Qixi’s eyes sparkled with disbelief at the beautiful necklace, something she had only dared to dream about. This could feed her family for several years! Instant joy filled her heart, making her feel that everything was worthwhile.
“Come, Qixi, drink this sugar water, and then you can go,” Xiaoqun said, bringing the sugar water to Qixi.
“Sugar water? No, no need,” Qixi replied, her heart racing at the thought of it, and she quickly waved her hands in refusal.
“How dare you! Do you dare disobey the master’s orders?” Xiaoqun shouted, frightening Qixi.
“This servant doesn’t dare. I’ll drink it,” Qixi said through tears, trembling as she took the sugar water and began to pour it into her mouth.
Suddenly, a stone flew in through the window, striking her hand.
The sugar water splashed to the ground, releasing black smoke and a foul odor, leaving Qixi’s face ashen.
She kowtowed, pleading, “Spare me, Crown Princess!”
“Shut up! Quickly shut up!” Xiaoqun panicked, her heart racing at the mention of the Crown Princess.
Suddenly, voices echoed from outside: “The Empress has arrived!”
Disaster! Xiaoqun collapsed, while the noblewoman on the bed trembled, losing all composure.
The Empress entered with her attendants, silent. The woman on the bed crawled to the Empress’s feet, “This child pays respects to the Empress!”
Lin Long gazed longingly at her husband, hoping for support, but he turned away, leaving her heartbroken. Despite her despair, she resolved to drag him down with her. I haven’t won, but I haven’t lost either.
Ha ha ha—— Lin Long suddenly stood up and burst into wild laughter, her desperate eyes sweeping across everyone before throwing herself against the wall. Blood gushed from her head.
Princess Consort Lin Long had committed suicide out of guilt. With her position now vacant, another storm might brew in the palace.
Lin Shangshu, ashamed of his daughter’s actions, voluntarily resigned and returned to his hometown.
Lan Lan’s soul watched everything unfold, unsure of what was happening. Wasn’t this supposed to be a fake death? She could see and hear everything around her, but no one could see her. Anxiety grew in her heart. Had her fake act become real? Had she truly died?
