Chapter 2005 - 1943: I’m Dying Soon
Chapter 2005: Chapter 1943: I’m Dying Soon
In December, a great snowfall blanketed all of Beiyan, transforming it into a realm of snow. News arrived from Nanyue that Zhao Mingjun, who has ascended the throne, would change the era name to Jiaping, and be known as Emperor Jiaping.
Emperor Jiaping wanted to summon Prince Wei from the Northwest to return to the capital for the New Year. Prince Wei refused, prompting Emperor Jiaping to list several accusations, denouncing Prince Wei’s ambition and expressing a desire to reduce feudal power. Prince Wei again rejected the Imperial Edict, leading to tension in Nanyue.
Ah Jiu hoped they would become chaotic first because Emperor Yan was not well, and he did not want Nanyue to notice the movements in Beiyan.
Since entering the cold winter of December, Emperor Yan fell into a coma, which had lasted over ten days, with Ah Jiu keeping Prince Dong to guard another palace.
Wufu, worried about Empress Dowager Mo, followed to provide companionship.
On the twelfth day of the coma, Emperor Yan suddenly awoke with great spirits, even consuming a small bowl of chicken soup, but Bai Xiaobai and Imperial Physician Gong were on edge, knowing it was the last burst of strength.
Emperor Yan summoned officials from the General Secretary and then called upon Ah Jiu, Prince Dong, as well as esteemed elders from the Imperial family, to draft his last dictates.
"Your Majesty." Everyone knelt on the ground, trembling and shouting in terror.
"I don’t have much time left, don’t dawdle, I still have matters to attend to." Emperor Yan waved his hand; he wanted to see the snow.
Another palace had a hot spring, with a pavilion by the pool where one could view the snow scene of the entire area. Emperor Yan desired to go to that pavilion.
"Your Majesty." Right Prime Minister’s eyes were red.
"Prepare the ink." Emperor Yan looked at Eunuch Lu and ordered the scholar to scribe: "I will dictate."
The scholar’s hands shook, yet he still took the pen and unrolled the bright yellow Imperial Edict, calming himself—a day he had contemplated many times before had finally arrived.
Emperor Yan had nothing in particular to tell, the contents of the Imperial Edict dictated that after his death, the Crown Prince would ascend the throne, Ah Jiu would support and act as Regent, and governance would revert upon the youth’s maturation...
The Imperial Edict was established and sealed with the Jade Seal.
Emperor Yan considered everything he could, including instructions for the vassal kings across regions that after his passing, they were not permitted to return for mourning; they had to remain in their territories, honoring filial piety there.
Ah Jiu clenched his fists, looked at Emperor Yan whose face was glowing, his lips pressed into a straight line.
After establishing the Imperial Edict, Emperor Yan dismissed the General Secretary officials, leaving only Ah Jiu and Prince Dong before him.
"Father." Prince Dong was terrified; he understood death meant he would never see him again, as had happened with his elder brother.
Would he never see his father again?
"From now on, heed your Ninth Royal Uncle." Emperor Yan said to Prince Dong: "Crown Prince, remember, the owner of Beiyan’s territory must bear the surname Jhin, understand?"
"Father..."
"Do you understand or not?" Emperor Yan’s tone was stern.
Prince Dong was startled and quickly nodded: "I know, Father."
"Always remember, the ruler of Beiyan’s lands must be of the Jhin family." Emperor Yan repeated, then looked at Ah Jiu: "The coming years will be hard on you!"
"Imperial Brother..." Ah Jiu’s throat choked.
"Honestly, I wish I weren’t your brother." Emperor Yan chuckled lightly.
Ah Jiu bit his lip.
"Ah Jiu, I’m nearing death." Emperor Yan looked at him: "Before I die, I want to upset you once more; forgive me for that. I wish to be selfish for a moment."
Ah Jiu was slightly taken aback.
"Make preparations; I want to enjoy the snow with Royal Mother one last time." Emperor Yan directed Eunuch Lu: "At the Hot Spring Pavilion."
Eunuch Lu wiped his eyes, kneeling and bowing several times before withdrawing.
Emperor Yan extended his hand to Ah Jiu: "Help me change into a different outfit, casual attire will do."
Ah Jiu turned his head but still fetched the clothes prepared earlier, personally changing him and escorting him to the Hot Spring Pavilion.