The court officials dared not be negligent and stepped forward one after another to report on government affairs.

Hongyao listened attentively, sometimes asking about details, sometimes making decisions, without the slightest sign of panic.

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, eminent monks and Taoist priests gathered together.

Emperor Yongzheng stood solemnly before the palace.

Hongxi and Hongsheng stood behind him.

Let's pray for the Queen together.

The high monk held prayer beads in his hand and chanted scriptures, the sound of chanting lingering in the air;

The Taoist priest waved his whisk, performed the ritual steps, and talismans flew around.

Incense smoke rises from the incense burner, swirling among the halls, as if to send the prayers to the heavens.

Emperor Yongzheng closed his eyes and meditated, silently praying, "Yun'er, you must wake up..."

His fingertips trembled slightly; he had never felt so powerless.

As the emperor, he was unable to awaken his beloved, and this pain tore at his heart like a knife.

——

Inside Prince Yi's residence, Daiyu nearly dropped her teacup upon hearing the news that the Empress had fallen into a deep sleep.

Her expression changed drastically, and she quickly stood up: "Prepare the sedan chair, I need to go to the palace immediately!"

Hongtun took her hand and said gently, "I'll go with you."

In Kunning Palace, Daiyu hurriedly stepped into the inner hall and saw Zhaohua looking haggard, her heart aching.

She stepped forward lightly, knelt by the bed, took Lin Yun's other hand, and whispered, "Godmother, Yu'er has come to see you..." Her voice was as gentle as the wind, but it failed to awaken the sleeping person.

Daiyu's eyes were slightly red, and she held back her tears. She turned to Zhaohua and said, "Zhaohua, your godmother is blessed with good fortune and will definitely get better."

Zhao Hua nodded, suppressing her grief, a hint of comfort flashing in her eyes: "Thank you, Sister Yu'er. I also believe that Mother will wake up."

——

Throughout the court and among the common people, officials and citizens alike prayed for the Empress's well-being.

Temples and Taoist monasteries are bustling with worshippers; in the streets and alleys, people spontaneously set up altars to pray.

No one dared to cause trouble at this time, and the entire capital was shrouded in solemnity and anticipation.

——

One month later, at Guangzhou Port.

The East India Company spies gathered in the shadows, talking in hushed tones.

"The news has been confirmed? The Empress of the Qing Dynasty is unconscious, the Emperor has suspended court, and the young Crown Prince is ruling?"

"Absolutely true! This is the perfect time for us to act!"

The spies were delighted and quickly encrypted the message, sending it back to the company headquarters via merchant ships.

"The Qing Dynasty is beset by internal and external troubles; our opportunity has arrived..."