Chapter 7: Critical Condition

Zhao Erdong had already absorbed all the information in her mind, and she now understood her situation clearly. Though she was the legitimate daughter of the prime minister’s household, she had been bullied by her half-sister, who had even tried to take her life more than once. Her birth mother was critically ill and might pass away at any moment. Once her mother died, her own position would only grow more precarious.

She quietly sensed the Zhao inheritance she had been born with, the legacy branded deep within her soul: divine sight and divine power. Fortunately, both still remained imprinted within her body, and so long as she wished, they could awaken at any time.

A girl dressed as a maid rushed in in panic.

“Second Miss, something terrible has happened! Second Miss, something terrible has happened!” The maid stumbled into the inner room, visibly flustered.

Baihe recognized her at once: it was Xiaoju from Madam’s quarters. Her heart tightened, and a bad premonition instantly swept through her.

Xiaoju saw the second miss sitting by the bedside, staring fixedly at her, a sharp light flashing in her eyes.

A sharp light, yes, unmistakably sharp. She had seen such a light in the prime minister’s eyes, in the former madam’s eyes, and even in the old matriarch’s eyes.

But the second miss was famous for being useless. How could her eyes possibly hold such a light? She blinked, and when she looked again, the second miss’s face had only a faint smile. There was no sharpness there at all; her gaze was as blank as ever.

It must have been her mistake.

“Xiaoju, you came rushing in like this. What exactly is the matter?” Baihe asked, seeing her so distracted and silent.

Only then did Xiaoju remember the urgent business at hand. “Second Miss, the master wants you to hurry to Ronghua Pavilion. Madam, Madam she... she’s almost gone.”

As she spoke, her eyes reddened. She had been an orphan in the past, and it was Madam who had bought her from a matchmaker and entrusted her to an old servant in the household to raise. Though her life was not one of luxury, she had never lacked food or clothing. After growing up, Madam had her do simple chores in Ronghua Pavilion, and she still received monthly pay. In her heart, she had long since regarded Madam as a second parent. Now that Madam was in such a state, only she was still serving at her side with the same devotion as before.

Zhao Erdong’s brow furrowed at once. What she feared had indeed come to pass. She was so weak now that she did not even possess the ability to protect herself. If she lost the one shelter she had, she could already imagine how bitter her future days would be.

Baihe forcefully suppressed the panic in her heart, reached out to help Zhao Erdong up, and with reddened eyes said, “Come, Miss. Madam is still waiting for us.”

Zhao Erdong let out a soft sigh. Her soul had taken over this body, and now the mother of this body was about to leave the world as well. So be it, then. So be it. While alive, they could not remain together for long; perhaps in death they might yet stay by each other’s side.

With Xiaoju leading the way, Zhao Erdong hurried to Ronghua Pavilion. Ronghua Pavilion had been named after Madam, which showed what position she had once held in the residence.

Passing through the lavish hall, a small path paved with jade stones led straight to the bedroom where Madam lived.

The jade was translucent and smooth, warm underfoot, and did not seem like ordinary jade at all. What a magnificent display of wealth!

Inside the bedroom stood a roomful of people. Four concubines stood on the left, each dressed splendidly and emitting a room-filling fragrance.

On the right stood a group of the illegitimate sons and daughters: the fifth daughter Zhao Eryun, the seventh daughter Zhao Ertong, the sixth son Zhao Erwen, and the eighth son Zhao Erfan. They stood there stiffly, all unwilling, but forced by the special circumstances to remain and wait.

The eldest sister Zhao Erqin, along with the third sister Zhao Erzhen and the fourth brother Zhao Erping, were still at the chrysanthemum viewing gathering, enjoying the flowers. Though someone had already been sent to summon them back, whether they would return, and when, was still unknown.