Yuanyuan and Lu Feiyan then went inside.

As the banquet began, Emperor Hui was helped in by Hua Zisheng. Xie Zhaozhao's heart suddenly felt like it had been gripped by someone, and her hands, clasped in front of her chest, trembled slightly under her sleeves.

Emperor Hui looked ashen-faced, with high cheeks, sunken eyes, and completely white hair. His dragon robe hung on his body as if it were on a thin wooden frame.

He sat at the table, looking at everyone, his voice a little hoarse: "The scenery is beautiful during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the moon shines brightest in my hometown; the flowers are similar year after year, and people long for each other year after year; we eagerly await good news, and share this moment though we are far apart..."

These words brought no joy to Xie Zhaozhao's heart; instead, she felt a pang of sadness and unease.

Your Majesty seems to be nearing the end!

The outcome of the power struggle with the Wei family is still uncertain, yet four princes have already passed away. How heartbroken His Majesty must be.

"Let us all raise our glasses and wish for the frequent good news." Consort Xi first offered a cup to His Majesty, who reached out to take it. Seeing Consort Xi raise her cup, he also raised his.

After drinking with everyone, the young ladies from various mansions performed their talents. Emperor Hui was listless, frowning from time to time, and did not say anything more.

Consort Xi smiled gently and served him food, which he occasionally ate.

After the talent show, Consort Xi toasted everyone: "Your Majesty is unable to hold your liquor, so I will toast you all on your behalf. May the country be prosperous and peaceful, and may it last forever."

After everyone drank a cup, Emperor Hui suddenly announced without warning:

"Consort Xi is skilled in domestic affairs, born into a distinguished family, and is naturally virtuous and diligent in promoting good morals. Now that the harem is without a mistress, Consort Xi is hereby appointed as the Empress of the Great Gan Dynasty and given the authority to manage the harem... This will be announced to the world tomorrow."

Xie Zhaozhao was greatly surprised again, but her family members reacted quickly, saying, "Congratulations, Your Majesty the Empress!"

Xie Zhaozhao also joined everyone in offering their congratulations.

Out of the corner of my eye, I quickly glanced around and saw that the first to bow and offer congratulations were not Madam Liu, not the old lady of the Xie family, nor Madam Zhang from a prominent family, but Princess Liang, the wife of Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel, and the wife of Vice Minister Zhai of the Ministry of Justice!

Looking at the vast crowd before her, amidst the deafening chants of "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!", Xie Zhaozhao clearly heard a very faint voice: "Madam, His Majesty has been poisoned!"