Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power-Chapter 482 - 479 Falling Ill

The Emperor was escorted back to his resting chamber, and only then did Du Zheng come to his senses and request Chief Secretary Xie Changshen to calm the civil and military officials.

"Prime Minister Xie," Du Zheng said, "this matter absolutely cannot be leaked out, Prince Lu has not yet been caught, and this situation causes political instability, making Daqi’s future uncertain."

Xie Changshen was already an aging veteran official, who had personally witnessed the founding of Daqi alongside the former Emperor. He had thought that Daqi would prosper thereafter, but never expected such a day would come.

Xie Changshen pondered this, his gaze deepening as he stared intently at Du Zheng: "Be honest with me, eunuch, is the Emperor’s illness serious or not?"

Du Zheng showed a pained expression.

Xie Changshen, already knowing the truth, showed anger: "When I first heard the news, I asked you, and you said it was nothing serious... What exactly is the situation in the palace with the Emperor, we are unaware, but are you not clear? Are you neglecting the Emperor’s health or do you have other thoughts?"

Upon hearing these words, Du Zheng’s expression grew more fearful: "Prime Minister Xie, this servant is absolutely loyal to the Heavenly Family... Some things are not because this servant doesn’t want to say them; it’s because the Heavenly Family forbids me to speak. This servant is aware of some inside information and advises every day... The Heavenly Family is solely focused on wanting offspring, what means does this servant have?"

Xie Changshen took a deep breath.

Du Zheng continued: "Regardless of what the Heavenly Family thinks, given the current situation, you, Prime Minister Xie, must ensure stability for the sake of Daqi and the Heavenly Family, no matter what."

Stabilize it? Xie Changshen asked: "Then did the Emperor mention having anyone come to the capital at the critical moment to help stabilize the political situation?"

With Prince Lu rebelling, only Prince Qi remains. Even though the Heir of Prince Qi is in the palace, the way the Emperor daily favors the concubines, eager for them to bear an heir, does not seem to show the slightest trust or reliance on Prince Qi.

The Daqi’s throne, the Yang Family bloodline, besides the former Emperor, there was originally Prince Guangyang. Although Prince Guangyang was somewhat distant from the former Emperor, ultimately he can still be considered a collateral branch.

Before Prince Guangyang passed away, he was always willing to assist the former Emperor and the Crown Prince, yet ended up dying at the hands of Gao Yu.

No one in the court dares to discuss how Prince Guangyang died, but the words spoken by Xiao Xingzong in the dungeon, coupled with the proclamation of Prince Lu, and the fact that the Commandery Princess of Prince Guangyang would rather live incognito in Chen Family Village than return to the capital... all evidence points to one conclusion.

Prince Guangyang was murdered by the Emperor.

Destroying his own support, Xie Changshen’s emotions churned whenever he thought of this, reaching such a point of turmoil that now, who could possibly reverse the tide?

Xie Changshen looked at Du Zheng: "Serve the Emperor well, only if the Emperor’s health recovers can the political situation be stabilized; there is no other way."

Du Zheng understood well that if anything truly happened to the Emperor, it would be as if the sky were falling, and asking anyone would be futile.

As he watched Du Zheng leave, Xie Changshen addressed the civil and military officials in the court: "The Emperor’s health is not in the best condition, today’s court session ends here. You may all return to your respective posts!"

A bustle of voices filled the hall.

Xie Changshen continued: "The Emperor only has a minor ailment. What happened here today need not become common knowledge; be mindful of that, each of you."

Saying this, Xie Changshen was the first to walk out. If his predictions were correct, news had already spread outside the palace, and with Prince Qi eyeing the throne, now was the best time for him to act; the Emperor was severely ill, Prince Qi was in his prime, and had two princes by his side.

Prince Lu’s resources were nearly depleted; even if he survived, he likely would not have the strength to contest Prince Qi.

Chaos was looming, Xie Changshen’s footsteps grew heavier, Daqi faced turbulent times, and whether it could carry on, he did not know.

...

Empress Xu hurried to the Emperor’s resting chamber.

The Imperial Physician was taking the Emperor’s pulse.

Empress Xu glanced towards Tang Yusheng nearby; Imperial Doctor Tang was discussing the diagnosis with his colleagues.

Upon hearing the palace attendants’ reports, everyone immediately stepped forward to salute Empress Xu.

However, Empress Xu’s gaze settled solely on Tang Yusheng: "Imperial Doctor Tang, I remember you saying that the Emperor’s condition wasn’t serious. What is happening now?"

Tang Yusheng bowed and said: "It is my fault..."

Before Tang Yusheng could finish, the always gentle Empress Xu suddenly spoke sternly: "Indeed it is your fault, you were the one diagnosing the Emperor and the one prescribing the medicines during this time, if anything happens to the Emperor, I will not spare you."

Tang Yusheng displayed an expression of fear: "I will undoubtedly do everything in my power to cure the Emperor."

"There can only be this one result," Empress Xu said, "there is no other path."

Tang Yusheng responded: "I understand."

He appeared to be trembling with fear, but Empress Xu understood that this Tang Yusheng was not at all flustered; for someone bold enough to make plans involving the Emperor, life and death were trivial matters to him.

Weak sounds came from within the inner chamber, and Empress Xu immediately hurried forward.

Lying on the soft couch, the Emperor opened his eyes, his lips moved, mumbling something inaudible.

Although the Emperor’s gaze was unfocused and dull, seeing him awake nevertheless allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Emperor," Empress Xu’s voice was hoarse, "how are you feeling now? Where is it uncomfortable?"

The Emperor looked at Empress Xu, wanting to speak, yet unable to voice it for some time.

Empress Xu leaned closer, hearing the Emperor repeatedly utter a single word.

"Xu..."

"Xu..."

Beauty Xu.

For half a year, the Emperor had spent the most nights in Beauty Xu’s palace; now, after the Emperor fainted and called for Beauty Xu, it was not due to deep affection, but because the Emperor hoped for Beauty Xu to conceive an heir.

Currently, among the concubines of the harem, Beauty Xu had enjoyed the Emperor’s favor the most, making her the likeliest bearer of good news.

Beauty Xu bore some resemblance to Princess Guangyang; if she truly gave birth to a prince, the Emperor would be overjoyed, but who knew what Beauty Xu had in mind?

The Emperor’s illness should be the moment to uncover everything.

"I will have someone summon Beauty Xu at once." Empress Xu instructed the palace attendant beside her.

The palace attendant responded and immediately went to arrange it.

"Have the Imperial Physician take another look at you," Empress Xu softly said to the Emperor, "tell the Imperial Physician if anything feels off."

Director Li of the Imperial Hospital was about to step forward, only for the Emperor to utter another word: "Tang..."

Inside, Empress Xu felt a chill; even now, the Emperor still trusted Tang Yusheng.

The ever-consenting Empress Xu finally took a firm stand.

"Emperor," Empress Xu said, "Director Li and his son have been in the Imperial Hospital for many years, and it was Doctor Li’s needle that woke you."

As Empress Xu spoke, she looked at Du Zheng.

Du Zheng quickly added: "Emperor, what Her Majesty said is absolutely true, please listen to Her Majesty’s words!"

Empress Xu used a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, the tears cool and devoid of warmth. After all these years, it still required a eunuch to verify her truths to their majesty.

Du Zheng gently held the Emperor’s arm, and as if understanding something, the Emperor did not persist, allowing Imperial Doctor Li to step forward.

After some time, Imperial Doctor Li removed his hand and exited the Warm Pavilion with the Empress.

Reaching a secluded place, Empress Xu looked at Imperial Doctor Li: "How is the Emperor’s health truly?"