The chief eunuch kowtowed to the empress and said, "Your Majesty, this servant must continue carrying out his duties. In former dynasties, there were cases where those ordered to die did not actually die. By the regulations, we must still complete the corpse examination form."
The empress's expression betrayed nothing. She merely nodded and went inside. Once she was within, a soft pat sounded as a drop of blood fell to the floor.
Her fingernails had pierced her own flesh.
"Crown Prince, even if it costs me my life, I will never let your son, Prince Dai, meet such an end."
Outside, a eunuch approached, checked for breath beneath her nose, then took out a silver needle and pricked the sole of her foot. He turned back to report, "Consort Wei has passed away from illness."
"Since she has passed away from illness, prepare her remains swiftly according to the regulations and move her out as soon as possible. Move her to her former palace. We must not offend Her Majesty the Empress. Notify the Ministry of Rites once the rain stops."
As the chief eunuch spoke, he sighed inwardly. Since a date would be chosen to bury her with the rank of consort, although he knew the arrangements would still be rather perfunctory, at least she would retain her final status.
Prince Lu's Residence
Rain pattered and cracked as Ma Shunde galloped up to the main gate with several mounted men.
"Eunuch Ma!" A Hundred-Household Officer guarding Prince Lu's Residence had been speaking with several squad leaders. Seeing Ma Shunde arrive, he immediately came forward and bowed respectfully.
"You have come in such haste. Is there an imperial command?"
Ma Shunde had already swung down from his horse. Tossing the reins to a guard, he strode inside while taking