Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1165 - 165: The Death of Noble Princess Consort Rong

The demise of Prince Dai and Prince Yue shattered Noble Princess Consort Rong, pushing her to the brink. Realizing the Emperor’s heart was never hers, her will to live completely evaporated.

Her illness, which had been slowly worsening, accelerated its pace. Within mere days, the once vibrant and noble peony transformed into a fragile blade of withered grass.

Without the will to survive, no remedy could offer solace. She teetered on the precipice of life, clinging by the barest thread.

Jin Mei, by her bedside, wept inconsolably, her pleas echoing, "My lady, please do not abandon me."

Delirious, Noble Princess Consort Rong murmured the names of Prince Dai and Prince Yue, interspersed with calls for "father," "mother," and "brother."

Outside the imperial bedchamber, eunuchs and palace maids knelt in unison, their sobs filling the air—some mourning the impending farewell of the Noble Princess Consort, while others worried about their own precarious futures.

The Chief Eunuch of Yongxin Palace sought out Sun Doudou at the gates of Zichen Hall, relaying the grave condition of Noble Princess Consort Rong.

A chill pierced Sun Doudou upon hearing the news. With a heavy heart and a bitter expression, he replied, "The Emperor is still presiding over court. I cannot dare to disturb him with this information."

"Little Mr. Sun, once the Emperor concludes his court session, please inform His Majesty without delay."

"How much longer can the Noble Consort hold on?" Sun Doudou inquired, urging, "Go back and implore the Noble Consort to persevere a little longer; the Emperor will conclude court shortly."

"I shall return immediately. Thank you for your assistance, Little Mr. Sun."

"You are most welcome."

Observing the Chief Eunuch of Yongxin Palace depart in haste, Sun Doudou released a long, melancholic sigh. Alas, to see Noble Princess Consort Rong, who once commanded such presence in the harem, meet such an end... fate truly proves to be unfathomable.

By the time the Chief Eunuch hurried back, Noble Princess Consort Rong had astonishingly awakened. Her complexion and spirit were remarkably restored, showing no trace of her former frailty.

With tear-filled, red eyes, Jin Mei was meticulously attending to Noble Princess Consort Rong’s grooming.

The Chief Eunuch observed this scene, recognizing it as the final surge of vitality before the inevitable end.

As Noble Princess Consort Rong was adorned in her most exquisite attire, the Emperor arrived with haste.

Though Noble Princess Consort Rong was no longer youthful, in that moment, she recaptured the radiance and breathtaking beauty of her early days as a consort.

Within the entirety of the imperial harem, Noble Princess Consort Rong’s beauty was considered peerless.

Donning her ceremonial consort robes, Noble Princess Consort Rong offered a slow, graceful salute to the Emperor.

The Emperor moved forward, extending his hand to help her rise.

Grasping the Emperor’s hand, Noble Princess Consort Rong gazed at him, her eyes brimming with affection. Her voice, though gentle, carried a profound sense of regret, "Cousin, I once vowed to grow old alongside you. Now, I must break that promise. Please do not hold it against me."

The Emperor’s fingers tightened around Noble Princess Consort Rong’s hand, his eyes glistening slightly. "It is I who have wronged you," he declared.

Noble Princess Consort Rong raised her hand, gently caressing the Emperor’s noble features. "Cousin, my deepest aspiration in this lifetime was to be your wife. It is a regret that this wish remained unfulfilled. Therefore, in the next life, you must marry me. You owe me this; you must agree."

A heavy weight settled upon the Emperor's chest. Seeing the hopeful plea in her eyes, he found himself unable to refuse. He gave a slight nod, his voice hoarse as he uttered, "Very well."

Noble Princess Consort Rong’s smile bloomed, and for a fleeting instant, it was as if the peony flower had burst into full, resplendent glory, eclipsing all else.

"Cousin, then I shall await you."

The Emperor’s eyes welled up, his voice thick with emotion, "Very well."

Noble Princess Consort Rong leaned against the Emperor’s chest, her countenance suddenly paling as her voice weakened considerably. "Cousin, though you never held love for me in this life, I still find happiness. I harbor no regrets in marrying you. In the next life, you must love me twice as much."

The Emperor vowed, "Very well."

"Cousin, I must depart now; you must take care..." Noble Princess Consort Rong’s words grew increasingly strained. "I..."

Her final utterance remained unfinished as her hand, which had been gripping the Emperor’s chest, suddenly went limp.

Moments later, funeral bells resonated throughout the capital, tolling the somber news.

At Prince Han’s residence, Zhao Yao sat by a tranquil pond, engaged in fishing. He abruptly heard the mournful sound of the death knell. Standing instantly, he listened intently, counting four tolls.

Noble Princess Consort Rong had breathed her last.

Tong Xi rushed towards him, inquiring, "Your Highness, did you hear the death knell?"

"I heard it—four tolls. It must signify Noble Princess Consort Rong's passing," Zhao Yao commanded Tong Xi. "Prepare my attire; I must proceed to the palace immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Upon the arrival of Zhao Yao and Prince Wei at the palace, a somber white hung over everything, signifying mourning.

The Emperor's edict, granting Noble Princess Consort Rong burial rites fitting an Empress, stirred immense displeasure within Empress Xie, who erupted in fury within Zhao Yang Palace.

Prince Chu and the Ministry of Rites oversaw the funeral arrangements for Noble Princess Consort Rong, orchestrating a grand and solemn ceremony.

Witnessing the posthumous honors bestowed upon Noble Princess Consort Rong, Empress Xie was consumed by intense jealousy.

Fortunately, His Majesty did not suspend court proceedings during the mourning period for Noble Princess Consort Rong; had he done so, Empress Xie's bitterness would surely have festered even more profoundly.