Chapter 394: Life on the Line

Chapter 394

Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting undulating spots of light on the magnificent golden hall.

The spots of light were dazzling, Finnd new chapters at novelhall.com

just like Xiao Jingheng's agitated mood at this moment.

Hearing Xiao Jingyan's words, he was shocked and even started stammering as he spoke,

"Is, is that true?"

Xiao Jingyan said firmly: "This younger brother would not dare to deceive Imperial Brother with half a sentence. The Second Prince is now being raised in Hengzhou, and has grown up safely."

Every word seemed to carry a heartwarming warmth.

They entered Xiao Jingheng's heart through his ear, bringing tears brimming up in his eyes.

He quickly helped Xiao Jingyan up from the ground and hugged him tightly.

It had been many years since the brothers shared such an embrace.

Hearing Xiao Jingheng's soft sobs, Xiao Jingyan was moved that this was the first time he had seen Xiao Jingheng shed tears, though he did not know if it was because he missed his son or because of something else...

"Does Imperial Brother blame this younger brother?"

"Why would I blame you? You have filled the regrets in my heart, so that I don't have to live in guilt for the rest of my life. How could I blame you? I should reward you even more!"

Xiao Jingheng's eyes brimmed with hot tears. After loosening his embrace on Xiao Jingyan, he patted Xiao Jingyan forcefully on the shoulders, unable to contain his excitement.

"Good! Very good! Go to the Candle Shadow Monument. You go to Hengzhou first to bring Cheng Yu back. After Cheng Yu returns to the palace, I will make you a Regent with hereditary privileges that cannot be revoked by future emperors!"

Faced with this sudden bestowal, Xiao Jingyan was also completely unprepared.

But before he could thank the favor, the panicked voice of the little eunuch came from outside.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

'Bang!'

The door of the main hall was hastily pushed open. The little eunuch ran to Xiao Jingheng with an ashen face, stuttering:

"Your Majesty... the Empress... the Empress fell from the Cloud Terrace and was severely injured and unconscious!"

"What?!"

After the incident, I immediately went to the Cold Palace to question her. It seems Lady Dai has gone insane. When she heard that the Empress was gravely injured by Zhao Baozhong and struggling between life and death, she... she laughed maniacally and bluntly said...she had her revenge..."

Since the culprit herself admitted that she sent someone to harm Zhao Hua, there was no need to investigate further.

Xiao Jingheng was furious. He swung his arm and swept everything within reach on the table to the ground.

Ceramics and jade cups shattered. The frightened consorts and concubines knelt down together.

"Quell your anger, Your Majesty..."

Xiao Jingheng bellowed: "Take that wretch to the execution ground immediately! I want her Quartered by Five Horses!"

Quartered by five horses was the cruelest punishment, only used on Criminal Ministers guilty of treason since the founding of the Qi Dynasty.

Seeing Xiao Jingheng mete out such punishment to Dai Chunying in anger, the consorts were horrified.

They looked at each other speechlessly, all having turned pale.

Silence filled the hall, so quiet that everyone's breathing seemed noisy.

'Creak'

The door of the inner chamber was cautiously pushed open.

Everyone's gaze instantly shifted over.

Guo Imperial Physician came out bowing with three other physicians. One look at his timid expression as he stared at the floor was enough to know Zhao's condition was not optimistic.

Before Guo Imperial Physician could speak, Xiao Jingheng strode into the inner chamber.

"Zhao!"

He saw Zhao Hua lying peacefully on the couch. Apart from some visible abrasions, she looked as if she was just sleeping.

Guo Imperial Physician followed closely behind, saying apprehensively:

"Your Majesty, I have tried every treatment possible, but none can rouse the Empress. The Empress suffered severe head trauma this time. Now, acupuncture may be the only remedy left. But I am not proficient in it, and inaccurate needling may aggravate her condition. Among the imperial physicians, only Zhang Imperial Physician specializes in the mysteries of acupuncture. He may be able to help. Although he is still recovering from illness, the Empress's safety is too important to delay! Your Majesty should summon him quickly to treat the Empress!"

At this moment, Xiao Jingheng's mind was in turmoil. He didn’t reprimand Guo Imperial Physician, only ordering Jiang Deshun to swiftly summon Zhang Imperial Physician.

He then sat on the edge of the couch, tightly grasping Zhao Hua’s hand with tears glistening in his eyes.

"Don’t be afraid, Zhao. I definitely won't let anything happen to you!"