The Empress Dowager had not even approached before she heard Emperor Zhong's wails, like a grieving orphan. Her expression darkened immediately—an emperor of a nation, yet unable to endure pain?
Even ordinary secret guards, once captured, could endure cruel torture without so much as uttering a sound. And yet...
"Mother, you've finally come, the Emperor…"
The Ninth Prince stepped forward, supporting the Empress Dowager as they moved closer to watch Emperor Zhong being struck.
"Mother, save me, save your son… Ah… Ow ow ow!"
Seeing the Empress Dowager arrive, Emperor Zhong quickly turned to her for help, but before he could finish his plea, it dissolved into anguished screams once again.
"Shameful."
The Empress Dowager cast him a cold glance before shifting her gaze away.
She could not comprehend it—both sons had come from her womb, yet why couldn't Emperor Zhong be as obedient and dutiful as Jin'er, dedicating himself to the welfare of the nation?
