Chapter 508: Chapter 508: Unable to Extricate Oneself

Although the Emperor was determined to uncover the truth, his health continued to deteriorate, and he gradually became weak.

He had always been obese and neglected exercise, and as he aged, the grief from the death of his concubine took a toll on his body. In the days since leaving the Splendid Palace, he could not eat during the day, and when he closed his eyes at night, he saw nothing but the image of Concubine Jin.

His weight loss accelerated.

The Empress was extremely anxious. The Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy and the Imperial Chefs of the Imperial Kitchen took turns administering medicine, prepared gourmet meals, and prescribed various tonics, including ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms. However, none of it seemed to have any effect.

Half a month later, the Emperor’s strength finally gave out, and he was bedridden.

If this news were to spread, it would surely send shockwaves throughout the court and the nation.

Their wise and valiant Emperor, who had reveled in the pleasures of his Harem for decades, had actually succumbed to the loss of a single woman.

Even during his infatuation with Lin Zizi, he had never shown such distress.

Back then, when Lin Zizi married Jiang Ruobai and the Emperor lost hope, his courtiers strove to please him by searching for beauties resembling Lin Zizi for his Harem. He graciously accepted each one, but he never lost his appetite or suffered from insomnia as he did now.

The Emperor’s special attachment to Concubine Jin was evident to anyone with their eyes open.

Out of desperation, the Empress arranged for several of the favored court ladies in the Harem to take turns attending to the Emperor, in hopes that his affections would shift to another woman, helping him forget Concubine Jin.

Alas, to no avail.

Long chains of mistresses entered the Emperor’s bedchamber only to be dismissed just as quickly.

The Empress grew so frantic that she could no longer feel jealousy.

She even secretly inquired about any young girls who closely resembled Concubine Jin.

However, it was not so easy to find a lookalike.

At the time, scores of courtiers had cast a wide net across the nation to find Jin Zhuzhu, who had been hidden away in the bridal chamber.

The Empress went to Li Hongyuan in tears, “What are we to do? I had no idea that Concubine Jin was so important to the Emperor. Is he really willing to abandon the empire for the sake of one woman?”

Li Hongyuan was also surprised by the Emperor’s condition.

He tried to comfort the Empress, “Your Highness, Emperor Father is wise and will gradually come to his senses. All things take time to heal, and even the most grievous of wounds will fade over time.”

The Empress wiped her tears, “But the Emperor’s health is declining by the day. This morning, when I went to see him, his eye sockets had already sunken in.

The Imperial Physician fears that if this continues, he might…”

She dared not voice her fears, let alone entertain them.

The number of white hairs on the Empress’s head had increased significantly.

Her usually well-maintained countenance now cast a shadow in sync with her advancing age.

“Crown Prince, you have always been the smartest among all the children. Hurry and think of a solution. We cannot allow the Emperor to continue like this, or disaster will strike!”

Li Hongyuan pondered, “Your Highness, I do have an idea. But…”

“What are you waiting for? Tell me your idea!” For the sake of saving the Emperor, the Empress had no time for doubt.

“I heard that Your Highness is searching for a woman who resembles concubine mother?”

The Empress sighed, “Where could I possibly find such a person on short notice?”

“Why search far and wide when what you seek is close at hand?”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t there one right in the Jiang household?”

The Empress was taken aback but quickly understood.

Who else could resemble Concubine Jin better than Lin Zizi?

After all, Concubine Jin had been found precisely because she resembled Lin Zizi.

As the Empress contemplated, she could not help but find the situation both absurd and amusing..