The deaths of Prince Dai and Prince Yue dealt a devastating blow to Noble Princess Consort Rong. Coupled with the realization that the Emperor never loved her, she lost even the last bit of will to live.
Her once-improving illness deteriorated rapidly; in a few short days, she transformed from a plush and noble peony flower into a blade of withered grass.
Without the desire to live, no medicine could save her. Now, she clings to life by a thread.
Jin Mei knelt by the bedside, crying sorrowfully, repeatedly pleading, "My lady, please don't leave me."
Noble Princess Consort Rong, already delirious on the bed, kept calling out the names of Prince Dai and Prince Yue, along with "father," "mother," and "brother."
The eunuchs and palace maids were kneeling outside the sleeping palace, all weeping—some for the imminent departure of the Noble Princess Consort, and others for their uncertain futures.
