They've already breached the palace, yet all they ask of me is an edict of self-reproach.

When Consort Chen returned from the side hall and saw the scene before her, the dress she was holding instantly fell to the ground, and she froze on the spot.

I was only gone for a short while, how could something like this suddenly happen?

Recovering from her shock, Consort Chen was about to shout that there was an assassin, but she noticed that the man in the bath was looking at her.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty?"

Consort Chen was stunned.

What is Your Majesty doing here?

"Who is she? Why is she in your palace, daring to assassinate me!"

Zhao Ji did not explain, nor did he need to explain, but instead asked the question that had been bothering him.

The woman in front of me is too beautiful; she can't possibly be an unknown person.

assassinate?

Consort Chen was shocked upon hearing this and immediately knelt down, not daring to hide anything: "She is Consort Xiao, bestowed by the late Emperor, and Xiao Yuerong, the eldest princess of the Liao Kingdom."

"Consort Xiao? Wasn't she in the Taoist temple practicing meditation and praying for the late Emperor? How come she's here?"

Zhao Ji frowned.

Consort Chen explained, "When Consort Xiao heard that His Majesty was going to personally lead the expedition, and that the late Emperor had appeared to her in a dream a few days ago, she specially came to the palace to pray for His Majesty's well-being. I have always had a good relationship with Consort Xiao, so after entering the palace, she came to my place..."

"Is that so?"

Zhao Ji pondered for a moment. The other party probably didn't come to assassinate him. They must not have recognized his identity just now, and coupled with his frivolous behavior, they were desperate to kill him.

At the same time, Xiao Yuerong coughed up a mouthful of blood and became unsteady on her feet.

Xiao Yuerong had only vaguely heard the conversation between Zhao Ji and Consort Chen, but she never expected it to be a misunderstanding.

But none of that mattered anymore; Xiao Yuerong could sense that she was about to die.

Seeing this, Consort Chen hurriedly pleaded, "Your Majesty, Consort Xiao absolutely had no intention of assassinating you. Please, Your Majesty, have mercy and save Consort Xiao."

Zhao Ji did not answer, but he had already come to Xiao Yuerong's side and supported her swaying body.

Seeing Xiao Yuerong's pale face, Zhao Ji felt extremely guilty.

In her hazy state of consciousness, Xiao Yuerong saw that the other person had actually embraced her. Xiao Yuerong subconsciously tried to struggle, but at this moment she had no strength left in her body.

Then she remembered that the other person was not a flower thief, but the emperor, so Xiao Yuerong let him hold her.

"Go and summon the imperial physician."

Zhao Ji said calmly, while continuously channeling his true energy into Xiao Yue Rong's body.

The difference in cultivation levels between the two was too great. It was only because Zhao Ji possessed profound internal strength that Xiao Yuerong could hold out until the imperial physician arrived.

"Yes."

Consort Chen immediately got up and ran outside.

After a moment, Zhao Ji couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Although his internal strength was profound, Xiao Yue Rong was too badly injured, and the true energy he poured into her body was like a mud ox entering the sea, having no effect whatsoever.

With such severe injuries, even the imperial physician would likely be of no use.

"Your Highness, I'm so sorry."

Zhao Ji's mind was ultimately that of a modern person; he couldn't bear to watch such a stunningly beautiful woman perish in his arms, especially since he himself was the culprit.

For a moment, Zhao Ji was overwhelmed with guilt and regret.

Although Zhao Ji's continuous and powerful true energy could not reverse Xiao Yurong's injuries, it did restore some of her complexion and made her mind much clearer.

Xiao Yuerong was quite surprised to hear that Emperor Zhao Ji had actually apologized to her.

"Your Majesty, there is no need for remorse. This is all my own fault..."

Thinking that she was about to die, Xiao Yuerong couldn't help but laugh at herself.

It's all her fault for not recognizing Zhao Ji's identity.

If Xiao Yuerong recognized Zhao Ji's identity, she would naturally never dare to attack him.

But the world has everything, except "if," and "what if"...

"Don't worry, I won't let you die."

Zhao Ji's expression was resolute; he thought of the Imperial Advisor, Luo Qingwei.

Upon seeing Zhao Ji's resolute gaze, Xiao Yuerong was momentarily stunned.

Even though it was her first time meeting Zhao Ji, why did she sense a resolute determination in his eyes?

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Although Xiao Yuerong was somewhat flattered, she was well aware of her current physical condition and knew that she probably wouldn't last much longer.

"Let's have a talk."

Zhao Ji picked up Xiao Yue Rong, using his true energy to evaporate the water stains from her body as he walked towards the phoenix bed.

As Zhao Ji held her like this, a blush involuntarily appeared on Xiao Yue Rong's pale face.

Soon, Zhao Ji placed Xiao Yue Rong on the bed, covered her graceful body with a quilt, and continued to send true energy into her body.

"His Majesty!?"

At that moment, Grandpa Hai rushed in in a panic.

Not long after Zhao Ji went inside, Consort Chen suddenly came out and ordered a eunuch to summon the imperial physician, which greatly surprised Eunuch Hai.

Thinking of Consort Chen's identity as the Princess of Xiliang, and fearing that something might have happened to His Majesty, Eunuch Hai disregarded everything else and barged in.

However, when Eunuch Hai saw Zhao Ji sitting safely by the bedside, his heart finally settled down.

"This old servant was worried about Your Majesty's safety, which is why I rushed in. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Grandpa Hai immediately knelt on the ground to beg for forgiveness.

Knowing that Eunuch Hai was loyal, Zhao Ji naturally wouldn't blame him and instructed, "Go to Lingxu Temple immediately and invite the Imperial Preceptor over."

"this……"

Hai Gonggong revealed a troubled expression, and smiled bitterly to himself. Even if Your Majesty went in person, you might not be able to invite the Imperial Advisor. As for this old dog like me, there's no need to say more.

"What? Can't I order you around?" Zhao Ji's expression changed slightly.

"Your Majesty misunderstands. This old servant is worried that we won't be able to invite the Imperial Advisor."

Grandpa Hai was sweating profusely and quickly explained.

"Just say it's my decree!" Zhao Ji said coldly.

"This old servant obeys the decree."

Hai Gonggong dared not say anything more, immediately left Chang Le Palace, and quickly headed towards Ling Xu Temple.

As a top-tier expert, how could Eunuch Hai not sense that Xiao Yuerong on the phoenix bed was already on her deathbed and beyond the help of medicine?

What Hai Gonggong didn't expect was that His Majesty actually wanted the Imperial Advisor to save the other party.

Having spent so many years in the palace, Eunuch Hai naturally recognized Xiao Yuerong on the imperial bed.

"I hope the Imperial Preceptor won't be furious."

Grandpa Hai shook his head secretly.

……

On the phoenix couch.

When Xiao Yuerong saw that Zhao Ji was actually going to invite the Imperial Advisor for her sake, she was shocked but also felt a warmth in her heart.

Although Zhao Ji was the culprit behind all of this, Xiao Yuerong was deeply moved by Zhao Ji's attitude at this moment.

My impression of Zhao Ji as a foolish ruler has changed quite a bit.

However, Xiao Yuerong still held little hope. She was well aware of the extraordinary status of the Imperial Preceptor Luo Qingwei in Dali. Even the late emperor dared not order the Imperial Preceptor around like this, so it was hard to say whether the current emperor could even invite the Imperial Preceptor, let alone get him to save her.

A short while later, Consort Chen entered with three of the most senior imperial physicians in the palace.

The three old imperial physicians were greatly surprised to see His Majesty there, and immediately knelt down to pay their respects.

However, this was not what shocked the three of them the most. When they saw Xiao Yuerong lying on the bed, barely breathing, they immediately felt a chill run down their spines.

Why is Consort Xiao, the late emperor's concubine, here? And her relationship with His Majesty seems to be more than just casual.

Such acts that violated the established moral principles occurred frequently during changes of imperial power.

But how could they, as subjects, possibly know about such royal scandals?