Chapter 505: Chapter 505: The Emperor Looks Haggard and Worn-Out

No matter whether it was the previous dynasty or the Harem, everyone was extremely worried.

The Emperor’s condition was not right.

Very not right.

Being an emperor, the death of the imperial concubine would surely sadden him, but three or four days should be enough, so why did he stay for seven days?

And there is no sign of coming out yet.

It is the responsibility of the Empress to remind the Emperor.

However, several times the Empress tried to gain entry, but the Emperor simply ignored her.

The Empress had no choice but to find the Crown Prince and consult with him.

Li Hongyuan, who had been acting on behalf of the Emperor for several days, was still looking at the documents when he was called. He seemed to be in good spirits, still looking like a handsome young man with a face like jade.

But his expression was somewhat gloomy.

The Empress advised, “The loss of the Imperial Concubine is hard on everyone. It’s natural for you to grieve, but as the Crown Prince, you must prioritize national affairs.”

“I understand, thank you for the reminder, Queen Mother,” replied Li Hongyuan calmly and steadily.

The Empress sighed, holding a teacup with worry written on her face.

Li Hongyuan caught a glimpse of the white hair at her temple and the fine wrinkles at the corner of her eye. He was silent for a moment, then asked, “If the Queen Mother has any troubles, please let me know, so that I can fulfill my filial duties.”

“Your Emperor Father has not left the Splendid Palace for many days,” the Empress said with a frown in a low voice. “The funeral is over, and even though the Emperor is still grieving, he cannot neglect the affairs of the court. Does he still remember that he is the Emperor?”

“It’s understandable that Emperor Father grieves more since he and my concubine mother had a deep relationship,” Li Hongyuan said.

“It is the Emperor who deeply loved your concubine mother, but her feelings towards the Emperor may not be mutual.” The Empress had a lot to say, but considering that the person was already gone, and speaking in front of the Crown Prince, it was not appropriate to say too much, so she slowly stopped Li Hongyuan said, “If Emperor Father does not come out, no one else can do anything about it.”

“As the Crown Prince, as the heir, you cannot watch your Emperor Father indulge his grief,” The queen mother said.

“Queen Mother, I understand your meaning, and I will take an appropriate opportunity to advise Emperor Father.”

“You are a wise child, and you understand as soon as I say it. I do not want him to not grieve, but after all, we are not an ordinary family. The Emperor is responsible for the nation, and I have been unable to sleep or eat in these past few days, sigh.”

“I understand,” Li Hongyuan responded.

Li Hongyuan slightly bowed, turned, and left.

Lii Xiu, the attending Eunuch, followed and whispered, “My lord, the Right Imperial Guard has sent news that they have found some clues related to the Jiang Family. Should you go meet him now?”

Li Hongyuan’s face showed no expression as he said, “Go to the Splendid Palace first.”

The Splendid Palace was still draped in pure white.

Li Hongyuan slowed his steps, seeing several close eunuchs and maids of the Emperor, standing at the entrance with worried faces.

“Why aren’t you attending to Emperor Father?” He said while approaching.

“My lord, His Majesty must first let us in,” the chief steward, Jieqing, lamented with a sorrowful face. “Today, this servant has only entered and seen His Majesty twice, sent two meals, and all came out untouched. His Majesty’s body can’t withstand this. My lord, please help to persuade him.”

“I understand,” said Li Hongyuan.

Li Hongyuan stepped onto the platform, walked around the screen that his concubine mother used to love, and saw the Emperor sitting on the ground, staring blankly with a small figure in his hand.

In just a few days, the Emperor’s haggard appearance was visible to the naked eye.

His round, chubby cheeks had sunken in, and his complexion had turned dull.

It was as if he had aged ten years in an instant..