The two were shocked by the news.
"So sudden?"
They had left this morning, and the Emperor had only fallen into a slumber. Even if his body was at its last gasp, he shouldn't have...
The Empress Dowager responded to someone outside the door and, with Ye Tingyun, went out.
"Let's go and see."
When they arrived, Jiang Rumuo was administering acupuncture to the Emperor.
The Empress Dowager glanced and quickly stepped forward, "Imperial Physician Jiang, what is the Emperor's condition now?"
As if he had been examining the Emperor for a long time, Jiang Rumuo turned around, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead.
"The Emperor's pulse is rapidly failing. I am incapable, and can only temporarily sustain His Majesty's life force with silver needles, but I fear... it will not last much longer."
The Emperor was now breathing out more than in, his respiration failing, his life drawing to a close.
Even with all his medical skill, he was powerless to turn the tide.
The Empress Dowager's body trembled upon hearing this, as if her strength had been entirely drained. Ye Tingyun, seeing this, quickly steadied her.
"Imperial Grandmother."
His eyes were filled with worry, but the Empress Dowager waved a hand.
Closing her eyes to gather her thoughts, she looked at Jiang Rumuo again, "Is there any possibility of the Emperor waking up?"
The imperial decree was still missing, and its whereabouts unknown. It concerned the stability of the court, and she still needed to question the Emperor.
Jiang Rumuo hesitated, then shook his head, "Extremely slim."
Being able to sustain the Emperor's life for a while longer was the limit of his medical expertise.
The Empress Dowager's expression instantly turned solemn.
"Jiang Rumuo, I command you to do your utmost and ensure the Emperor's life is preserved, at least... for one day."
This was an almost impossible request. Jiang Rumuo was momentarily stunned, but still cupped his hands.
"This minister will do his best."
Seeing that he had agreed, the Empress Dowager's expression eased slightly. She then turned to Ye Tingyun, "Yun'er, you must immediately take my seal and leave the palace. Within an hour, you must summon Prime Minister Lin and the others to the palace!"
The situation was dire, and the Emperor could abdicate at any moment. Before that, she had to prepare for the worst.
Ye Tingyun understood the gravity of the situation and immediately nodded.
"Your grandson obeys."
With the Empress Dowager personally presiding, the entire imperial sleeping quarters were filled with a tense atmosphere.
The movements within the inner chamber occurred several times. Finally, before the oppression could engulf everything, Ye Tingyun returned from outside the palace.
The Empress Dowager dared not delay and immediately set off for the council hall.
The court discussions continued until the afternoon. Before the doors of the council hall were opened, Ye Tingyun had made several trips. Upon returning to the sleeping quarters, he encountered Jiang Rumuo hurrying out of the inner chamber.
"Your Highness, His Majesty's condition has worsened again. He likely won't last a day now."
Having held on from morning until now, his strength was also nearing exhaustion.
Ye Tingyun's heart sank, and he hurried into the chamber to take a look, then quickly returned.
"Hold on for a moment. I will return shortly."
He sped all the way to Song Qing'an's residence, where Feng Yinwan had just returned as well.
Their gazes met, heavy with concern, and they spoke almost simultaneously.
"Consort Yu is missing."
"Imperial Father is dying."
The atmosphere fell into silence.
Ye Tingyun was momentarily stunned, then said urgently, "Never mind her for now. Imperial Father's life is hanging by a thread, but the imperial decree is missing, and the Imperial Grandmother and the ministers are still discussing matters in the front court. I have come to seek your help."
If there was anyone in the world who could save the Emperor's life, it would be Feng Yinwan.
He knew that his father's arrangements had displeased her, but now, he had no choice but to seek her aid.
Feng Yinwan had not expected him to come for this reason. Her eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this.
Looking up again, she saw him lift the hem of his robe and kneel straight down.