Chapter 441: The Same Care

Chapter 441

Upon hearing the death sentence for Zhao Hua, Concubine Li wept uncontrollably,

When the court attendants dragged her away, she struggled fiercely for a moment before becoming emotionally overwhelmed and fainting.

In contrast, Consort Yun remained eerily composed, so composed that she seemed devoid of a soul, merely a walking corpse,

Her face betrayed no emotion as she was arrested by the palace maids like a common prisoner and led away,

Yet upon seeing Song Zhao's figure about to leave Chaoyang Palace in the distance, she suddenly shouted:

"Song Zhao! Go tell the Emperor that although I am his concubine, I am also a living, breathing human! I lost my mother at a young age and depended solely on my father. Xiao Jingheng has wronged me too greatly - even if I die, I will never let him off the hook!"

Consort Yun's screams grew increasingly shrill, nearly turning into blood-curdling roars of rage,

"He shouldn't think that my death will free him from me! My restless spirit will haunt him ceaselessly, and I will make him lose face before all his subjects! Hahahahahahaha~"

Consort Yun's laughter was chilling like the cry of an owl,

Yet Song Zhao remained utterly unfazed,

She didn't even pause for Consort Yun's ghostly wails and howls, calmly boarding the phoenix palanquin.

Consort Yun's outburst as she vented her emotions before death was something Song Zhao had heard countless times over the years.

She never took such words to heart,

For after all,

If the notion of ghosts and spirits were true, then the number of those seeking Xiao Jingheng's life would be innumerable, far beyond Consort Yun's place in line.

After leaving Chaoyang Palace, Song Zhao and Rongyue rode in separate palanquins, one after the other,

With Ru Ge following at a distance behind them. Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

As they traveled further, the palace maids carrying Rongyue's palanquin quickened their pace,

Soon catching up to Song Zhao, nearly walking abreast.

Song Zhao glanced sidelong at Rongyue, sensing her unease, and spoke softly:

"Cai Ying has already been released from the Judicial Department. She has suffered, but the imperial physicians are treating her. Rest assured, Sister, her life is no longer in danger."

Hearing this, Rongyue expressed both guilt and dejection as she said:

After a moment's contemplation, Rongyue nodded in understanding.

Shortly after, the phoenix palanquins halted at the entrance of Zhuixia Palace. Song Zhao raised her voice to address Rongyue:

"Consort Rong, you were much inconvenienced today. Do not let it trouble you further."

Rongyue alighted and respectfully bowed before Song Zhao's palanquin,

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty, for clearing this servant's name today."

"The Empress merely relayed Ru Ge's account to the Emperor, stating the facts. Consort Yun and Concubine Li brought their fates upon themselves through their own misdeeds."

As she spoke, Ru Ge hurried to join them.

Song Zhao raised her hand slightly and said coolly, "You may both rest now. The Empress shall take her leave."

Rongyue and Ru Ge knelt in unison, respectfully bidding farewell:

"This servant (consort) humbly sees off Your Imperial Majesty."

After seeing off Song Zhao, the two entered Zhuixia Palace,

Intending to part ways in the courtyard and return to their respective quarters, but Rongyue suddenly called out to Ru Ge,

"Does the Precious Consort have a moment?"

Ru Ge startled, turning but not daring to meet Rongyue's gaze, only lowering her head in acknowledgment.

Rongyue said, "Then please join me in my palace for a while."

Once inside the main hall, Rongyue took a seat while Ru Ge stood awkwardly to the side. Seeing this, Rongyue said,

"Please, have a seat. We reside in the same palace, so we will have a long time to interact. There is no need to always stand on ceremony - it will only tire you out. May I address you as Ru Ge from now on? Do you mind?"

Ru Ge did not respond, as if she had not heard the question,

But Rongyue did not press her, saying instead, "Thank you for your assistance with today's incident."

Hearing this, Ru Ge finally raised her head,

Taking a deep breath to gather her courage, she said,

"Your Highness is a wise woman, so you must realize that this servant did not act to protect you..."