The Fourth Prince stood before the dragon couch, his hands hanging limp. He watched as Zhou Ji'an repeatedly drove silver needles into the Emperor’s forehead, yet the Emperor remained with his eyes closed, showing not the slightest reaction.
A chill ran through the Fourth Prince’s heart. His fingertips brushed against the two military tallies hidden in his sleeves, and he was suddenly overcome with a profound sense of relief. Had he not ridden posthaste to the capital the moment he heard of the Empress’s passing, these two tallies would certainly not have fallen into his hands.
A cold, piercing gaze seemed to fall upon him from above. He looked up to meet it and found Zhao Yan watching him with a mocking smile, his eyes sweeping over the sleeves that concealed the tallies.
Chapter 115