Chapter 47: Possibility of betrayal
The night in the imperial palace was tranquil, the only sound the soft whistle of the winter wind brushing against the tall walls. Inside the Emperor’s grand chamber, the faint glow of a single lantern illuminated the sleeping figures of the Emperor and Empress.
The peace was abruptly shattered by hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.
The Emperor stirred, his sharp senses picking up on the unusual noise. Before he could fully rise, a knock thundered at the door.
"Your Majesty! Forgive the intrusion, but an urgent matter requires your attention!"
The voice belonged to Xu Rong, the Emperor’s most trusted aide.
The Emperor sat up immediately, his brows furrowed. "Enter!"
Xu Rong stepped inside, bowing low as he quickly spoke. "Your Majesty, we have received a report—an attack. The Crown Prince has been ambushed, and the place where he was honeymooning has been set ablaze."
The words hit the Emperor like a thunderclap.
"What did you just say?" he barked, swinging his legs off the bed and standing in one swift motion.
The Empress, now awake, looked at her husband with wide eyes. "The Crown Prince? What happened?"
Xu Rong hesitated, then continued, "A messenger has arrived with news that the Crown Prince and the Seventh Consort were attacked by an unknown group. The chamber where they were staying has been burned to the ground."