A short while later, Wang Decai spoke, his expression mournful and his voice choked with emotion. "The Emperor’s remains have not yet been properly prepared. I must ask all of you ladies to leave for the time being. As for the major news of the Emperor’s passing today, I implore you all to keep it a strict secret. It must not reach the outside! We shall decide on the next steps only after the new year has passed."
The concubines, currently soul-stricken and dazed, heard his words and silently made their way out of the palace. They moved with heavy steps, tears streaming down their faces. Their weeping echoed through the long corridors of the palace.
Bai Wutong leaned against Chan'er, tears flowing incessantly down her cheeks. Yet, beneath this facade of sorrow, her heart was filled with doubts. She had been observing Wang Decai closely. Though his face was a mask of grief and his wails were loud, for some reason, Bai Wutong felt something was missing—the kind of profound, gut-wrenching pain that comes from the depths of one's soul.
Chapter 384