The Girl Who Struggled Through Palace Intrigues to Become the Empress

Chapter 461: Death for Sin

Chapter 461

The night was pitch black and heavy.

Despite the bitter cold of early spring in February, Ruo Xin had always been afraid of the cold, so her room was still heated by several braziers, making the space warm and cozy.

Yet at this moment, Zhao Hua was clearly standing beside the brazier, but she felt no warmth at all.

Instead, it seemed as if the blood in her body was slowly turning cold, almost congealing.

A chilling sensation welled up in her chest, spreading until it froze her throat.

She couldn't think of what to say to Ning Wanshuang.

Having learned the whole truth, Zhao Hua did not blame Xiao Jingheng for anything, because in her heart, she had long ceased to see him as a human being, only as a beast waiting to be hunted and killed.

But she would blame herself.

That day, she had clearly smelled the stench of blood from the medicine bowl in Xiao Jingheng's room.

She had noticed that Ruo Xin easily became dizzy and drowsy.

She had also known that Ruo Xin had developed a blood deficiency syndrome at that time. Fiind updated novels at novelhall.com

But she had failed to connect all the dots and investigate thoroughly.

The heavy affairs of state and trivial matters of the harem had occupied nearly all of her time, as if two completely different forces were pulling her apart, threatening to tear her asunder.

She was too exhausted to be vigilant about every single thing.

And it was this momentary lapse that had indirectly led to Jin Yue's death.

Zhao Hua clenched her fists tightly, her anger and frustration intertwining in her heart.

She was so close to succeeding, so close to being able to strip Xiao Jingheng of his throne.

Just one more step, yet Xiao Jingheng had still managed to shatter Ning Wanshuang's only wish.

Zhao Hua's heart sank, and she quickly tried to dissuade her in a low voice:

"Even if you hate him, sister, it's not wise to move against him directly. If the emperor dies unexpectedly, there will be suspicions about the cause of death. The seasoned officials and military leaders from the previous dynasty could then extend their claws into the harem and request that the most experienced coroners in the capital examine the emperor's body.

Those coroners have spent more time dealing with corpses than with living people. No matter how well concealed, they would be able to uncover the true cause of the emperor's death. So if you take action against him, sister, it means you cannot survive either."

Zhao Hua knew that in Ning Wanshuang's current state of utter despair, she might entertain thoughts of suicide as a means of liberation.

Therefore, to persuade her to live, Zhao Hua had to 'take a different tack', changing the subject:

"For the sake of that filthy beast, does sister really deserve to sacrifice her own life and accompany him in death?"

She took Ning Wanshuang's hand and gripped it tightly.

"I know you're heartbroken, and I understand that your disappointment with that man far exceeds mine. But if you trust me, sister, don't be too hasty. I already have a foolproof plan; only the final step remains to bring it to fruition.

Sister, please be patient for a while longer. I promise you, I will make the emperor pay back the debts he owes you, me, and all the women of the harem, with interest, atoning for his crimes with his life!"

As she spoke, a voice came from outside the door, announcing, "Your Majesty, Consort Yin and Consort Ru have arrived."

"I understand, take them to the main hall to wait."

Upon hearing this, Ning Wanshuang did not linger, immediately rising and saying, "I understand what you've told me. I need to return and stay with Jin Yue, so I'll be going now."

She stood up and started to leave, her foot already crossing the threshold.

But suddenly, she stopped, quickly turned back into the hall, and stood before Ruo Xin's bed, gently bending down to caress the child's face with a pained expression.

"If Xiao Jingheng really used that method, and Jin Yue is gone, he will only become more cruel toward Ruo Xin," she said softly.

Then, looking up at Zhao Hua, her voice grew solemn. "Ruo Xin is also my child. We must protect her well."

Zhao Hua nodded tearfully, "You are Ruo Xin's mother, sister. You still have Ruo Xin, and you have me. In this world, you are not alone."

Ning Wanshuang smiled bitterly and nodded, then left without another word.