Chapter 1428: A Double Act?
Chapter 1428: Chapter 1428: A Double Act?
The time in autumn passes extremely quickly, the Emperor has been unconscious for a day and two nights, and by the time the early morning court session arrives the next day, he still has not woken up, forcing yet another court recess.
At this point, the ministers could no longer hold back, several important officials of the court supporting several Princes swarmed in front of Yangxin Hall, clamoring to see the Emperor.
The guard general stationed before the hall had no choice but to announce their presence inside.
After a short while, Song Zhiyuan appeared at the door of Yangxin Hall, yet he did not step outside, just looked down at the crowd from above.
Having endured a day and night, even with a brief rest, he was tormented by nightmares and did not sleep well. His vitality seemed somewhat diminished compared to usual.
"Prime Minister Song, what is happening to the Emperor? You cannot keep it concealed from us."
"Prime Minister Song, the Emperor is the ruler of a nation, it is unheard of to have a court recess for two consecutive days, we need to see the Emperor."
"That’s right, we want to face the Emperor."
With everyone speaking their mind, the noise made Song Zhiyuan’s head ache, causing him to cough heavily.
"Given it is the decree of the Emperor, we must follow it. What are you all doing here, trying to force me or defy the decree? At present, the disaster situation has not completely stabilized. Instead of causing a fuss here, wouldn’t it be better to think about how to resolve the issue of this year’s disaster causing the national treasury to become empty, and those refugees still lingering in the capital, think about how to help them survive and return to their homes to lead peaceful lives."
"Why, without someone issuing orders, you won’t take action? Do you need me to teach you how to be officials and handle matters, or should I do your duties for you?"
When Song Zhiyuan presents a stern face, it is not the usual gentle and refined demeanor but rather exudes dominance.
It’s as though he is saying, "If you dare to say you need me to teach you, I would demote you from your official position!"
The officials immediately seemed intimidated.
"This official dares not."
Song Zhiyuan wanted to say, "If you dare not, then get lost," but reason told him he is the Prime Minister, his composure does not permit it.
At this moment, Eunuch Zhou appeared, the Emperor has summoned Song Zhiyuan and ordered the others to leave.
Song Zhiyuan’s eyes flashed as he turned and left.
The crowd looked at each other in confusion, wondering if this was a genuine summons or if the two were just putting on a show.
Several Princes were even more anxious, wondering if their Father Emperor was truly well, and if he was, why had he not held court?
Song Zhiyuan asked Eunuch Zhou, "Has the Emperor woken yet?"
Eunuch Zhou’s eyes were bloodshot from exhaustion, his originally sharp voice now hoarse as he smiled bitterly and shook his head, softly saying, "Not yet. I anticipated you would be surrounded, hence came to help resolve it."
Song Zhiyuan had also guessed this, sighing, "If we can endure this for one or two days, should he not wake soon, I do not know how much longer I can hold on."
Even though he is the Prime Minister of a nation, this court is not controlled by him alone, however great his authority, it cannot surpass a collective, it cannot surpass the royal family, if he continuously prevents others from seeing the Emperor, the Imperial Censors might accuse him of attempting to seize control of the Emperor and change the dynasty.
Such a grave crime he cannot bear.
Now he brazenly appeared before the ministers, attempting to stall. Prior to this, he had bathed in vinegar and herbal soup from head to toe, and used moxa fumigation before daring to appear, fearing passing sickness outside.
Entering the side hall of Yangxin Hall, the smell of moxa was intense, Song Zhiyuan approached the Dragon Couch, and the person lying on it, whose complexion was no longer as flushed as the previous day, underwent treatment and diagnosis for a day and two nights, the fever was not as high, yet the fever persisted unbroken, and the person had not regained consciousness.
Song Zhiyuan summoned Physician Lu to ask, "It’s already been a day and two nights, still no waking, should the prescription be changed, should we use strong medication?"
Physician Lu respectfully replied, "The current prescription is the most suitable and effective against pandemic diseases from previous years. The Emperor has not awoken, using strong medication, I fear his noble body cannot withstand it."
Song Zhiyuan furrowed his brow.
"The Emperor’s finger moved." A chamberlain exclaimed in surprise.