The eunuch had been gone for a long time, and it seemed that everyone in the courtyard was about to collapse. Several concubines had already fallen, and the anxious cries for help from the maids echoed through the courtyard.

Zheng San couldn't help but get anxious, frequently looking back at the end of the corridor, but no one appeared in the end.

Several concubines, seeing their companions collapse and themselves nearly unable to hold on, wept uncontrollably, pleading through their tears, "Eunuch Zheng, please go and ask the Emperor! We can't hold on any longer! Please!" At this point, they couldn't care less about anything else and even began to use respectful language when addressing Zheng San.

Consort Shu stood ramrod straight, stubbornly kneeling before them. Forcing herself to stay focused, she stared straight ahead, her lips trembling as she uttered each word slowly and deliberately:

"Eunuch Zheng, please grant me an audience with the Emperor. I am willing to kneel here indefinitely and take full responsibility for all my sins. I only beg Your Majesty to forgive all the concubines in the harem, especially Consort Mu; I fear she cannot hold on any longer!"

Before Zheng San could say anything after Consort Shu finished speaking, a clear and pleasant male voice rang out, its tone filled with confusion: "What crime does Consort Shu intend to bear alone?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a handsome man walking out of the palace gate. He was dressed in fine clothes and had a face like jade. A thick cloak shielded him from the wind and snow. A little eunuch held an umbrella for him, and behind him followed Cheng Yi, who was dressed in black and had a serious expression.

The man was of noble status and possessed an impressive presence. After only a moment's glance, everyone immediately bowed and greeted him, saying, "This servant greets Prince Yuan!"

Emperor Jingyuan rushed back, and as soon as he entered the gate of Qianyuan Palace, he heard Consort Shu's words of fearlessness in the face of death, which aroused his curiosity.