The sage did not speak, and no one below dared to take the initiative to have the sage taste it. The air was stagnant at this moment.
However, Consort Yao seemed unaware, still acting as she did when she and the sage were deeply in love.
The emotions in the sage's eyes were unfathomable. After a moment, he showed a hint of a smile, and Consort Yao's heart also relaxed.
Just as she felt the sage was about to take her soup, he raised his hand and overturned the jade bowl in her hand: "Yao Zhaoyi plotted treason and intended to harm me. Her crime is unforgivable. She is to be put to death."
Consort Yao lost her composure, her face drained of color in terror as she quickly knelt and begged for mercy: "Sage, my son tasted this soup himself. I would never dare to harm the Sage."
The sage gave her no chance to speak, merely waving his hand impatiently. Guards entered, covered Yao Zhaoyi's mouth, and dragged her to the adjacent side hall.
Yao Zhaoyi's eyes were wide open, unseeing in death. She knew the sage was ruthless, but she never imagined he would disregard their years of affection and take her life. Her son had not yet ascended the throne, she had not yet become Empress Dowager, she could not die, she could not die... Yao Zhaoyi breathed her last amidst her desperate struggle.
Xiao Che was in the front hall handling state affairs. Upon hearing of Yao Zhaoyi's incident, he rushed to the back hall, not even having time to see his birth mother one last time.
"Father Emperor!" Xiao Che was filled with grief.
He knew his mother was ambitious. If she had stayed in her own territory, she might have been able to preserve her life. Therefore, he never went to pay his respects, giving her no hope.
But why could his father Emperor not spare her life? She posed no threat to him.
"Mother... Yao Zhaoyi would absolutely not poison Father Emperor, she wouldn't." Xiao Che had been raised by the sage and did not have deep feelings for Consort Yao, but Consort Yao had been extremely good to him. She was his birth mother, and it was impossible not to have some affection.
"There was no poison today, but she would have poisoned me sooner or later because she wanted me to abdicate to you sooner." The sage coughed violently, leaning forward slightly. "She has ambition but is easily provoked and cannot restrain herself. She will bring disaster upon you. Your throne cannot be criticized nor can it be held in anyone's grasp. Che'er, the position of Emperor must never be acted upon impulsively, nor can one be soft-hearted. I will pretend you never came today."
After all, it was merely the death of a Zhaoyi, how could it warrant the Crown Prince's personal inquiry.
The sage's displeasure was evident, and Xiao Che knew his mother had crossed his father Emperor's taboo.
However, his mother had been well-behaved since her demotion. Why did she suddenly come to the front hall? Could she truly have been instigated?
The Father Emperor was gravely ill, and the border was unstable. Did someone want to use this opportunity to provoke conflict between father and son?
Seeing Xiao Che frowning in deep thought, the sage's expression gradually calmed. He then said earnestly, "You have been working hard handling state affairs recently, but do not neglect the inner palace. More often than not, disaster strikes from within."
East Palace
Luo Lingyi was about to retire for the night when she heard a palace servant say the Crown Prince had arrived. She was slightly taken aback. Since the sage fell ill, the Crown Prince had spent most of his time in Taiji Hall. Even when he returned to the East Palace, it was to discuss matters with his advisors, and he rarely visited the inner palace.
In a short while, Xiao Che had already entered. The room was warm as spring. Luo Lingyi was wearing a single garment, her hair unbound, clearly preparing for bed.
"Why has Your Highness come so late? Have you dined? Should I instruct the small kitchen to prepare something?" Luo Lingyi stepped forward with a smile and bowed.
Xiao Che looked down at Luo Lingyi. She was his Crown Princess and his cousin. Because the Eldest Princess had died in service, he had always felt guilty towards her. Since she entered the East Palace, she had conducted herself with propriety and managed the affairs of the household in an orderly fashion, truly being his capable assistant.
However...