of your health. Your servant is still waiting to properly serve and honor you."

*Cough cough cough...* The Empress Dowager suddenly coughed violently, gripping Song Zhao's hand even tighter.

"Child, do you know why this lamenting one has always protected you?"

Song Zhao nodded, holding back her tears. "It's because of mother."

"It's because of Rui'er, and also because... this lamenting one saw it early on that you aren't an easy target."

The Empress Dowager paused, facing Song Zhao's bewildered teary eyes, and her mouth struggled to form a bitter smile.

"Keeping you in the Emperor's harem will surely disturb both the harem and the previous dynasty. This... is what this lamenting one most wishes to see."

As the Empress Dowager spoke, the climax of the play "Wangjiang Pavilion" was playing outside.

"Who told you, the crow, to covet the phoenix's nest? Who told you to relentlessly pursue your schemes?"

For an instant, Song Zhao was stunned.

She looked at the Empress Dowager, whose face bore a gentle smile, still radiating kindness and grace.

Yet, the more she did so, the more Song Zhao felt a bone-chilling terror...