“I’m fine.”
Zhou Xing turned slightly, giving his wife a faint, reassuring smile. Beneath the table, his fingers gently brushed against hers, wordlessly telling her not to worry.
Fengguang said nothing more. She knew this was neither the time nor the place to speak, and seeing how calm he remained—even after losing his title—eased her heart a little.
Just then, a palace maid carrying a wine jug faltered, her hand slipping. The wine spilled across Fengguang’s gown. The maid dropped to her knees at once.
“Please forgive me, Your Highness! I didn’t mean to, please—spare me!”
The formal decree had not yet been issued, so etiquette still required that Fengguang be addressed as the Crown Princess.
Emperor Zhou Li’s expression darkened. “Insolent girl! How dare you be so careless!”
“Your Majesty, forgive me!” the maid cried, trembling as she kowtowed again and again.
Zhou Xing interjected gently, “Father, there’s no need to be angry. It’s just a dress. Fengguang can return to the Eastern Palace to change.”
Fengguang nodded in agreement.
Zhou Li exhaled slowly, his temper easing. He turned to the maid and ordered, “Well? What are you waiting for? Escort the Crown Princess back to the Eastern Palace.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…” The maid rose with her head bowed low. “Your Highness, please allow this servant to accompany you.”
Fengguang glanced at Zhou Xing. He gave her a small nod. She rose and curtsied. “This daughter-in-law will take her leave first.”
Outside the grand hall, the cool night breeze brushed her face, clearing her thoughts. As she walked along the covered corridor back toward the Eastern Palace, two maids followed behind her.
Thinking of how terrified that maid had looked just moments ago, Fengguang turned slightly, intending to comfort her.
But before she could speak, a damp cloth was suddenly pressed over her mouth and nose.
Within seconds, her vision went dark, and she lost consciousness.
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 66.1