Chapter 1418: Are You Forcing the Throne?
Chapter 1418: Chapter 1418: Are You Forcing the Throne?
The Emperor taking a break from court is not considered news. If it happens during important events such as sacrifices, it’s normal. But taking a break without any warning certainly makes people uneasy.
What’s even more unusual is that the Imperial Army is guarding each palace and not allowing indiscriminate comings and goings, which further causes unease.
At this point, distinctions between allies and adversaries don’t matter anymore. Consort Fan and several other concubines went together to the Empress’s palace to report the matter and requested an audience with the Emperor.
The Empress’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing about the court break, but she did not act rashly. Instead, she sent someone to find out who accompanied him last night. Learning that it was a favored attendant who was still in the Yangxin Hall without permission to return to her palace, and that her chamber had been searched, she couldn’t help but reveal a look of shock.
Something had happened.
The Empress calmed the concubines and went to Cining Palace herself.
Song Zhiyuan never left Yangxin Hall, guarding there all along. During this time, ministers trying to approach the Emperor under the guise of state duties were turned away by him.
The imperial physician Lu quietly approached him and said, "This epidemic came on suddenly and fiercely. Fortunately, the Emperor’s health is usually robust, allowing him to resist. But if this acute illness overwhelms, and if high fever doesn’t subside, Prime Minister, this..."
Seeing the old physician’s face full of fear and panic, Song Zhiyuan replied, "Imperial Physician Lu, just do your best."
"I will certainly give my all, risking my life. I’m just afraid that if it drags on, even if the fever subsides..." The imperial physician Lu’s voice faded under Song Zhiyuan’s gaze.
Song Zhiyuan sighed deeply, understanding the gravity of the situation. With the Eastern Palace empty and no Crown Prince appointed, if Emperor Chu remains well, all is peaceful. But if his condition worsens, a battle for the throne or external troubles might arise, and then the land will be in turmoil.
The current Great Qing has only been established for thirty-three years, not yet a century. If it becomes history now, it would be too tragic.
Such hard-won peace and prosperity, let alone Song Zhiyuan, even the nobility in the capital, wouldn’t think of just changing dynasties like this. After all, everyone hasn’t yet firmly chosen sides, and the peace hasn’t been enjoyed enough.
Song Zhiyuan, even more so, having had a childhood friendship with Emperor Chu, has always counted on his success. The Song Family’s foundation is shallow; if Emperor Chu falls, the Song Family would fall alongside him in an instant.
"Imperial Physician Lu, use every possible means to cure him. If necessary, even prepare the strongest medicinal potions." Song Zhiyuan glared at him, his voice deep, "Ensure the Emperor gets through this crisis, and I promise you a dignified retirement."
Imperial Physician Lu’s pupils contracted, and he bowed, "I will certainly exert all my efforts."
Outside Yangxin Hall, the noise was loud. Song Zhiyuan’s face darkened, filled with increasing hostility. After speaking a word to Imperial Physician Lu, he walked out.
Outside the hall, Prince Xiao and others supported their consorts but were stopped by the head of the Imperial Guards, who sternly questioned them.
"The Emperor is resting. How dare you cause such commotion?" Song Zhiyuan glared at them with a dark face.
Prince Xiao stepped forward, glaring at Song Zhiyuan, "Prime Minister Song, we are concerned about our father and have come to request an audience."
"The epidemic in the south isn’t over. The Emperor is worried. He and I discussed matters until the early hours, sleepless through the night, and has just fallen asleep from exhaustion. There is no time to meet with the Lady and others at the moment." Song Zhiyuan said with a stern face, "If Prince Xiao has matters to discuss, wait for the Emperor’s summons before you come."
"Prime Minister Song, could it be something has happened to the Emperor, and you are concealing it?" Prince Zhou questioned.
Song Zhiyuan coldly looked at him, "I wish to ask you instead, Prince Zhou, do you think something has happened to the Emperor, or are you hoping something has happened to the Emperor? So is it now your intention to force the palace?"