Under the Empress Dowager's imposing aura, everyone lowered their heads. Even those who hadn't heard the imperial physician's words understood from the Empress Dowager's demeanor that the Emperor's condition was truly grave.
Yet few found this surprising.
Since Emperor Taizu's reign, Daqing's emperors were considered blessed by heaven if they lived past fifty-five. Most passed away around fifty years old. By this measure, the current Emperor hadn't fared the worst. Moreover, his health had visibly declined since the beginning of last year. Though none dared say it openly, many had privately anticipated this outcome.
The ministers secretly observed the princes present. While the Sixth Prince was the youngest in age, curiously, he received the most attention.
The military officials needed no deliberation. Privately, the Sixth Prince's maternal grandfather General Sun was one of their own - any internal disputes were set aside in such critical moments. Officially, they greatly admired the responsibility the Sixth Prince had demonstrated. Military officials often served abroad, and their greatest fear was the Emperor being manipulated by civil officials. Hadn't General Sun, who lost his entire family line, suffered enough these years?
The Sixth Prince was aware of these matters to some extent. If he ascended the throne, he would surely be better than the current ruler. Setting aside personal interests, having someone responsible on the throne would benefit Daqing as a whole.
As for civil officials, the Sixth Prince was also considered one of their own. Hadn't everyone seen that the prince's appointed tutor was the eldest daughter of the Hua family, who led the civil officials!
Though their political battles were bloodless yet deadlier than military conflicts, as scholars raised on sacred texts, they naturally favored brave and responsible princes. At least from today's performance, the Sixth Prince appeared quite commendable.
Naturally, not everyone shared this view. Some had no choice from the beginning - their positions compelled them to support either the Third or Fourth Prince.
Hua Zhi leaned against the wall with narrowed eyes. From this position, she could see some of those kneeling in the hall. Watching where people's gazes fell, she let out a long breath - half the battle was already won.
In the oppressive atmosphere, Haoyue suddenly knelt clutching her stomach, weeping pitifully: "Your Majesty, please allow this humble consort to escort His Majesty back to the dragon bed. We cannot let the Emperor's condition worsen further."
Hua Zhi straightened up, her mind racing - she must not let Haoyue succeed.
Before she could formulate a plan, movement came from outside the hall. Shortly after, Miraculous Doctor Yu entered hurriedly, holding up his robe. Ignoring the noble assembly, he knelt and took the Emperor's wrist to check his pulse. After observing, listening, questioning, and palpating, he remained silent without further action.
The Empress Dowager, who had been watching anxiously, urged: "Miraculous Doctor Yu, what have you determined? How is the Emperor's condition?"
Doctor Yu stood up and bowed deeply, sighing: "To be frank with Your Majesty, the Emperor shows signs of exhausted vitality."
"How could this be..."
"According to my and Shaoyao's assessment, with proper care, His Majesty should have had six months remaining."
The Empress Dowager's heart chilled. "Are you suggesting... someone has tampered with His Majesty's health?"
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager's gaze fell upon Haoyue. The icy stare felt like frozen blades scraping flesh, making Haoyue shudder involuntarily.
Pretending not to notice, Doctor Yu directly made a request: "Might I examine His Majesty's dietary records?""Naturally." The Empress Dowager looked towards Yu Xiang, "Bring her to me along with the recipe."
"Yes."
A maid brought over a chair, and the Empress Dowager sat beside the Emperor. This was the son she had carried for ten months and given birth to, yet now she, with white hair, had to send off her dark-haired child. Suppressing her heartache, the Empress Dowager lifted her head, "The princes shall remain. Everyone else, go to the side hall and wait. No one is to speak or leave without my orders. Fu Gang, keep watch for me."
"Your servant obeys."
Hua Zhi was about to struggle to her feet and leave with the others. Zhu Bowen had already stepped forward, ready to support her, when the Empress Dowager added, "Hua Zhi shall remain. Little Six, bring a chair and help her sit."
Little Six had long wanted to do this. He hurried over to support her and was about to lead her forward when Hua Zhi tightened her grip on his hand and glanced at him.
Little Six paused, understanding dawning. He signaled for a palace attendant to bring a chair over. If his master wished to remain in this corner, there must be a reason. He didn't need to inquire further—this was the palace, and caution would never be amiss.
After sitting down, Hua Zhi gently pushed Little Six toward the Emperor's direction. Little Six pressed his lips together and walked over, just in time to hear the Empress Dowager say, "Miraculous Doctor Yu, is there truly no hope?"
Miraculous Doctor Yu shook his head, "Outwardly, His Majesty may appear vigorous, but internally, he is already in complete disarray. He could collapse at any moment. Forgive my incompetence, Your Majesty—I cannot save him."
The Empress Dowager covered her chest and took several heavy breaths. Though she had expected this outcome, each word still struck her heart like a heavy hammer. Even after these years of estrangement between mother and son, this was still the eldest son she had labored to bring into the world!
Moreover, with the crown prince yet to be appointed, if the Emperor were to collapse suddenly...
Her long fingernails dug into her palms as the Empress Dowager forced herself to remain calm. Trembling, she asked, "Is there any way to wake the Emperor?"
"That is the only thing this old man can do."
"Miraculous Doctor Yu has already been of great help." The Empress Dowager closed her eyes briefly, "Can the Emperor still wait?"
Miraculous Doctor Yu looked down at the Emperor, "It must be done quickly."
"I understand. Since everyone is gathered here today, there is no need to make the Emperor wait long. However, I must make him wait a little longer. Even as a ghost, I will make sure my son understands everything clearly!"
Miraculous Doctor Yu cupped his hands in salute and said no more.
Glancing toward Hua Zhi, he took a bottle of medicine from his medical kit and handed it to Little Six, "Have someone apply this for her."
As if noticing Hua Zhi's disheveled state for the first time, Miraculous Doctor Yu frowned and petitioned the Empress Dowager, "I have an old acquaintance with the young lady of the Hua family. I cannot bear to see her in such a state. Would Your Majesty permit someone to bring her an outer garment to change into, so she may avoid appearing improper before the court."
Though wasn't any impropriety before the court ultimately the Emperor's doing? The weary Empress Dowager waved her hand, instructing someone to fetch the garment. Matters had reached this point—when Yan Xi returned, he would be devastated. His own uncle, yet he always targeted Hua Zhi when Yan Xi was absent. Ultimately, it was because the Emperor believed Yan Xi had become disobedient over a woman, always wanting Yan Xi to listen to him and revolve around him as before. But what position did that leave Yan Xi in?
Hua Zhi gratefully bowed toward where the two stood, then allowed a maid to support her as she went to change her clothes. Only she understood why Miraculous Doctor Yu had gone to such lengths to have her outer garment replaced. She was grateful, but it also made her feel ashamed to face the old gentleman.Regardless of her initial intentions, committing evil was committing evil—there was no justification.
Yet she was willing to bear this sin. She could not let such a person destroy Little Six, destroy Yan Xi. Her younger brother, her loved ones—they all lived in this kingdom, and no one could escape it!
Clenching her trembling hands tightly, Hua Zhi folded the changed garments and handed them to the matron. "Please help me discard these, Matron."
The palace matrons were all shrewd; at this moment, she readily agreed.
PS: Final exams are approaching! All you students out there, put down your phones and focus on reviewing. I’ll be waiting to hear about your results! The top ten scorers will receive a one-month subscription from Kongkong, so you can read to your heart’s content.
OpenNovel