While Honored Lady Du was hysterical, Honored Lady Cheng had already walked far away. A madwoman was terrifying. She resolved to keep her distance. Honored Lady Cheng felt fortunate in her heart that she had managed to avoid her.
However, just as she was feeling fortunate, Honored Lady Du silently overtook her from behind.
"Slut!"
With an outstretched hand, she struck Honored Lady Cheng. Huan Cui, terrified, hurried to steady her mistress.
"Honored Lady Du, our mistress bears you no ill will. Why are you so aggressive!"
In Honored Lady Du’s heart, it was as if she had been possessed by a demon. Her gaze was sharp and vicious, her eyes glinting with grim determination.
"Haha, no ill will? How ridiculous!"
"In this Harem, does one need a reason or logic to hate someone?"
"Heh heh!"
As she spoke, she slowly advanced. Honored Lady Cheng was clever. She was only a few dozen steps from the palace path. There, amidst the comings and goings of people, not even Honored Lady Du would dare to openly harm her. So, she remained silent, intending to stall for time.
Once she slowly made her way onto the palace path, she would be safe. However, wishes are beautiful, but reality is always cruel.
Honored Lady Du, now utterly frenzied, shoved her with reckless abandon. Huan Cui, who stood before her mistress, was ruthlessly pushed aside. Honored Lady Cheng dodged left and right but could not evade her. Finally, at an intersection just shy of the main road, she was pushed to the ground.
Blood gushed from between her legs like an unstoppable spring. Huan Cui screamed in horror.
"AH!"
Quite a few eunuchs and palace maids were coming and going on the palace path. Hearing the scream, they all gathered around.
"Help! Help me!"
The immense pain contorted Honored Lady Cheng’s face. Huan Cui wailed.
"Someone, go quickly and fetch the Imperial Physician, hurry!"
"Our lady is about to give birth! Hurry!"
The eunuchs and palace maids present were also terrified. At this moment, no one cared about their own duties and rushed forward to help. Several Little Eunuchs quickly helped Honored Lady Cheng to her feet and headed in the direction of Yichun Palace.
A few palace maids were left behind. Some went to the Imperial Medical Bureau, while others stayed to guard the place where Honored Lady Cheng had fallen.
"This is the scene of the incident; it must not be disturbed!"
The Punishment Department will need to inspect it later.
Honored Lady Cheng was bleeding profusely, leaving a trail of blood behind her on the way back. By the time she reached the already prepared birthing room in Yichun Palace, her complexion was already deathly pale.
The Imperial Physician and the midwife hurried over. After an examination, the midwife felt her stomach and then confirmed decisively, "The cervix has already dilated; the child is about to come!"
Scarcely had the midwife spoken when Sisters from the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrived with several palace maids. Seeing the situation, there was no need for explanation. They immediately instructed the palace maids without delay.
"The procedures I’ve taught you will all be needed now!"
"Serve the Honored Lady well, and ensure the safety of both mother and child!"
"Yes!"
The palace maids following the midwife responded in unison. The midwife nodded.
After that, these palace maids stayed with Honored Lady Cheng. Some attended to boiling water, others prepared the bed, and still others cleaned the soiled bedding. Their movements were deft and efficient, without a hint of disorder. Clearly, they had all been meticulously trained.
News of the incident at Yichun Palace could not be suppressed. While Honored Lady Cheng fought for her life giving birth in the side hall, the Empress and the entire Harem learned of the event. Shocked, everyone hurried to Yichun Palace.
Xia Ruqing also received the news. She was so surprised that she couldn’t speak. "Counting the days, isn’t there still over a month to go?"
Xiao Xizi panted. "This servant heard that Honored Lady Du pushed Honored Lady Cheng."
"Honored Lady Du has now been taken back to Zhaoxiang Pavilion."
"Consort Hui Pin has people watching her!"
"It’s said she’s in a terrible state, somewhat crazed!"
Xia Ruqing was even more shocked. "Crazed? She was perfectly fine. How could she have gone mad?!"
Xiao Xizi bowed his head. "This servant doesn’t know about that..."
Xia Ruqing did not ask any further. She quickly had her appearance neatened and hurried to Yichun Palace.
Many people had already gathered in the side hall of Yichun Palace. The Empress was present, as were the various honored ladies. Even Sister Qing from the Empress Dowager’s side had come. Some had reddened eyes, others looked worried, while some bowed their heads, concealing the complex emotions in their eyes.
Xia Ruqing hurriedly stepped forward to greet each one. The Empress, in no mood to engage, merely waved her hand dismissively.
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Xia Ruqing dared not say more and rose to stand respectfully to one side. Inside, Honored Lady Cheng was crying and shouting heartrendingly.
Outside, everyone wore grave expressions. The Empress, flustered and anxious, asked urgently, "Where is the Emperor?!"
He had been summoned so long ago; why hadn’t he arrived yet? With such a critical matter, any mishap would be unpardonable.