Chapter 1962: Chapter 1900: Oppressive Atmosphere

Eunuch Lu and his companions came swiftly and left just as quickly. That palace gate, which had been opened for less than one Shichen, was once again tightly shut.

Empress Song remained sprawled on the ground, blankly staring with an empty mind.

"Your Majesty," the Palace Matron approached with trembling steps to assist Empress Song.

"Go away!" Empress Song forcefully brushed her hand aside, stood up, and looked outside the hall. Her eyes were filled with malice, and her face, made more angular by her gauntness and protruding cheekbones, radiated spite and resentment.

The Palace Matron, pushed by her hand, fell to the ground, feeling a dull pain in her spine and cried out in pain.

Empress Song ignored her, walked to the doorway, and expressionlessly gazed outside, trying to see the entire imperial palace through the palace walls.

She was doomed!

Eunuch Lu had said so.

Empress Song’s lips pressed into a tight line, her eyes showing a hint of determination. No, she would not die, absolutely not.

Eunuch Lu handed over the items he had confiscated from Empress Song to Bai Xiaobai and the imperial physicians, and then reported it to Ah Jiu.

Ah Jiu pondered for a moment and said, "I am aware of this matter. The aftermath from the Imperial Jue Temple is still being dealt with. Organize everything and wait for the Imperial Brother to wake up; let him decide."

The Emperor of Beiyan is still alive. Empress Song is his lawful wife, and there has never been an Imperial Edict for her deposition. Except for the most revered Empress Dowager Mo, no one can bypass the Emperor to deal with her.

Until the end, Ah Jiu would not ask Empress Dowager Mo to make a decision.

Eunuch Lu responded softly, carefully glancing at Ah Jiu. Will His Majesty really wake up?

Ah Jiu was very busy, busy matching wits with the cunning ministers, ensuring internal stability, and keeping an eye on the external affairs.

While Wufu took the Little Prince Jhin Mingdong back to Prince Jin’s Mansion, closed the doors, and lived their days. Although staying at Cining Palace was not inappropriate, given the turbulent times, it was better not to stay in the palace to draw attention.

In the harem, just as Empress Dowager Mo anticipated, upon learning the news of the Eldest and Second Imperial Sons’ demise, Consort Lan and Concubine Xian nearly went mad, falling sick one after another, weeping all day, having no heart to manage palace affairs.

Empress Dowager Mo could not let the harem fall into chaos. She took over the duties and appointed two concubines she deemed compliant to assist in managing the harem affairs.

Meanwhile, the Third Imperial Prince did not survive either; he succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the late night of the incident.

The incident at the Imperial Jue Temple not only put the emperor into a coma but also resulted in the death of three princes, with significant casualties among the officials and citizens. As it happened around the New Year, it spread fear and panic throughout the entire Imperial City of Beiyan.

Almost all officials uniformly returned home, strictly instructing their wives or the Matriarchs managing their households to discipline their children and servants, even advising relatives, not to stir up trouble or gossip during this critical time, and avoid drinking and making merry to prevent bringing bad luck upon the Imperial family.

Otherwise, with the loss of several Imperial Princes, if you’re still seen celebrating, it might be perceived as tempting fate. The Emperor is currently unconscious, but there’s no guarantee he won’t wake up and settle accounts in the future.

Thus, the New Year of the twenty-first year in Beiyan Imperial City was unprecedentedly subdued and quiet; even the city’s shops dared not dress their storefronts in red and green with no festive atmosphere for the New Year. Instead, many families were conducting funerals, the oppressive atmosphere left people breathless.

Hearing about the noble families’ strategies outside, Wufu couldn’t help but smile. Noble families are adept at navigating such situations, no wonder they have stood firm as influential clans for many years.

She then emulated them, strictly regulating the household to prevent any impression that with the emperor in a coma and Ah Jiu coming to power, it was a bid to seize the throne.

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