Chapter 698: Beneath the Roses

Charcoal stoves were burning in the hot and humid palace and there was a strong smell of sweat stench in the warm air. In the corner, beside the gigantic bronze stove, there were people that continued to throw herbs into the blazing fire. White smoke rose from the flame and the queer smell was so strong that it was hard to breathe.

On the grand and majestic bed, a thin and frail middle-aged man was lying underneath a thick blanket. It seemed as if he was having a nightmare as he was moaning in his deep sleep.

"Is this really necessary?" The palace official asked the physician, "We have to open the windows. His Majesty should not be cooped up in here. The smell is so suffocating, he can barely breathe."

"We cannot open the windows." The elderly physician shook his head, "His Majesty must not see any light and wind. If the smell is not strong enough, the poison in his lungs will no longer be suppressed and will spread rapidly."