Chapter 168 Main Text Conclusion [Part 1]

**Chapter 168: The Final Chapter [Part 1]**

"I... finally have a legitimate son..."

The young palace maid knelt on the ground, her eyes and nose red from crying, her soaked clothes dripping puddles onto the floor—proof of how long she had waited outside.

Yu He stood frozen in shock. She couldn't believe this was the outcome they had been waiting for.

Inside the birthing chamber was the Empress herself, writhing in agony. She was the mother of the nation!

And yet… His Majesty had remained with Noble Consort Zhen?

She couldn’t believe it. The once-wise Emperor had now become so recklessly devoted to Noble Consort Zhen that he would abandon his duty at such a critical moment. Staggering back two steps, she dug her nails into her palms, utterly at a loss.

At that moment, Le He hurried out of the birthing chamber, her usually immaculate hair now matted with sweat.

Her expression was frantic. As soon as she stepped out, she scanned both directions urgently but saw no sign of His Majesty. In an instant, she rushed up to Yu He and snapped, “What happened? His Majesty still hasn’t arrived?”

No matter how poorly His Majesty acted, he was still the Emperor. How could a mere servant like her possibly summon him?

Yu He was completely helpless, tears streaming down her face as she shook her head. “Noble Consort Zhen had pregnancy complications. His Majesty stayed at Yaoxian Palace. I’m afraid… he isn’t coming today.”

Le He’s anger flared instantly. “Noble Consort Zhen’s pregnancy has always been stable—why would she suddenly have complications today? Is she truly unwell, or is she simply unwilling to let His Majesty leave?”

The birthing chamber was crowded with people. Such words would only push the Empress further into danger. Yu He panicked and hastily whispered, “How can you say such things? If this spreads, it’s a capital offense!”

By now, Le He’s eyes were red with fury. She took several deep breaths and said, “Her Majesty is in excruciating pain inside, and the Emperor—the father of her child—won’t even come near. I am Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting—if I must die for her sake, so be it!”

Her gaze fixed on the palace gates as she muttered, “When the Empress gives birth, all consorts should be present to accompany her. Has the news been sent to every palace?”

Yu He froze for a moment, then followed her gaze to the torrential rain outside. Her voice trembled as she whispered, “Le He… are you trying to force His Majesty’s hand by gathering the consorts?”

It was protocol for all consorts to attend the Empress’s labor and offer prayers. But if His Majesty refused to come, and the consorts arrived first before sending for him again, the implications would be entirely different.

If His Majesty raged, not only would Le He lose her life, but the Empress might also suffer consequences. Yet, if they did nothing… how could the Empress face this alone?

And if the consorts all arrived only to learn that His Majesty was with Noble Consort Zhen, how could the Empress save face?

As the mistress of the inner palace, the Empress’s dignity was their responsibility. Yu He and Le He had served her for years—what were their lives worth if they couldn’t protect her? If they could safeguard Her Majesty, it would be worth any cost.

After much deliberation, Yu He gritted her teeth and steeled herself. “I’ll send someone to urge the consorts again. Later, I’ll go to Yaoxian Palace myself to fetch His Majesty!”

Time passed minute by minute, the Empress’s agonized cries echoing through Fengyi Palace, raw and harrowing.

The rain showed no sign of stopping—it grew heavier, the wind howling through the relentless storm. The oppressive darkness seemed endless, as if daylight would never return.

The imperial physicians rushed through the rain from the medical bureau, hurrying into the palace. The attending consorts arrived one by one, shaking off their umbrellas as they gathered in the main hall.

Basins of steaming, bloodied water were carried out continuously, making the onlookers blanch. Whispers spread that the Empress’s labor was not going well.

Inside the birthing chamber, Yu He knelt by the Empress’s bedside, tears streaming down her face as she clutched her hand. “Your Majesty, hold on! You will safely deliver the imperial heir—you must! Heaven favors you, the mother of the nation. The people will pray for you. Your Majesty, endure!”

The Empress’s face was ashen, her strength nearly gone. Gasping in pain, she weakly turned to Yu He and murmured, “His Majesty… where is… His Majesty…”

Yu He bit her lip hard, sobbing. “Your Majesty, don’t worry—this servant will go and fetch him right away!”

The Empress’s pupils contracted slightly, the last glimmer of hope in her eyes fading away.

Hearing those words, she—ever perceptive—knew exactly what Yu He meant.

She burned with hatred and resentment—she was risking her life to bear the Emperor's child, yet he hadn't even come...

No doubt he was with Noble Consort Zhen.

How pitiful—the years of marital affection between her and the Emperor. How pitiful that she had still clung to the faintest hope of his favor.

She had thought that after the Autumn Hunt, he would at least spare her a few more glances, show her a little more tenderness.

She had thought that if she could bear the legitimate heir, it would be enough to contend with Noble Consort Zhen.

Yet all her painstaking schemes, at this critical moment, were outweighed by Su Jiaojiao’s few well-placed words!

Tears streamed down the Empress’s cheeks as she closed her eyes in despair and unwillingness.

Seeing Her Majesty in such distress, Yu He resolutely left the birthing chamber and hurried toward Yaoxian Palace.

Unlike the overcrowded and somber Fengyi Palace, Yaoxian Palace was exquisitely appointed, appearing even more serene and tranquil in the rain. Everyone wore calm expressions, and even the palace maids under the eaves were leisurely trimming flowers.

No unpleasant sounds disturbed the tranquility.

What injustice was this! The Empress suffered in Fengyi Palace while Noble Consort Zhen monopolized the Emperor.

Yu He’s resentment and hatred had reached their peak. Ignoring all obstacles, she rushed into Yaoxian Palace through the pouring rain and knelt heavily in the courtyard.

With a voice hoarse from shouting, she kowtowed desperately: "Your Majesty, please go see the Empress! Her Majesty is in difficult labor—! Your Majesty—the Empress is your lawful wife! All the Imperial Consorts are already gathered at Fengyi Palace, Your Majesty! This servant begs you, please go to Fengyi Palace and see the Empress—!"

Though the rain outside was loud and chaotic, her voice carried clearly into the hall.

Su Jiaojiao was half-reclining in the Emperor’s arms as Imperial Physician Liu, who had just arrived, took her pulse. Her expression was soft, feigning frailty: "Your Majesty, it seems the Empress is in difficult labor."

She tilted her head slightly and whispered to the Emperor, "I just heard Yu He say so. All the consorts have already gathered at Fengyi Palace—only I am absent. If Your Majesty does not go to Fengyi Palace now, I fear I will be seen as at fault."

With that, Su Jiaojiao cast an imperceptible glance at Imperial Physician Liu and said no more.

Imperial Physician Liu withdrew his hand and bowed his head, speaking calmly, "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Zhen suffers from heart palpitations and has been troubled by nightmares, which have unsettled her and caused instability in her pregnancy. I have heard that Her Ladyship has always disliked thunderstorms—her current distress is likely due to this. At such times, it is best for someone close to her to stay by her side to offer comfort."

He paused before adding, "This unworthy physician must now withdraw to prepare a stabilizing tonic for Her Ladyship. If she experiences further discomfort, Your Majesty may summon me at any time."

The Emperor’s brow darkened deeply, and he tightened his hold on Su Jiaojiao. "Why did you hide from me that your condition was so serious? If anything were to happen to you or the child, what then?"

Outside, Yu He’s cries grew increasingly hoarse, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere within the hall.

Fearing Su Jiaojiao might be unsettled, the Emperor’s anger flared uncontrollably. "Who taught her to speak like this? Daring to coerce me with the presence of the entire harem—how insolent!"

His gaze blackened further as he said coldly, "When did I ever say I wouldn’t visit the Empress? Since when must my will be questioned? Such audacity, disturbing the peace of the inner court, presuming to guess my thoughts—such a rebellious servant cannot be tolerated."

"Cai Shan," the Emperor’s voice was icy as he pronounced the death sentence, "drag her out and have her beaten to death."

Then, as an afterthought, he added indifferently, "The Empress need not be told—she is in labor."

Cai Shan paled but bowed and withdrew at once to carry out the order without delay.

After a momentary disturbance, Yu He’s cries soon faded into silence.

Before long, only the relentless downpour and the sound of breathing remained in the hall.

Su Jiaojiao nestled against the Emperor’s chest and murmured softly, "If the Empress learns after childbirth that you executed her personal maid because of me, she will surely blame me for bewitching you. After these many years of marriage, and now bringing forth your heir, in duty and propriety, you should still go see her."

Consider this your final glimpse of marital affection.

She coldly lowered her lashes, all traces of fragility vanishing from her expression.

After dragging it out for so long, the timing was just about perfect now.

The Empress must be in unbearable agony, seething with hatred toward her—after suffering this torment for so long, it was time to offer a little sweetness.

After all, if the child wasn't born alive, it wouldn’t serve Su Jiaojiao’s ultimate purpose.

Su Jiaojiao was never a saint. She wanted the Empress to watch helplessly as she lost everything she now possessed—her reputation, power, maternal clan, imperial status, and her son's future. The coveted Crown Prince title and eventual Empress Dowager status—she would see it all crumble before her eyes.

Then she would witness her precious child transform from a legitimate heir into the son of a condemned traitor, despised by all, before watching him perish young due to congenital frailty.

Only then would the suffering be complete.

Su Jiaojiao had sworn long ago to make the Empress suffer a hundredfold, even a thousandfold, for Yu Ye’s death—and she would keep that vow.

Shen Huai was silent for a long moment before resting his chin atop Su Jiaojiao’s silken hair. "Do you truly want me to go?"

"And what about yourself? Have you considered that?"

Su Jiaojiao gently patted Shen Huai’s hand. "Our child understands best. He’s stopped fussing—he’s very well-behaved."

"Go. I mean it."

The storm continued raging well into the night before finally beginning to ease, while the Empress had been kept conscious through repeated acupuncture treatments by the imperial physicians, only to fall back into agony each time.

Her ragged screams came in waves, continuing off and on until the first hour of Yin at dawn, when they finally ceased with a faint, weak cry.

The midwives’ anxious hearts finally lightened. The lead midwife hurried over to examine the newborn and felt a jolt of alarm at how disturbingly small and weak he appeared—her heart pounded with worry.

Still, it was a boy—a legitimate son born to the Empress. Even if he was frail at birth, perhaps careful nurturing could strengthen him. At least they wouldn’t be blamed for any outcome. Putting on a forced smile, she called out joyfully, “Congratulations, Your Majesty! It’s a young prince!”

Le He had cried so much her eyes were swollen and red. Upon hearing the midwife’s announcement, she knelt at the bedside, weeping with happiness. “Your Majesty! It’s a young prince—it’s a young prince!”

Half of the golden-yellow bed was soaked in blood. The Empress lay exhausted, nearly collapsing from weakness, before slowly opening her eyes.

“A prince…” Her gaze fixed on the swaddled bundle in the midwife’s arms, and she managed a strained, triumphant smile. “This Empress… finally… has an heir…”