NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4. Before the Incident.
“What’s your plan now? Your secret is on the brink of getting out. If he catches wind of it, he won’t just let you off the hook. How about I sneak you out of here tonight?”
Qin Yuan emerged from behind the screen right after the Emperor exited the Imperial Consort’s chambers. He cast a worried glance at the weary Imperial Consort Chen lying on the bed, his expression grave.
“I’m sorry, I just can’t. My body can’t handle it anymore. And as for my child, I can’t bear for him to suffer like me. I want him to enjoy the luxuries of life within the royal family.”
The Imperial Consort remained still on the bed, her gaze fixed on Qin Yuan with wide-open eyes devoid of any light. She was resigned to her fate and prepared to sacrifice herself for the sake of her child.
“But if you stay in the palace, he won’t let you go easily. Come with me instead. We’ll escape to a faraway place. The world outside is vast, with endless possibilities. We’ll find a place to start anew.”
Qin Yuan noticed that the Imperial Consort looked downcast. He knew he had to uplift her spirits. He didn’t want to see her lose the will to live.
“Ever since I entered the Cang Qian Imperial Palace, I’ve changed. I can’t go back to who I was. Thank you for still treating me the same, but we have no future together. If there’s another life, let’s be together again!”
The Imperial Consort was deeply moved by Qin Yuan’s words and started to cry. Although she belonged to Emperor Cang Qian now, Qin Yuan, this foolishly brave man, still didn’t resent her. He was willing to take such a huge risk to try to save her. A tear rolled down her cheek.
“Don’t give up. We have a future ahead of us. I’ll treat this child as my own. I won’t let him suffer. Please, come with me. Okay?”
Qin Yuan didn’t give up. He kneeled beside the Imperial Consort’s bed, tears in his eyes, begging her to leave with him.
But even then, Imperial Consort Chen refused. She had made up her mind. Leaving now would only bring endless trouble later. She was exhausted.
“You need to go. If you take us with you, we’ll be dead before we even escape. Don’t worry; Imperial Consort Shu has also given birth to a child. I’ve arranged everything. You don’t have to worry about me anymore!”
The Imperial Consort looked at Qin Yuan, who was kneeling beside her. Her eyes welled up with tears as she gently touched his face. Then she turned her head away, resolutely avoiding his gaze.
Qin Yuan bent beside Consort Chen, sobbing uncontrollably. It felt like this might be their last moment together.
He wiped his tears and looked at the Imperial Consort one last time. Then he jumped out of the window and flew away. No one saw him leave.
The Imperial Consort, lying on the bed, turned her head with all her remaining strength to catch a final glimpse of Qin Yuan. Then she collapsed back onto the bed.
The Imperial Consort and Qin Yuan were once in love. They held significant power within the Blood Clothed Tower. Their master separated them, though, to enable their infiltration into the Cang Qian Empire and access to its highly confidential data.
Their separation was because of the imperial consort’s special status. She held the Cang Ming bloodline and was tasked with an important mission to rejuvenate her nation. As such, her master decided that she needed to reside within the Cang Qian Imperial Palace.
Despite this, Qin Yuan was not deterred. After a few years had passed since the Imperial Consort became part of the palace, he managed to gain entrance as well through his persistence and effort. His goal was simply to be near the Imperial Consort and provide company.
As of now, the background of the Imperial Consort has been thoroughly checked and relayed to Emperor Cang Qian.
The news came to their attention, revealing that the early birth of the Imperial Consort’s baby was due to her being scared. So, Qin Yuan hastily came to remove her from that situation.
But currently, Imperial Consort Chen lacks faith in this world. She is no longer enduring any further pain. To protect her child, she is ready to forsake this world.
She was fearful that Emperor Cang Qian might direct his wrath at her child once he discovered her true origins.
She knew she would not survive, but she wanted her child to live well.
When she learned that Imperial Consort Shu had also had a baby, an idea started forming in her. She wanted to find a path for her child as she approached the end of her life.
Meanwhile, Emperor Cang Qian was already cheerfully heading towards Imperial Consort Shu’s residence.
The Imperial Consort Shu was typically gentle and caring. She extended kindness towards others and aimed to secure herself within the palace walls.
The Imperial Consort Shu had already given birth to the Second Prince, Cang Xuan Jin, and now she welcomed the Fifth Prince into the world. As she cradled the newborn, she awaited the Emperor’s decision on his name.
In her bedroom, the Imperial Consort Shu lay happily, her eyes filled with joy as she looked at her newest child. A sweet smile adorned her face, radiating warmth and contentment.
“My dear Consort, you’ve done marvellously once again. Another prince added to our family! I must properly thank you,” Emperor Cang Qian said cheerfully as he approached, skipping formalities to express his gratitude directly to her.
“This is my duty as a Consort. And I must express my gratitude to you, Emperor, for blessing me with this child,” the Imperial Consort Shu expressed, her smile reflecting her gratitude as she reclined on the bed.
“I am overjoyed beyond words, witnessing both you and Imperial Consort Chen bringing two sons into our world tonight,” Emperor Cang Qian remarked, his eyes brimming with happiness as he glanced between the Consort and the newborn.
“You’re too kind, Your Majesty,” the Imperial Consort Shu replied with a gentle smile, her eyes softening with affection.
“I just left Imperial Consort Chen’s chamber. Remarkably, these two sons bear an uncanny resemblance!” Emperor Cang Qian exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he observed the sleeping infants.
“Surely, Your Majesty jests. They’re still so young; distinguishing features will develop in time. It’s your joy that makes them seem identical,” the Imperial Consort Shu gently retorted, her smile reflecting her playful spirit in response to the Emperor’s enthusiasm.
“I’ve decided to name the Imperial Consort’s child Cang Ling Ye, honoring the departed. And for our own, let’s call him Cang Xuan Jing. How does that sound?” Emperor Cang Qian pondered for a moment before proposing another name.
“Thank you for the name, Your Majesty,” the Imperial Consort Shu responded with a gentle smile, her gratitude evident in her expression.
Emperor Cang Qian remained elated throughout the night, unable to contain his happiness. Little did he anticipate that the following morning, he would receive shocking news: Imperial Consort Chen was allegedly an assassin planted by the Blood Clothed Tower. The revelation left him bewildered and disbelieving.
Emperor Cang Qian’s shock and disbelief quickly turned to determination as he realized the gravity of the situation. Ignoring concerns for the Imperial Consort’s fragile health, he hurried to her palace, driven by the urgent need to uncover the truth behind these disturbing allegations. With a sense of urgency and resolve, he sought to confront the Imperial Consort directly, determined to get to the bottom of the matter.
That was why the Imperial Consort Chen was forced to death by Emperor Cang Qian.