A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1204: He Will Definitely Not Die

"When I ascend the throne, will you consent to be my Empress?"

His voice dripped with condescension, and his gaze held an almost suffocating sense of possession.

Xia Ruqing was already critically weak, her entire frame on the brink of total collapse.

With tremendous effort, she managed a wry smile, propping herself up.

"You?"

"Even if every soul in the Great Chu Dynasty were annihilated, it wouldn't be your turn to claim the throne!"

She had three sons and one daughter counting on her.

Setting aside the fact that Chenchen was already a grown man, both Henger and Yeye were legitimate heirs.

In truth, all three were rightful successors; how could he possibly be considered?

Zhao Junqi let out a booming laugh.

"What?"

"You think even Zhao Junyao is no match for me, and that your ten-year-old whelp stands a chance?"

"Hahaha..."

Xia Ruqing clenched the bedsheet, her pained grip reopening her wounds, a searing agony erupting as blood flowed anew!

"You're speaking utter falsehoods!"

"Zhao Junyao will not perish!"

"He shall never die!"

Zhao Junqi offered a dismissive sneer.

"You still refuse to believe it?"

"The body has already been retrieved from the cave. For the sake of our shared bloodline, I might even arrange a funeral for him!"

"However, the circumstances of his demise will not be dictated by your narrative!"

"In any case... it will certainly have nothing to do with me!"

A body?

Xia Ruqing's heart plummeted into an abyss of dread.

Could it truly be?

No! It's impossible! How could Zhao Junyao possibly die?

He was so formidable, so capable; how could death possibly claim him?

Regardless of what he said, she refused to believe it.

But then again... what about the body? Was there truly a body?

Xia Ruqing swayed precariously, tears of utter despair escaping her eyes.

"I... I refuse to believe it!"

Zhao Junqi observed her hands, now bleeding again as the wounds split open, and his brow furrowed slightly.

"Your wounds were just beginning to mend!"

"How could you be so reckless?"

He turned and gestured to a servant standing nearby.

"Someone, fetch the physician immediately!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The maidservant outside responded promptly and departed.

Xia Ruqing could no longer contain her sorrow, burying her face into the bedding and weeping uncontrollably.

Zhao Junqi exhibited a hint of remorse, his tone softening considerably.

"Qingqing, my affection for you is genuine!"

"If you truly cannot bear to let him go,"

"How about I escort you to see him one final time?"

The offer struck Xia Ruqing's heart with renewed, heavy despair.

"One final time?"

He had the audacity to take me to see a corpse; could it be...

The unwavering resolve she had maintained began to falter for the very first time.

Zhao Junyao!

Could it be that you...

She vividly recalled witnessing the entire cave collapse with her own eyes that fateful day.

No matter how powerful Zhao Junyao was, he was merely mortal, not a deity; he couldn't have simply flown out!

Under such circumstances, what possible use could wings have been?

Xia Ruqing succumbed to complete despair, her tears cascading like a river breaching its banks.

Zhao Junqi appeared somewhat agitated.

"You... please cease your crying!"

"If you don't wish to go, then you needn't!"

"After all, there's nothing to be seen in a body mangled beyond recognition!"

"I implore you, stop weeping!"

Xia Ruqing suddenly lifted her head, her teeth gritted with newfound determination.

"No!"

"I must go! I absolutely have to go!"

"Even if he's nothing but minced meat, I have to witness it with my own eyes!"

A fleeting expression of complex emotion crossed Zhao Junqi's eyes before vanishing instantly. He nodded in acquiescence.

"Very well!"

"Once the physician has tended to your wounds, I shall take you, alright?"

Xia Ruqing inclined her head slightly in a gesture of politeness.

"Thank you!"

...

Approximately half an 'shichen' later, the physician arrived to change her dressings.

Her hands bore grievous injuries, with areas where the skin had been completely abraded. New skin refused to form, and the wounds had begun to fester.

The physician shook his head repeatedly.

"Madam!"

"These wounds must not be bumped or touched; refrain from excessive movement and change the bandages regularly!"

"Furthermore, you absolutely cannot endure any further emotional distress!"

Xia Ruqing was in no state to absorb such counsel.

She barely cared for her own life; why would she concern herself with whether her hands might rot?

Perceiving her inattentiveness, the physician sighed and continued his explanation.

"I am now going to remove the infected and necrotic tissue; it may cause some discomfort, Madam, please bear with it!"

Xia Ruqing lay listlessly on the cushion, her expression vacant, appearing utterly devoid of spirit.

The elderly physician retrieved a small, intricately crafted silver blade, sterilizing it over the lamp flame.

He then used strips of cloth to secure her hands before commencing the delicate task of scraping away the dead tissue piece by painstaking piece.

Zhao Junqi winced, turning his head away, unable to bear the sight.

The maidservant trembled visibly, wishing she could disappear into the floor.

Yet, Xia Ruqing exhibited no outward reaction whatsoever.

Typically so sensitive, she emitted no sound, not even a slight furrowing of her brow this time.

Compared to the torment in her heart, this physical pain was utterly insignificant to her.

What remains to be feared when one no longer holds death in fear?

After another half of a Shi Chen passed, the bandaging of the wound was finally completed.

Following a series of perfunctory words from the physician, the maid saw him out.

Leaning against the plush cushion, Xia Ruqing’s complexion was a deathly white, presenting a ghastly sight.

The agony was not exactly pain; rather, it was an utter depletion, as if her very soul had been siphoned away.

Zhao Junqi’s heart ached with concern.

"Qingqing, are you feeling alright!"

Xia Ruqing’s eyes abruptly snapped open.

"I am well, take me there immediately!"

With no alternative, Zhao Junqi slowly stooped, intending to lift her.

To his surprise, Xia Ruqing recoiled as if confronting a formidable foe.

"If you dare lay a hand on me, I shall cease to exist right before your very eyes!"

A flicker of annoyance crossed Zhao Junqi’s gaze, though he managed to suppress it.

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Very well, I shall not touch you. You may proceed there on your own then!"

Xia Ruqing remained wary.

"Leave now, I wish to change my attire!"

"Oh!"

Zhao Junqi replied with a touch of impatience, turning to depart.

At the final moment, in a gesture of courtesy, he gently shut the door behind him.

Within the confines of the room, only she remained.

Xia Ruqing enveloped herself in the quilt, letting out a muffled cry.

Then, with haste, she dabbed away her tears, donned a fresh set of clothes devoid of any bloodstains, and accompanied Zhao Junqi.

...

Along their journey, her pace was notably slow.

Zhao Junqi proceeded ahead, pausing periodically to allow her to catch up.

It was then that Xia Ruqing began to comprehend.

This courtyard was expansive, lacking the usual bustle of nearby streets or adjacent residences; it presented as… an estate meticulously constructed deep within the mountains.

No wonder!

It explained why Zhao Junyao, despite deploying numerous individuals, had failed to locate him. Such a cunning old fox!

In the mountainous terrain of Guangnan, Zhao Junqi had resided for over two decades, rendering him exceptionally elusive if he desired seclusion!

Haha!

Truly an old fox adept at concealing his capabilities!

This place bore the marks of antiquity, likely erected by Prince Yan!

This father and son pair had, without a doubt, harbored their ambitions for many years!!

While Xia Ruqing maintained an impassive facade, her heart seethed with profound contempt and a deep well of sorrow!

An overwhelming tide of grief threatened to engulf her.

Were it not for the residual flicker of hope within her heart, she would have welcomed oblivion at that very instant!

She could no longer bear to endure such torment.

...

A span of fifteen minutes elapsed during their walk.

They finally reached a secluded dwelling situated in the forepart of the grounds.

From a distance, the house was observable, encircled by an imposing contingent of heavily armed guards.

Upon perceiving Zhao Junqi’s approach, these sentinels promptly offered salutes.

Zhao Junqi gestured dismissively.

"All of you, withdraw!"

"Yes!" the guards responded and retreated.

Zhao Junqi personally advanced to unlatch the door and addressed her.

"Enter and observe."

Xia Ruqing hesitated for a moment, her hands clasped over her chest.

She felt a pull to look, yet simultaneously feared the sight, dreading the despair, and terrified of the possibility of finding him within.

"What? Too fearful now?"

Xia Ruqing tightened her jaw and cautiously stepped inside.