Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1157 - 161: Provoking Prince Han

Clad in mourning attire and with her hair askew, Noble Princess Consort Rong, her countenance ashen, prostrated herself at the entrance of the Imperial Study.

Sun Doudou, the gatekeeper of the Imperial Study, observed Noble Princess Consort Rong swaying precariously, on the verge of collapse. He quickly moved to offer support.

Noble Princess Consort Rong's physical state was alarmingly fragile; her lips were devoid of color, and a sheen of cold sweat coated her forehead, face, neck, and back. She fiercely clenched the flesh of her thighs, biting down hard to ward off unconsciousness.

An attempt to speak proved futile, her extreme weakness preventing her from uttering a sound. The very effort to converse threatened to send her into a swoon.

Should any misfortune befall Noble Princess Consort Rong at the Imperial Study's threshold, Sun Doudou and his companions would face severe repercussions. Thus, he once again stepped forward, imploring Noble Princess Consort Rong to depart.

Noble Princess Consort Rong remained resolute, seemingly impervious to his pleas. In reality, Sun Doudou's words barely registered; her ears were consumed by a deafening roar, and the only sensation she perceived was her own increasingly labored breaths.

Noticing Noble Princess Consort Rong's apparent disregard for his words, Sun Doudou turned to Jin Mei, who knelt beside her, urging her to assist Noble Princess Consort Rong back to her chambers for rest.

Jin Mei lifted her head, her gaze a silent plea directed at Sun Doudou: "Esteemed Little Mr. Sun, I implore you, aid my lady in petitioning His Majesty for an audience."

Sun Doudou appeared conflicted. He had, on a prior occasion, entered the Imperial Study to convey Noble Princess Consort Rong's sentiments, yet His Majesty had offered no response.

"Esteemed Little Mr. Sun, I beg of you." Jin Mei continued to perform deep kowtows to Sun Doudou, her fair forehead reddening with each forceful bow.

Moved by compassion, Sun Doudou immediately intervened to halt Jin Mei's relentless prostrations.

"I shall enter once more and present the Noble Consort's case."

Upon hearing this assurance, Jin Mei's face lit up with gratitude: "Thank you, Little Mr. Sun, thank you..." Her thanks tumbled forth in rapid succession.

Before re-entering the Imperial Study, Sun Doudou thoughtfully procured two cups of tea, offering one to Noble Princess Consort Rong and the other to Jin Mei.

Expressing her renewed gratitude, Jin Mei first attended to Noble Princess Consort Rong, carefully offering her water. As Noble Princess Consort Rong's lips remained tightly sealed, Jin Mei had to gently pry them open to administer the liquid.

After taking a sip of water, Noble Princess Consort Rong seemed to regain some of her senses. Just as she was about to voice her thoughts, Jin Mei interjected: "My lady, Little Mr. Sun has entered to intercede with His Majesty on your behalf."

Within the opulent confines of the Imperial Study, Sun Doudou valiantly championed Noble Princess Consort Rong's cause, recounting her dire condition in meticulous detail.

After absorbing the report, the Emperor let out a soft sigh before uttering with a heavy tone: "Admit her."

"As Your Majesty commands." Sun Doudou withdrew, subsequently informing Noble Princess Consort Rong that His Majesty had granted her an audience.

A flicker of hope illuminated Noble Princess Consort Rong's features. She offered a solemn thanks to Sun Doudou before attempting to rise, leaning on Jin Mei's arm. Her legs, rendered numb by the extended period of kneeling, buckled beneath her, causing her to lurch forward.

Sun Doudou swiftly provided support, and together with Jin Mei, they guided her into the Imperial Study.

Witnessing this, Sun Kui hastened forward, taking over the task of supporting Noble Princess Consort Rong from Jin Mei, who respectfully stepped aside.

The Emperor's gaze fell upon Noble Princess Consort Rong's frail form, his eyes reflecting a profound, unspoken sorrow.

"A chair."

"Your Majesty, this humble consort is unworthy of such a seat." Noble Princess Consort Rong remained kneeling on the floor.

Sun Kui and Sun Doudou quietly withdrew.

"Your Majesty, I implore you, spare Prince Dai, Prince Yue, and my brother." Despite her profound weakness, Noble Princess Consort Rong's voice carried a surprising strength.

The Emperor remained seated at his imperial desk, making no move to help Noble Princess Consort Rong from her kneeling position.

"You must understand that rebellion is a crime of the gravest nature."

Noble Princess Consort Rong lifted her gaze, her eyes brimming with tears, her expression one of earnest supplication: "This guilty consort comprehends, but I beg Your Majesty to extend your mercy for my sake and spare them."

The one-time favored consort now appeared utterly wretched; any other heart might have softened, yet the Emperor's remained unmoved.

"The inner chambers shall not meddle in state affairs."

A shadow passed over Noble Princess Consort Rong's eyes upon hearing this decree. She choked back a sob and pleaded: "Cousin, I am aware the harem must remain separate from politics, but they are our children..."

The Emperor cut her off mid-sentence: "Did they consider me their father when they plotted their rebellion?" The memory of his second son's treason brought a flush of anger to the Emperor's face. "I have shown no ill-treatment to my second son and his confederates, nor to your brother, yet they chose to betray my trust."

Noble Princess Consort Rong was well aware that her son and brother's rebellion had severely impacted the Emperor. However, as their mother and sister, she could not bear witness to their demise.

"Cousin, I implore you to spare their lives. Imprisonment for life would suffice."