Zhaohua Pavilion.
Outside, the sky was bleak and freezing; inside, it was an icy world.
The room was lit by half a candle, its dim light barely illuminating anything.
The air was filled with a pungent odor, a mix of medicinal smells, mold, and the stench of waste.
It was so nauseating that one couldn't endure even a moment, wanting to vomit yesterday's meal.
The moment The Eldest Princess lifted the door curtain, she dry-heaved twice, tears filling her eyes from the stench.
After a moment's pause, she covered her nose and slowly walked in.
The candlelight was dim.
The floor was cluttered with various kinds of garbage, leaving her with no place to step.
Finally, she followed a path illuminated by light.
She vaguely saw a person lying on the bed.
Motionless, unclear if asleep or if they had passed away.
'Is that Mother Consort?'
She was somewhat unsure, unwilling to believe.
'It shouldn't be! Mother Consort... wasn't this thin!' She thought.
Slowly she walked closer.
