Chapter 70: Winter Serpent Trouble, Part 3

Chapter 70: Winter Serpent Trouble, Part 3

"Ah! Don't, don't come any closer!"

Terrified, Consort Chen's legs gave out, unable to stand up,

She could only support herself on the muddy ground with her hands, clumsily kicking in the direction of the approaching snakes while moving backward.

"Be careful, Your Highness!"

In a flash,

Without a second thought, Song Zhao rushed forward, grabbing Consort Chen's arm and forcefully dragging her back.

Once she had pulled her close, Song Zhao quickly bent down to support Consort Chen’s elbow, lifting her up from the ground.

Meanwhile, the attendants serving Consort Chen swarmed around her.

At this moment, the two snakes reached the feet of the crowd,

Raising the front half of their bodies, hissing with tongues flicking, ready to strike without giving anyone time to react.

Song Zhao supported Consort Chen, and the direction of the snakes' attack was towards them both, making it unclear who the snakes would bite first.

Xiao Fuzi was not far from Song Zhao, but the snakes attacked too quickly for him to protect her,

In front of him, a palace maid who was clearly afraid of snakes stood in the way.

Xiao Fuzi recognized this maid as Baoxia, a servant from Consort Chen's palace,

He had heard about her during his time at Xinze Warehouse from palace servants punished to Yonghe Palace,

Claiming she was a troublemaker who liked to stir up drama in front of her superiors.

Knowing she was not a good person, Xiao Fuzi hardened his heart and, while everyone's attention was on Consort Chen, pushed Baoxia from behind.

"Ah~~~~"

Baoxia lost her balance and fell forward towards the attacking snakes,

The snakes, agile and startled, dodged her,

Their mouths wide open, they bit down on Baoxia's arms and legs.

Their bites were fierce, almost rabid, clinging on despite Baoxia's struggles to break free.

Consort Chen and Song Zhao had already been escorted by palace servants to a safe distance,

They, along with the other consorts, stood watching as Baoxia screamed under the snake attack,

And apart from shouting for help, everyone was helpless.

The commotion drew the attention of the Mei Garden guards, who hurried over,

Seeing the scene, they immediately drew their swords and chopped at the snakes' heads.

With a swift strike, the snakes were beheaded,

Yet, eerily, the severed snake heads still clung to Baoxia, sending shivers down the onlookers' spines.

Baoxia was always timid, and while others were protecting Consort Chen earlier, she had stayed a bit farther away.

Now, bitten by the snake, she was so terrified that she couldn’t even speak coherently.

Song Zhao caught a glimpse of Xiao Fuzi looking uneasy and remembered that he had been standing behind Baoxia,

She speculated that perhaps Xiao Fuzi had pushed Baoxia out to protect her.

If that were true, and if Baoxia accused Xiao Fuzi, Song Zhao would also be implicated.

So, she immediately said, "Consort Chen, that maid was bitten by the snake while trying to protect you. We should quickly summon the imperial physician to treat her!"

Consort Chen hadn't yet recovered from her shock,

Sweat dripped from her forehead, smudging her makeup.

Hearing Song Zhao’s suggestion, she said with lingering fear, "Quick, call the imperial physician!"

Seeing the situation under control, the Empress said,

"This place is unsafe. Guards, lead the way and escort us out."

Today's incident involved Consort Chen, and since the Mei Garden was closest to her Yonghe Palace, the Empress led everyone there.

Consort Chen arranged for her personal physician, Doctor Qi, to treat Baoxia.

The consorts sat in the main hall, each still shaken by the recent events.

Consort Yun said, "How could there be snakes in this cold winter?"

Consort Shu added, "The Mei Garden isn't maintained daily like the Imperial Garden. Perhaps that's why those dreadful creatures found their way in."

As they were discussing, a wave of crying suddenly erupted from the crowd.

Consort Hui curled up in her chair, crying non-stop,

"Wuwuwu, I'm so afraid of snakes! Those two snakes were terrifying, as if they had a grudge against us, coming straight at us, wuwuwu, it scared me to death..."

Sitting beside her, Consort Yao gently stroked her back, reassuring, "Don't be afraid, sister. Fortunately, none of us were harmed."

She paused, feeling a bit puzzled, and added, "Consort Hui made a good point. Snakes are usually afraid of humans and won’t attack unless provoked. How did those two snakes today become so bold?"

The Empress tightened her grip on the soup doll and chanted softly,

"Amitabha Buddha, let's hope the snakes were non-venomous and that the palace maid is safe and unharmed."

Just then, Imperial Physician Qi entered the main hall, his expression grave as he greeted the consorts.

Imperial Consort Chen eagerly asked, "What about Baoshu? How is she?"

Imperial Physician Qi shook his head sorrowfully, "Your Highness, the snake that bit Baoshu was a viper, highly venomous. The maid’s bite was severe, with the fangs penetrating deep into the bone. Despite my best efforts, I’m powerless to reverse her fate."

Hearing this, everyone gasped in shock.

Although Imperial Consort Chen was domineering and arrogant, she was not unkind to her own attendants.

Imperial Consort Chen immediately stood up and, without a word, quickly walked towards the side chambers.

The Empress sighed with compassion, "Ah... poor girl."

Song Zhao stood up and addressed the Empress, "Your Highness, Baoshu saved Imperial Consort Chen and also saved me. I wish to visit her as well."

The Empress nodded in agreement, "Just now, you bravely threw yourself to protect Imperial Consort Chen, which also startled me. In the future, you mustn’t be so reckless. You must prioritize your own safety while trying to save others, understand?"

"Thank you for your concern, Empress."

Song Zhao performed a respectful bow and quickly followed to the side chamber.

Upon arrival, she found Consort Chen sitting beside Baoxia's sickbed, holding her hand and saying,

"If there's anything you're worried about, just tell me, and I will ensure it's taken care of."

Baoxia's face was deathly pale, and she trembled uncontrollably.

Hearing Consort Chen's words, she realized her end was near.

She had intended to tell Consort Chen about Xiao Fuzi pushing her,

"Your Highness, actually..."

"If you’re worried about your family, both Consort Chen and I will take good care of them for you."

Song Zhao quickly stepped forward, standing at the head of Baoxia's bed, her gaze cold and piercing.

Consort Chen, with her back to Song Zhao, couldn't see her expression,

But Baoxia saw it all too clearly.

Thus, she could also discern the underlying message in Song Zhao's words.

Song Zhao's statement had two implications:

First, if Baoxia did not reveal that it was Xiao Fuzi who pushed her, her actions today would be seen as heroically saving someone. Upon her death, the court would compensate her family, and Consort Chen would ensure her family’s well-being for life.

Second, if Baoxia accused Xiao Fuzi, then Song Zhao had the entire Protectorate Mansion behind her. Without good days ahead for Song Zhao, it was evident that Baoxia's family would also face dire consequences.

Baoxia, already on her deathbed,

Naturally, did not wish for her family to suffer after her death.

Thus, she changed her statement, tearfully saying to Consort Chen:

"Please, Consort Chen, take care of my family..."

Consort Chen gripped her hand tightly, nodding repeatedly, "Rest assured, I will take good care of them."

After hearing Consort Chen's words,

Baoxia seemed to have fulfilled her final wish,

She took a long breath and then closed her eyes forever.