Chapter 769: Chapter 770: The End is Near

Xiao Chengqi frowned. "Now?"

’It’s already dark. Why would the palace summon me at this hour?’

The messenger saw that Shen Yanchuan was also present and immediately said, "Heir of Duke Dingbei, you are to come along as well!"

A thought struck Shen Yanchuan, and he exchanged a look with Xiao Chengqi.

Both men had a bad feeling.

A summons this late, with such urgency... they feared the worst.

Xiao Chengqi shot to his feet.

"Let’s go!"

...

「Night fell.」

Xiao Chenglin sat by the window, watching the deepening night with a blank expression.

Perhaps because it had rained earlier, the night sky was dotted with many brilliantly twinkling stars.

All around was silent.

But Xiao Chenglin knew that the Prince Jing Mansion was already heavily surrounded.

Countless eyes, both seen and unseen, were watching his every move!

"Your Highness, you’ve had a long day. Shouldn’t you get some rest?" a man behind him gently advised.

Xiao Chenglin said, "There’s no rush."

’Tonight... is going to be a long night.’

...

Shen Yanchuan and Xiao Chengqi galloped at full speed, entering the palace as quickly as possible.

As soon as they arrived at Qiyuan Hall, they sensed the atmosphere was completely different from usual—exceptionally grim and solemn.

Eunuch Li, who had been waiting for some time, hurried forward to greet them upon their arrival.

"His Highness Prince Lie! You’re finally here! His Majesty has been waiting for you. Please, hurry inside!"

Xiao Chengqi became even more certain of his suspicions and quickened his pace.

Soon, he saw Emperor Muwu lying on the dragon bed.

"Your son pays his respects, Imperial Father!"

Xiao Chengqi knelt, but he quickly sensed something was wrong.

—Emperor Muwu had not responded at all.

He immediately looked toward Eunuch Li.

"What’s wrong with Imperial Father?"

A sob finally broke through in Eunuch Li’s voice.

"His Highness Prince Lie, His-His Majesty... he said he wasn’t feeling well after dinner, and not long after, he found he couldn’t walk anymore—"

Xiao Chengqi shot to his feet!

He rushed to the bedside and saw that Emperor Muwu’s face was deathly pale. His lips moved slightly, but he could barely make a sound.

His heart tightened.

"Imperial Father!"

Shen Yanchuan, who had come with him, also realized something was wrong and immediately demanded, "Where are the Imperial Physicians?! Why aren’t they here yet?!"

Eunuch Li was on the verge of tears. "His... His Majesty wouldn’t allow it..."

Shen Yanchuan’s brow furrowed.

Xiao Chengqi rebuked angrily, "Absurd! Imperial Father has fallen ill so suddenly, how could you all be so negligent?! Go at once—"

At that moment, a faint sound finally emerged from Emperor Muwu’s throat.

"...No..."

Xiao Chengqi immediately looked back at him, gripping his hand tightly.

"Imperial Father! What’s wrong?"

Emperor Muwu shook his head, the movement barely perceptible.

"...No... need..."

’He knew his own body best.’

Xiao Chengqi couldn’t help but exclaim, "But... but—that’s right! Second Miss Ye! If she comes, Imperial Father will surely be fine!"

’Wasn’t that what happened before?’

’Ye Chutang could cure the illnesses that the physicians from the Imperial Hospital gave up on!’

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside.

Shen Yanchuan turned to see it was Chen Songshi, who had rushed over immediately upon being summoned.

It was clear he had come in a great hurry, not even having had time to change into his official robes.

As soon as Chen Songshi entered and saw the scene, he instantly understood, and his expression changed drastically.

"Your Majesty!"

Emperor Muwu gasped for breath, speaking now an immense struggle.

"You... All of you... kneel... and receive... my decree..."

"Imperial Father—"

Xiao Chengqi opened his mouth to protest, but he gritted his teeth and knelt.

Shen Yanchuan, Chen Songshi, and the others also knelt together before the dragon bed.

Emperor Muwu’s fingers twitched. His chest rose and fell, but his breath was as faint as a gossamer thread. He was clearly breathing his last.

"We... We know... Our time... has come..."

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