Chapter 6: 第106章 滴骨合血

Shortly after, the eunuch from before entered with utmost respect, carrying a red wooden tray. A bowl of clear water sat in the center, with a dagger placed beside it.

"Your Majesty!" the eunuch said respectfully, presenting the tray before the Emperor.

Chen Qimo cast a faint glance at the bowl of clear water, then averted his gaze toward Consort Hao. His expression was panicked, and his entire face was deathly pale, devoid of any color!

Chen Qimo finally understood why Consort Hao no longer wanted Qin Hanxue to associate with him...

The Emperor picked up the dagger; the sharp blade pierced his finger, and blood seeped out...

*Drip—*

Ripples spread through the clear water, and a drop of blood floated upon the surface.

Before the eunuch could even approach, Chen Qimo rose and walked over. He took the dagger, made a cut, and bright red blood dripped into the water...

Two drops of blood floated on the surface... Everyone stared intently at the reaction within the bowl.

The Emperor and Empress's hearts were currently in their throats. Consort Hao’s eyes were brimming with tears; she pressed her lips tightly to stifle her sobs, her anxious expression carrying a subtle, imperceptible sense of despair and helplessness...

A few seconds felt exceptionally long. Consort Hao’s legs went weak; her heart was racing so much that she collapsed from her chair with a heavy *thud*...

Just as the Emperor was about to show a hint of surprise and slight anger—

"They merged!! Your Majesty! The blood has merged!!"

A shrill voice rang through the great hall! The joy was self-evident!

The Emperor’s anger turned to delight. Seeing the blood merge within the bowl of clear water, he could not help but burst into three loud laughs!

With a face full of shock and disbelief, Consort Hao was slowly helped up by Chen Qimo. "Imperial Mother, what is wrong?"

"Ah?... Oh, it's... it's nothing..." Though she offered a perfunctory excuse, her heart was filled with disbelief. She finally brushed aside Chen Qimo's hand and took a step forward to look at the bloody water in the bowl, murmuring, "They really merged... they really did..."

"Beloved Consort, what is the matter?" the Emperor asked softly, his tone clearly filled with concern.

"...Oh, it is nothing. I was merely... merely worried that when Mo'er was born, some villain might have tampered with things and swapped him, which would have caused me to suffer the crime of deceiving the Emperor... that is why I was so terrified."

"Since that is the case, you must be tired, my beloved. Go down and rest! This matter can now be considered concluded!" the Emperor said with concern.

Qin Tian'ao felt it was impolite and immediately suppressed his immense confusion, kneeling to beg for forgiveness. "Forgive me, Your Majesty! This commoner acted without knowing the truth..."

"It is nothing! As Qin Hanxue said, not only are you innocent, but you have also rendered great service! For twenty years, I have heard the rumors in the city. That Mo'er was born on the same day as the orphan of the Hua family caused constant suspicion, but today, someone has finally settled a worry of mine! Haha—"

The Emperor was overjoyed, and his attitude and tone became much more amiable.

"Yes... Thank you for your magnanimity, Your Majesty!" After Qin Tian'ao spoke, he exchanged a glance with Qin Yufeng. He said nothing more, yet his face was full of sorrow...

Qin Hanxue noted Chen Qimo's expression; it remained calm and indifferent, yet she seemed to see a trace of pain and loneliness within him... Now that it was confirmed he was indeed the Prince, shouldn't he be happy?

Chen Qimo noticed that questioning and burning gaze. He turned back to look at Qin Hanxue, his eyes unblinking. His complex gaze made it impossible for her to guess what he was thinking, leaving her bewildered... Perhaps, everyone had thought all of this was too simple!?

Or perhaps, everything was only just beginning...