Shen Ziqin waited outside the emperor’s bedchamber along with several ministers from the Grand Secretariat.
The palace servants didn’t dare to breathe a sound, only bowing their heads and lowering their presence.
Within the Grand Secretariat, there were those who genuinely worried for the emperor.
A country cannot go a day without a ruler, and now there was no crown prince. The blood Emperor Cheng’an had spat in the hall looked truly dangerous. If his condition worsened… though the Grand Secretariat could temporarily handle court affairs, they couldn’t substitute for the emperor indefinitely.
There were also those with active minds who had begun to think further ahead, but everything depended first on the medical treatment inside.
Shen Ziqin appeared very calm. He glanced at the sun and the ministers who had begun to sweat: “The sun is too strong. Perhaps the ministers should rest in the side hall while waiting. With His Majesty unwell, the court relies on all of you-we can’t have you falling ill as well.”
Some wanted to say a few dignified words to show their loyalty to the emperor, but they saw Grand Secretary Zhang bow directly: “Then we thank Prince Qin’s consort for his consideration.”
The others immediately swallowed their words and joined in expressing thanks.
In such hot weather, who would willingly endure suffering by waiting in the sun if they could avoid it?
The ministers went to the side hall, while Shen Ziqin stood under the corridor.
He too had a thin layer of sweat, misty against his jade-like skin, dazzlingly white in the sunlight, delicate and lustrous.
He would not go to the side hall; he was waiting for someone.
Soon, the Empress Dowager arrived.
The Empress Dowager led Dongning. The attendants all prostrated themselves. The Empress Dowager nodded to Shen Ziqin: “Prince Qin’s consort, come in with me.”
Entering the hall, a strong smell of medicine greeted them. The imperial physicians and the Imperial Preceptor bowed again. The Empress Dowager looked at Emperor Cheng’an, unconscious and still convulsing in his faint, and her fingers gradually tightened beneath her royal robes.
She lowered her eyes, showing no expression on her face: “Rise. Treating His Majesty is more urgent. Someone tell me, how is His Majesty?”
One imperial physician didn’t dare to stand, remaining kneeling on the ground. Though the temperature in the hall was comfortable, he was drenched in sweat, his voice trembling.
“His Majesty suffered from a surge of anger attacking his heart, causing palpitations and illness, and-and there are signs of a stroke. The current situation is extremely dangerous. The academy director is applying acupuncture now. Even if His Majesty wakes up, I’m afraid he will also-also…”
The imperial physician trembled like a sieve. At this moment, Shen Ziqin’s voice in this gloomy room sounded extremely gentle and reassuring. He softly comforted: “Don’t panic, sir. ‘Also’ what? Just speak slowly.”
This warm voice indeed had a soothing effect. Since it had to be said anyway, the imperial physician closed his eyes and finally blurted it out: “He may be paralyzed in bed, unable to speak, and never able to walk again!”
As soon as he finished speaking, his forehead struck the ground heavily. The hall instantly fell into dead silence.
The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes without speaking. After a moment, she asked: “What is the Imperial Preceptor’s diagnosis?”
The Imperial Preceptor also fell to his knees with a thud: “My diagnosis agrees with the academy director’s.”
He didn’t dare look at Shen Ziqin, but his words were directed at him. “The immortality pills I currently have are suitable for use when one is conscious. Once His Majesty wakes up, I can then help treat his body.”
Traditional Chinese medicine is profound and extensive. The academy director truly had skill. If Emperor Cheng’an could still wake up and wasn’t paralyzed, then for the sake of his own life, the Imperial Preceptor would have to ensure he became truly paralyzed.
This trap set for Emperor Cheng’an had follow-up plans; otherwise, they wouldn’t have risked having Chu Zhaoyu openly confront him at this time.
Shen Ziqin hoped Emperor Cheng’an would wake up.
When he woke up, unable to speak or move his limbs, the former emperor would clearly and consciously experience his own helplessness. Wasn’t that better than killing him outright?
The Crown Prince’s life, the second prince’s legs, the assassination attempts on Chu Zhao in his early years and the hardships he had endured since, all the other princes living in constant fear and trepidation-all were his sins. Dying directly would be too easy for him.
He should taste the slow grinding of a blunt knife, ending his life in despair.
“I am old and cannot bear to see such things. I will return to the palace to copy scriptures and pray for His Majesty,” the Empress Dowager stood in the hall, speaking with a quiet demeanor. “Prince Qin’s consort.”
Shen Ziqin: “This subject is here.”
“As a junior, show your filial piety by attending to His Majesty’s illness. All affairs shall be arranged by you.”
Shen Ziqin bowed his head: “Yes.”
Dongning also said: “I will accompany my royal sister-in-law and share her burdens.”
With the Empress Dowager’s order given, many in the hall were suddenly alarmed.
When Chu Zhao departed for war, Emperor Cheng’an had detained his consort in the palace-this could hardly be called paternal kindness, but rather bordered on deep hatred. Yet the Empress Dowager had just entrusted all matters concerning the emperor’s illness to Shen Ziqin!
The implication behind this made many people’s blood run cold.
Was the power in the capital about to shift?
The emperor’s trusted eunuch, Eunuch Quan, felt a chill from head to toe. In his panic, he boldly raised his head, only to unexpectedly meet Shen Ziqin’s gaze.
Shen Ziqin was also looking at him.
“There are too many attendants in the hall right now who can’t help and will only get in the way of the skilled physicians. Keep two or three, and the rest should leave,” Shen Ziqin said. “Little Fuzi, you’re familiar with His Majesty’s attendants. You choose.”
Little Fuzi respectfully replied: “Yes.”
In Little Fuzi’s calm expression, Eunuch Quan suddenly realized that Little Fuzi had allied with Prince Qin’s residence!
As the head eunuch, he should be the one attending the emperor, but Little Fuzi smiled: “Master, you should go rest. We’ll take care of things here.”
Eunuch Quan couldn’t believe it: “You, you! I’ve treated you well, yet you-!”
Little Fuzi gently pressed down his finger: “Ah, I remember all your kindness.” Little Fuzi said softly, “Five years ago, you made a young eunuch take the blame. He was beaten to death. Has his wailing visited you in the night?”
Eunuch Quan froze, and Little Fuzi smiled faintly.
That beaten eunuch had been his own brother.
After giving Shen Ziqin her support, the Empress Dowager turned and left. The remaining attendants in the hall were dismissed, suddenly leaving it empty. Apart from the academy director still applying acupuncture, the other imperial physicians began to tremble with fear, not knowing where to put their hands and feet.
Before this, the prince’s consort, known throughout the capital for his frailty and beauty, had never been taken seriously by those in the center of power. He was a beautiful person who seemed only fit to sit among gold and jade for others to admire, with no other great use.
But now, with Prince Qin leading troops again and the emperor’s life in this consort’s hands, no one dared to treat him as merely a caged bird.
Even his frailty and calmness seemed to become profound and unfathomable, impossible to stare down.
If the heavens were truly changing, then what of them, the physicians treating Emperor Cheng’an? Everyone swallowed hard.
They looked at each other, until finally the highest-ranking physician steeled himself to step forward and ask: “Prince Qin’s consort, may I inquire how His Majesty should be treated hereafter?”
Shen Ziqin smiled.
“What a question from the imperial physician. I don’t understand medicine-how to treat, what medicines to use-naturally that’s all for you to decide.”
Shen Ziqin sat in the outer chamber, casting an indifferent glance inside: “I’ll wait here for news of His Majesty. You may proceed with treatment. If you need anything, tell the attendants, and they will prepare it.”
The imperial physicians understood the implication and felt their scalps tighten-they weren’t allowed to leave for now!
Unable to leave, they naturally couldn’t transmit information outside. Only those in the hall would know the emperor’s condition first-hand.
After the morning court, the emperor had been brought back for emergency treatment. Two hours later, the academy director emerged, supported by his disciple.
The academy director had naturally heard the Empress Dowager’s words. He bowed wearily to Shen Ziqin: “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Shen Ziqin set down his teacup with a clink: “You’ve worked hard, sir. How is His Majesty?”
“The most dangerous moment has passed. He may wake once tonight, but this old subject dares not predict the exact hour or what condition he’ll be in when he wakes… As someone has already said, this old subject is incompetent and can only say that His Majesty is the true dragon son of heaven, hoping for heaven’s favor.”
Shen Ziqin’s expression showed no change. The others truly couldn’t fathom his thoughts, not knowing whether he wanted Emperor Cheng’an to wake or not.
Regardless, the academy director still needed to handle his own affairs. The situation was unpredictable, and he couldn’t afford to offend either side, so he could only take one step at a time.
“This old subject requests Your Highness’s permission to stay in the side hall these two days, to be available for His Majesty’s treatment at any time.”
Shen Ziqin remained very gentle toward them: “Of course. Academy Director, you’ve worked hard. Go rest first. Since the most dangerous period has passed, you and your disciple will take care of things from now on. The other imperial physicians may leave-the academy director and Imperial Preceptor will be sufficient.”
Among the others, some couldn’t wait to flee, while some had connections with court officials and were desperate to pass on information, but at this moment they could only say one word.
“Yes.”
The Imperial Preceptor also went to rest. Little Fuzi rearranged the attendants serving in the emperor’s palace: “Your Highness, these palace people can be used freely. They won’t dare speak out of turn.”
Shen Ziqin had just nodded when a palace maid came to report: “Your Highness, Concubine Yan is outside requesting an audience. She says she wishes to attend to His Majesty’s illness.”
Shen Ziqin was taken aback: “Concubine Yan?”
Emperor Cheng’an had many women in his harem for his enjoyment and to prove his vigor. Shen Ziqin only knew the names of the empress and two or three consorts, but none of the others.
Little Fuzi, seeing his expression, helpfully reminded him: “She’s the one offered by the Blue Snake tribe. His Majesty has been summoning her frequently lately and bestowed the character ‘Yan’ on her as a sign of favor.”
Neither the empress nor any consorts had come, yet this concubine was anxious.
Shen Ziqin: “The northern tribes are invading, and Great Qi is at war with them. Yet this concubine from the Blue Snake tribe doesn’t stay properly in her own palace but dares to request an audience with His Majesty. Send her back and have someone watch her. She is not to come out freely.”
This was equivalent to house arrest. Ordinarily, a prince’s consort had no authority to restrict the emperor’s harem, but times had changed. Whatever Shen Ziqin said was with the Empress Dowager’s permission, as if conveying the emperor’s orders.
Guarding the emperor’s hall, he was a human imperial edict.
Little Fuzi instructed the palace maid: “Did you hear? Go quickly.”
The palace maid accepted the order, and Shen Ziqin summoned Yin Lie, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
“With His Majesty ill, we should be more careful about internal and external security. Having only the Imperial Guards patrol the palace is not enough. Go deploy Embroidered Uniform Guards around the bedchamber to strengthen the watch and fully protect His Majesty.”
It was impossible to drive away the Imperial Guards, as they were responsible for palace security. If he did that, Shen Ziqin would immediately be drowned in memorials and spittle from court officials. Some noble families who had long been restless could also logically collude with the Imperial Guards to mutiny, rush into the palace, and stage a “clearing the emperor’s side.”
With no crown prince in court, once Emperor Cheng’an fell, various evil spirits below would begin to scheme.
Those striving for power, hoping to support a puppet after Emperor Cheng’an’s death to become the power behind the throne-there had been more than just the former Grand Secretary and Deputy Grand Secretary in recent years.
But simply deploying additional Embroidered Uniform Guards was completely justifiable.
Yin Lie knew that good days had finally come for their Embroidered Uniform Guard. Suppressing his excitement, he responded resolutely: “Yes!”
One by one, orders and various prudent arrangements were methodically issued by Shen Ziqin.
He had already revealed his edge and no longer needed to hide. After today, everyone should know that the consort raised in luxury at Prince Qin’s residence was never a weak and incapable dodder.
He was willing to nestle in the small courtyard of Prince Qin’s residence, being cared for, only because Chu Zhao resided in his heart-that was his home.
Shen Ziqin’s fair fingers caressed the teacup, hard to say which was more porcelain-white and beautiful: “Also, please have the ministers in the side hall leave the palace. His Majesty’s dangerous period has passed, but we don’t know when he will wake. They need not wait in the palace. Tomorrow’s small court meeting is canceled. All affairs will be decided by the Grand Secretariat first. Grand Secretary Zhang knows what to do.”
After arranging for everyone else, Shen Ziqin called for Xiao Zhen.
“I’ll keep watch here tonight. Bring my things over and prepare some tea to stay alert. I won’t sleep tonight.”
Xiao Zhen was startled and quickly said: “Marquis, why put yourself through such hardship? We can keep watch and inform you when the time comes. It’s the same.”
“No.” In the luxurious imperial palace, amid the layered shadows, Shen Ziqin tilted his head in the curtained light. “I want me to be the first person he sees.”
Having said he wouldn’t give him another chance to turn things around, he would certainly make good on that promise.
“Don’t tell Chu Zhao about these palace details later,” Shen Ziqin caressed the jade pendant at his waist. “When he returns, he’ll surely only say pleasant things, like how quickly he finished the battle, and won’t tell me what hardships he endured.”
Shen Ziqin’s fingers slowly locked onto the matching love pendant: “We’re even.”
Xiao Zhen’s eyes reddened. This sweetness was delicious, but… also somewhat bittersweet.
After nightfall, palace lamps lit up one by one. The emperor’s hall was brightly illuminated. Shen Ziqin kept watch directly in the inner chamber. Dongning insisted on accompanying him, so they set up a chess board by the window, each with a pot of mind-clearing tea, slowly making moves to pass the time.
Despite the alertness tea, it was difficult for a child to stay awake. Before long, Dongning’s little head began to nod, drowsy with sleep.
Shen Ziqin smiled: “Don’t force yourself, go to sleep.”
Dongning shook his head, his young stubbornness not light: “I can still manage. I’ll keep the royal sister-in-law company!”
Shen Ziqin couldn’t help pinching his little cheeks. Just as he was about to say something, Emperor Cheng’an, who had been lying stiffly on the bed for half the day, suddenly gasped.
Shen Ziqin and Dongning both froze-even the deepest sleepiness would be dispelled now.
They immediately came to the bedside, watching as Emperor Cheng’an struggled in his dream for a long time, gasping hoarsely, almost passing out again, before finally shuddering and slowly opening his eyes.
When he first opened his eyes, he clearly didn’t know where or when he was, unable to see things clearly. Shen Ziqin waited patiently until those murky eyes gradually focused and fell on his face.
Emperor Cheng’an seemed to finally see clearly and suddenly widened his eyes.
He struggled to open his mouth, gasping like a broken bellows: “You, you, you, how…”
Emperor Cheng’an’s eyes became even more terrified: How could he not even speak a complete sentence!?
He could still squeeze out a few sounds-Shen Ziqin smiled at him: “Your Majesty, you’ve slept too long. The Empress Dowager appointed me to attend to your illness. Let me tell you what happened during your coma, such as about Prince Rui.”
Days? He had been unconscious for several days!? What was the situation outside, and Chu Zhaoyu, that unfilial son, that rebellious son-
“He, he!”
Emperor Cheng’an truly couldn’t move his limbs. Using all his strength only resulted in his body convulsing, almost making him pass out again.
Shen Ziqin nodded leisurely: “Yes, him. He’s fine. The former head of the Court of Judicial Review has come to the capital and told everything. Along with the coroner and other witnesses from that year, they’ve all confessed. The entire court is shocked, Your Majesty.”
Shen Ziqin looked down at him with lowered eyes: “Such a good son, how could you kill him so readily? And my husband Chu Zhao-all these years he fought battles, wasn’t he defending Great Qi, your empire?”
“The barbarians clearly intended to launch major attacks on multiple fronts, yet you wouldn’t even give him the tiger tally, granting him a few troops as if bestowing a great favor,” Shen Ziqin smiled particularly beautifully, his tone light. “The soldiers defend the country and people with loyal hearts. Their loyalty is to the people, not to an incompetent ruler like you.”
The words “incompetent ruler” struck Emperor Cheng’an like a hammer, making him dizzy. It was as if he was meeting Shen Ziqin for the first time. He struggled desperately, trying to reach out and grab him.
How dare he call him an incompetent ruler-treacherous subject!
Where were the others? Where was everyone else!?
And the Crown Prince’s matter-there couldn’t be evidence. After so many years, all physical evidence had been submerged, cleaned away completely. Just a few people stepping forward to speak-what could they do to him!
No one could do anything to him, no one could!
No one…
Shen Ziqin was already breathtakingly beautiful. In the flickering candlelight of the hall, his beautiful appearance became eerily terrifying in Emperor Cheng’an’s dizzy eyes, like a gorgeous ghost coming to claim his life. In his daze, he seemed to truly see the Crown Prince.
That once bright and clear Crown Prince whom he had ordered killed.
Emperor Cheng’an, unable to speak or move, finally felt endless panic rising from his heart: “Come, come-”
Someone come? Shen Ziqin straightened slightly, moving further from the bedside. “No one will come. Even the Empress Dowager has abandoned you.”
Emperor Cheng’an’s eyes widened slightly.
Shen Ziqin’s words pierced his heart: “All alone, Your Majesty. Long, long live the emperor.”
He slowly finished speaking, and in a moment, he heard a “puff” sound from the gasping, followed by weak choking coughs.
Dongning tightly gripped Shen Ziqin’s hand, biting his lip without making a sound.
Shen Ziqin led him out of the inner chamber and called outward: “Someone come.”
“His Majesty coughed blood after waking. Summon the imperial physician.”
The soft light fell on his jade-white, beautiful face, cold and merciless.
Tonight, no one in the palace would be able to sleep.
The academy director, a master healer, worked half the night and saved Emperor Cheng’an’s life again, but previously he had not dared to make a definitive diagnosis, only saying that His Majesty might be paralyzed and unable to speak after waking. Now he could confirm it.
Emperor Cheng’an was indeed incapacitated.
“When His Majesty woke in the middle of the night, he mentioned Prince Rui’s name. With the frontier at war, the court cannot be without leadership. His Majesty’s meaning was clearly to have Prince Rui serve as regent and exercise imperial authority,” Shen Ziqin said, standing gracefully by the bed of the unconscious Emperor Cheng’an. “His Majesty also told me where the imperial seal is kept.”
“Do you all think this was His Majesty’s intention?”
Everyone in the room knelt down, except for Dongning, whose hand was still held by Shen Ziqin.
Even if the emperor had truly mentioned Prince Rui, he most likely wanted Chu Zhaoyu dead.
But Emperor Cheng’an was already incapacitated. Did the Imperial Preceptor, imperial physicians, and attendants dare to say that Prince Qin’s consort was making things up?
Moreover, he even knew where the imperial seal was, and both the emperor and the seal were in his hands… Now the human imperial edict would become a real imperial edict.
Dongning, still holding Shen Ziqin’s hand, said: “This princess bears witness that the consort’s words are entirely true.”
With a royal family member vouching for him, and armed Embroidered Uniform Guards outside-their commander having been personally summoned by Shen Ziqin, which they had all witnessed-what more could they say?
Everyone said in unison: “We subjects respectfully obey His Majesty’s orders and follow the consort’s arrangements!”
Shen Ziqin: “It seems that you all, like me, believe this is how His Majesty has arranged things. Then in the future, when others ask, remember what was said tonight, remember His Majesty’s decree.”
Everyone knelt prostrate on the ground, bowing deeply: “Yes.”
For a moment, Shen Ziqin wanted to touch the jade pendant at his waist, but he restrained himself.
He did not covet power or authority, nor did he need others to kneel before him. Having these people prostrate before him actually made him quite uncomfortable.
But he had to protect Chu Zhao.
Prince Qin guarded the mountains and rivers, while he would clear obstacles for Prince Qin, ensuring no worries remained behind him.
In the twentieth year of Cheng’an’s reign, the emperor fell gravely ill and appointed his second son, Prince Rui Chu Zhaoyu, as regent. With foreign enemies invading, Chu Zhaoyu, along with the Grand Secretariat, returned the tiger tally to the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces and dispatched court envoys to the frontier.
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(advanced chapters available on kofi)
yes…. 👏