Chapter 772: Earth Shattered (Part 1)

"Have you ever found out where the rumor originated?"

Yun Cheng shook his head. "It's not confirmed yet. But this rumor is so powerful, there must be someone behind it. Prince Jing has been imprisoned, but there are still people working for him, and they have considerable power. It's indeed extraordinary."

Everyone knew that the Fourth Prince Xiao Chenglin had a leg disability. Not to mention competing for the throne, his life was even worse than that of many other young masters from aristocratic families. It was no exaggeration to say that he was struggling financially and leading a miserable life.

But when the time came, so many people suddenly appeared to speak for him.

It can be seen that he is not as non-competitive as he seems.

"Being able to hide from Xiao Chengxuan and live peacefully in the capital for so long is quite a feat," said Chen Yanchuan.

How glorious was Xiao Chengxuan in the past?

If Xiao Chengqi hadn't fought his way out for him on the battlefield, he probably wouldn't have been qualified to compete with him.

No one takes Xiao Chenglin seriously, including Xiao Chengxuan.

Xiao Chengxuan probably didn't even know that the person who harmed him to this extent was not someone else, but Xiao Chenglin, the person he had never cared about.

"I heard that after Xiao Chengxuan learned of the previous emperor's death and the new emperor's ascension to the throne in Yizhou, he attempted to hang himself to be buried with the deceased. Fortunately, he was discovered in time by the guards and rescued. However... after waking up, he seemed to have become mentally unstable. He often smashed things in the house and banged his head against the wall. The other day, he even stripped naked and ran around the yard in the rain. After being forcibly taken back, he developed a high fever and spoke nonsense all day."

Chen Yanchuan lowered his eyes slightly, gently stroking the teacup with his fingertips, and his tone was calm.

"It seems that he still wants to survive."

Yun Cheng nodded. "Whether he's truly mad or just pretending, life and death are all in the hands of the emperor. Apart from this method, he probably has no other options. In comparison, Prince Jing has more tricks up his sleeve."

"Don't worry about him." Chen Yanchuan said calmly, "At this point, he can't cause any waves. Send more people to investigate how this rumor spread. Don't miss a single one."

Yun Cheng was startled, "Yes!"

…

Early that morning, the Princess's Mansion sent a message, asking Ye Chutang to go and see the Princess.

Ye Chutang took Xiaowu on the carriage and soon arrived at the destination.

After walking through the corridor and entering the house, Ye Chutang saw the eldest princess lying on the bed with a haggard face. Only then did he realize that her physical condition had really become much worse.

Ye Chutang frowned slightly and turned his head to ask Zhu Xin, "Why didn't you tell me about the princess's condition earlier?"

Zhuxin wanted to say something but stopped.

The eldest princess heard the noise and slowly opened her eyes and looked over.

Seeing that it was Ye Chutang, a pale and weak smile appeared on her face, but the smile quickly disappeared.

"Chu Tang, you're here. Don't blame them. I told them not to bother you."

Ye Chutang came to the bedside, looked at the eldest princess's complexion, and took out the pulse pillow to feel her pulse.

The eldest princess shook her head and said softly, "I know my own health and I really don't want to bother you in vain."

She sighed softly.

"No matter how good the medical skills are, they can heal people, but they can't heal their hearts, right?"

Ye Chutang withdrew his hand and looked at her quietly.

The death of Emperor Mu Wu seemed to have dealt a heavy blow to the eldest princess.

Once a person's spirit collapses, his body will soon be unable to bear it.

"Let me prescribe a prescription for you." Ye Chutang said softly.

The eldest princess smiled and clapped her hands, "Okay."

Just then, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard outside.

Along with it came the anxious voice of Princess Qinyang.

"Princess!"

She walked quickly all the way over and was stunned to see Ye Chutang there. Then she saw the haggard eldest princess.

The eldest princess reluctantly sat up, her voice as kind as ever, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Princess Qinyang's eyes instantly turned red.

"Princess, Concubine Rong—is dead!"

The eldest princess suddenly became anxious, "How could this happen?"

Princess Qinyang quickly wiped away her tears, her voice choked with sobs.

"I heard from the palace that after the late emperor passed away, Concubine Rong was extremely sad and ate very little every day. This morning, she... passed away with the late emperor!"

The eldest princess fell into a long silence, and after a long time, she let out a long sigh.

"Forget it...forget it! Let her be!"

Rong Fei's health was not good to begin with and she could not withstand any hardship. How could she bear it when she suddenly heard that Emperor Mu Wu had passed away?

Even if you find a royal physician to take good care of you, you won't be able to hold on for long.

"Poor her, she's so infatuated, what is she——"

As the princess spoke, she tilted her head and started coughing violently again.

Ye Chutang stepped forward and patted her back gently, and it took a while for her to calm down.

Princess Qinyang rushed over worriedly, "How are you? Are you feeling unwell?"

The eldest princess waved her hand and said, "I want to be alone for a while."

Princess Qinyang wanted to say something, but out of the corner of her eye she saw Ye Chutang gently shaking his head at her.

Princess Qinyang had no choice but to suppress the waves in her heart and retreated reluctantly.

"Then I won't disturb you anymore. Have a good rest."

The eldest princess touched her cheek with a smile and said, "Good girl, go ahead."

Ye Chutang gave Zhu Xin and the other two a few more instructions, then retreated with Princess Qinyang.

Princess Qinyang looked back, her eyes full of worry. After walking a distance, she couldn't help but whispered,

"Chu Tang, the eldest princess's body..."

"She's fine for now." Ye Chutang shook her head. "However, the passing of His Majesty and Concubine Rong must have saddened her. She needs to recuperate well in the mansion."

Princess Qinyang knew that she was saying this to comfort her.

She had also seen the eldest princess's expression just now, which was really not good. Plus, she was old now, and if anything unexpected happened, she would probably...

But it had already happened, and there was nothing the rest of them could do.

The only thing I can do is to take good care of her as much as possible.

Princess Qinyang was filled with melancholy and murmured, "So many things have happened in the past few days..."

It seems that everything has changed overnight.

Ye Chutang didn't say anything, just listened quietly.

The alternation of the old and the new is inevitable, and everything can be predicted.

But when the moment finally comes, it is never so easy to accept.

Princess Qinyang lowered her head and gently kicked a small piece of stone away.

"Chu Tang, do you know? I haven't seen my mother since I was a child. It was the Princess and Concubine Rong who always kept me by their side, taking care of me and doting on me."

In her heart, they are all very, very important people.

Ye Chutang paused and said softly, "They must all know what the princess is thinking."

Princess Qinyang seemed a little absent-minded.

After a long while, she turned around with a look of confusion and helplessness in her eyes.

"Chu Tang, you know what? I knew this day would come, but... I didn't expect it to be like this. I thought I wouldn't care."

Ye Chutang looked at her.

"What has the princess heard?"

Princess Qinyang had a complicated look in her eyes.

"…Rumors abounded in the capital, claiming that Prince Lie was plotting rebellion and forcing the late emperor to pass the throne to him, claiming his accession to the throne was illicit. It was said that the ministers were furious and vowed to demand an explanation."

"This matter... do you know?"