The autumn rain poured down from the heavens, showing no sign of relenting.
Zhao Yan charged into the imperial palace first. Following closely behind him were Ran Hongzhen, Madam Ran, Nanny Qian, the Second Prince, Qin Wan, and Wei Xiao. None of the seven carried an umbrella as they hurried toward Chuigong Hall. Moments earlier, Zhao Yan had seized a young palace maid delivering medicine; the girl had trembled as she confessed that Imperial Noble Consort De had been kneeling in Chuigong Hall for the entire day.
Rainwater, mixed with blood dripping from a broken sword, streaked down Zhao Yan’s soaking-wet python-patterned boots as he rushed along the narrow palace corridor. No sooner had he entered the hall than he saw, through the curtain of rain, Imperial Noble Consort De dressed in plain white mourning clothes, kneeling behind the nine-dragon screen.
Chapter 76