The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 438 - Severe Injury

The northern tour was a major event and could not be embarked upon at a whim; it took about a month to arrange personnel and transport. By the time they set off, it would likely be July.

Ye Yun thought that this was also good; the last time she went, it was to see the spring scenery, but this time she could enjoy the summer views.

If they stayed a bit longer, she might also get to see the autumn scenery.

Once in the palace, there was little opportunity to go out, so she naturally felt happy about it.

However, this joy did not last long, as news arrived in the palace that the Empress Dowager had fallen and lost consciousness.

It turned out that after the rain, the view from the back mountain of Yanqing Temple was stunning. The Empress Dowager had gone to enjoy the scenery, but unexpectedly, the mountain path was slippery, and she fell, rolling down the long steps.

At her age, she couldn't withstand such a fall and instantly lost consciousness.

The accompanying physician examined her; although her exterior did not show severe injuries, her internal organs had been damaged.

This was far more critical than external injuries. After all, external wounds were visible, while internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, were not. At her age, she surely could not withstand it.

Thus, in the letter, the physician had already stated that the Empress Dowager likely had only a month or two left.

Upon receiving the news, Ning Chen immediately rushed to the Yanqing Temple.

Given that the Empress Dowager's condition was not suitable for movement, he had to go alone.

Ye Yun contemplated for a moment and arranged for the grandsons to accompany him out of the palace to visit the Empress Dowager.

All the princes and princesses went, except for the still-young Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, and Fourth Princess.

At the same time, she discreetly ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to prepare for the mourning ceremony.

Although Empress Dowager had been rude to her on many occasions, she was ultimately Ning Chen's biological mother, and the mourning ceremony had to be of the highest standards.

Yanqing Temple...

Ning Chen rode over in silence, his face frighteningly grim.

Although his eyes shone with a cold light, a closer look revealed the turmoil beneath.

The Empress Dowager had left the palace despite being ill, but it wasn't serious—who could have expected such an accident?

Dai Mao and Qian Shunrong were guarding the bedside and stepped aside when Ning Chen arrived.

He looked at the person on the bed, eyes tightly shut, face pale, and covered in wrinkles.

Ning Chen had never noticed how aged his mother had become; in his memory, the Empress Dowager had always looked well-maintained.

His chest rose and fell slightly, but his throat felt like it was stuck with a thorn, rendering him speechless.

"Your Majesty, the imperial physician has already treated the Empress Dowager with acupuncture and she has taken her medicine. It's estimated that she will wake up in about half an hour. Your robes and shoes are muddy; it would be best to change first," Qian Shunrong suggested after a moment of thought.

Ning Chen took a deep breath and nodded slightly, heading to the side hall first.

Qian Shunrong did not follow him and remained by the Empress Dowager's bedside.