Because Liu Xiulan had harbored thoughts of harming Ningbao, the two young maids were more devoted to the affairs of the Third Prince's residence than those of other families.

The women in the palace were filled with anxiety, as were the ministers in the front hall.

Meanwhile, Shen Muyang had already arrived at the military camp two hundred miles away.

He entered the military camp with the secret edict, and soon after, the camp commander ordered the troops to assemble and ride at full speed towards the capital...

After Ning Bao and his entourage entered the palace, they were left in the garden.

However, Consort Liu, the hostess of the palace banquet, never appeared.

Some ladies who were not fully aware of the situation only thought about beauty before entering the palace, and practically never ate or drank anything at home.

It's past lunchtime now, and we haven't even had a cup of tea, let alone a banquet.

Ning Bao never wronged herself; she would occasionally take out a small pastry from her storage talisman and give it to Su Jingshu and Gu Yunrou.

While eating her snacks, Ningbao looked up at the hazy sky. Although it was daytime, Ningbao could see the stars in the sky.

Looking at the dim and lifeless imperial star, she couldn't help but sigh silently. Just a few days ago, she still had three months to live, but now that was all gone.

It seems that holding a high position is not so easy; it takes a lot of life!

......................

Even those who are slow to realize the significance of today's palace banquet now know that it is no ordinary event.

Meanwhile, Consort Liu and her son were in the Emperor's bedchamber.

The elegant, young, and beautiful Consort Liu looked at the emaciated and dying emperor on the dragon bed.

"Your Majesty, even at this point, you are still unwilling to write an imperial edict of abdication and hand over the throne to our Third Prince?"

"Cough cough cough cough!" The Emperor coughed a few times and spat out a mouthful of phlegm. Consort Liu and her son turned their faces away in disgust.

The Emperor, steadying his breathing, glanced calmly at Consort Liu and her son.

"Your Highness, I have already drafted the imperial edict. After my death, a loyal minister will come with the edict to announce it."

The Imperial Concubine should not concern herself with the affairs of the previous dynasty. She should stay in the palace and live a peaceful life as the Imperial Concubine.

While I am alive, you are a Noble Consort; after I pass away, you will become the Empress Dowager. No matter who ascends the throne, your position will not change.

So it doesn't matter who boards the plane, it won't affect you. We've been husband and wife, and as long as you live a peaceful and stable life, I will ensure you enjoy your later years in comfort.

Consort Liu looked coldly at the Emperor.

"Judging from what Your Majesty is saying, you are not planning to pass the throne to my son?"

So who are you planning to give it to?

The Second Prince?

Don't forget that the Second Prince has been imprisoned for many years. His health has deteriorated due to his indulgence in women, and he won't even be able to produce an heir in the future. Passing the throne to him would be tantamount to handing it over to an outsider.

The Emperor looked sharply at the Third Prince.

"Third brother, you want the throne?"

The Third Prince paused for a moment, then looked at the Emperor, who was nearly dying on the bed, and spoke frankly.

"I want to! Is my father willing to give me the throne?"

"Third brother, this position is not suitable for you."

You are lustful by nature, suspicious and tyrannical, and not suited to be an emperor.

Moreover, this position is too tiring. If I had a choice, I certainly wouldn't have tried to seize the throne.

"You are still my most beloved son. I will bestow upon you the title of king and give you a fertile fief. In the future, you can live a carefree life as a leisurely prince on your fief."

The third prince shook his head with a firm gaze.

"Father, I love the throne. What do you say to me?"

If you disagree, I wouldn't mind taking a risk.

The Emperor sighed softly.

"Third brother, give up. You won't succeed."

Consort Liu snorted coldly.

“My son is destined to be emperor. If the emperor does not agree, I will not hesitate to take it myself.”