Riding horses was much faster than traveling by carriage, so the entire convoy sped up to keep pace with Yu Jingchen. As for Yu Jingchen himself… he was solely focused on showing affection to Consort Shu.
Throughout the journey, whenever Consort Shu noticed something novel, she would inquire about it. His Majesty would spend a long time explaining to her, even stopping to personally lead her for a closer look.
The ministers had grown accustomed to witnessing such scenes. This spring hunt, while offering little else of note, clearly revealed the extent of Consort Shu's favor. It was best, they decided, to avoid provoking her if possible. And judging by His Majesty's current demeanor, Consort Chen Shu might soon hold a different title.
As the afternoon waned and dusk approached, Yu Jingchen, seeing that Nan Zhiyun was weary from a long day of travel, led her back into the carriage. They had already reached the capital and would soon be returning to the palace.
However, shortly after their return, an unwelcome piece of news arrived: Noble Consort De had been poisoned and was in critical condition. Nan Zhiyun, who had been drowsy moments before, was instantly wide awake upon hearing the news.
"What happened?" Yu Jingchen was equally taken aback by this sudden turn of events.
"The Eldest Princess administered the poison… Noble Consort De had no suspicion, and so…" The messenger was clearly anxious.
Yu Jingchen furrowed his brow. The Eldest Princess poisoning Noble Consort De? This was something that had never occurred in either his first or second life.
"What is her condition now?" Yu Jingchen asked again.
"The imperial physicians say her condition is grave. Noble Consort De fears…" Although the messenger did not finish, the implication was clear.
"I understand. You may withdraw," Yu Jingchen said, offering no further reaction.
"Your Majesty?" Nan Zhiyun called out.
"Once we return to the palace, you will go back to He An Palace yourself. I will go there later. I will visit later in the evening," Yu Jingchen decided against Nan Zhiyun accompanying him.
"Yes," Nan Zhiyun, understanding that she could not be a hindrance at this moment, readily agreed.
Upon their return, Yu Jingchen arranged for Nan Zhiyun to be escorted back to He An Palace, while he himself proceeded to Yu Ling Palace.
The imperial physicians were already present, as was Yan Qing. Upon seeing Yu Jingchen, Yan Qing immediately knelt.
"Your Majesty!" Yan Qing prostrated herself at Yu Jingchen's feet, clutching the hem of his robe.
"This subject implores you, implores you to save Noble Consort De. She must not be harmed. Your Majesty! This subject implores you!" This was likely the first time Yan Qing had ever begged anyone.
Yu Jingchen's brow furrowed, but he remained silent. He turned to the imperial physicians. "What is her condition?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, we are powerless. Noble Consort De has been poisoned too deeply. The poison has already reached her vital organs. We truly have no remedy," the imperial physician stated. Yan Qing's world seemed to crumble upon hearing these words.
She almost collapsed, then scrambled to Noble Consort De's side. "Yingyue…" Yan Qing grasped Noble Consort De's hand. Noble Consort De's given name was Lu Yingyue.
"Is there truly no hope?" Yu Jingchen inquired.
"Your Majesty, please forgive us!" The imperial physicians prostrated themselves on the ground. The answer was self-evident.
"Yingyue…" Yan Qing embraced Lu Yingyue.
"I only have you, I only have you. You cannot leave… You cannot abandon me alone…" Yan Qing's face was streaked with tears, all traces of her usual composure gone.
"I beg you, please wake up. Look at me…" Yan Qing, completely losing her dignity, held Lu Yingyue. But Noble Consort De showed no reaction, her body gradually growing cold and stiff.
"She is gone," Yu Jingchen stated, his voice devoid of emotion.
"No… it can't be. Yingyue… Yingyue, please wake up, alright… I truly have no one but you," Yan Qing seemed unable to hear anyone, lost in her own grief.
"I'm sorry… I failed to protect you. I'm sorry. Please get up… get up, alright…" Yan Qing repeated to Noble Consort De's lifeless body over and over.
"Why are you so cold? Let me warm you… let me…" Yan Qing held Lu Yingyue's hands.
Perhaps due to her own physical exhaustion, she could not hold Noble Consort De, who slumped onto the bed, her hand falling limply.