Chapter 765: Chapter 727: Reading the Decree (Second Update)

Zhao Xi didn’t offer any further explanation, simply asking him, "How did you manage to arrive in time?"

"It was Miss Dong who informed me." Song Yuanbao replied, "She visited our home, specifically asked to see me, and then told me that Chief Minister Yang had planned today’s assassination against you. Upon hearing that the assassination might occur at night, I felt something was wrong, so I came early. Fortunately, I arrived in time."

"You shouldn’t have come," Zhao Xi said. "Now that you’re here, you’ll only be trapped with me."

"I just wanted to protect you." Song Yuanbao blurted out.

When Zhao Xi looked over, he quickly avoided her gaze and explained, "Back at the hunting ground, I promised to rescue you. Even though I might be thick-skinned, I still keep my promises. Since I can’t rescue you, I’ll accompany you in captivity."

——

In the Political Discussion Hall, the gold-painted carved windows were wide open. Outside, snowflakes drifted down, and the civil and military officials, trapped for several hours, were cold and hungry. Helplessly, they were surrounded by the Imperial Army so densely that not even a fly could escape.

An official angrily remarked, "What is Chief Minister Yang planning to do? A coup?"

Chief Minister Yang, standing at the forefront, smiled and looked back at the man, "Mr. Sun, there’s no need to put it so harshly. I informed everyone earlier that the Crown Prince murdered the Emperor, an unforgivable crime. Now that His Majesty has regained consciousness and wants to hold him accountable, I’m out of options.

The reason for calling the Imperial Army here is not to besiege you, but to protect you from any ambush that the Crown Prince Faction’s supporters might set up against you. Please be at ease, once matters in Qianqing Palace are settled, you will be free to leave the palace."

An elder minister from the Crown Prince Faction sneered, "Fear that everything is within Mr. Yang’s control, right?"

"Mr. Fang, be cautious with your words. My loyalty to His Majesty is as clear as day and night; how dare I commit treason?"

"Whether you dare or not, Mr. Yang has already done it. Now that things have reached this point, why keep it hidden? Is it that you dare to do but not to accept responsibility?"

The old ministers in the Political Discussion Hall began arguing immediately.

In contrast to the chaos there, Qianqing Palace was much quieter.

Princess Consort Duan entered the inner hall as usual to attend to the sick, leisurely adding some incense to the incense burner, and then sat in front of the Dragon Couch.

"I heard that the snow outside is heavy." Emperor Guangxi still looked listless today, lacking energy in his speech.

"A good omen for a prosperous year." Princess Consort Duan said warmly, "Heavy snow predicts a harmonious and prosperous year for Chu Country, with an abundant harvest of crops."

"Really?"

"Your Majesty seems a bit energetic today. How about I accompany you outside to enjoy the snow?"

Mr. Cui quickly intervened, "Your Majesty’s health is not great; it’s not advisable to expose yourself to the cold and wind."

"No worries." Emperor Guangxi waved his hand. "I haven’t seen snow for a year. Early this morning, those two little eunuchs mentioned that today’s snow is particularly heavy. I would also like to see it with my own eyes."

"But Emperor..." Mr. Cui attempted to persuade him further.

Before he could finish, Emperor Guangxi had already sat up and removed the brocade quilt from the bed.

Princess Consort Duan quickly fetched a fox fur-lined embroidered cloak and draped it over him, assisting him as they headed outside.

As they reached the door, Princess Consort Duan suddenly turned back and glanced at Mr. Cui.

As Emperor Guangxi stepped over the threshold of the bedroom, Mr. Cui dismissed the two Imperial Eunuchs, and then began searching around.

Emperor Guangxi, not fully recovered, sat briefly in the Scenic Appreciation Pavilion before starting to cough.

The Imperial Eunuch said with concern, "Your Majesty, it’s truly unwise to be in the cold wind. Wouldn’t it be better to go back inside and rest?"

"It’s okay." Emperor Guangxi tucked his hands into his sleeves, gazing at the snow-covered landscape outside the pavilion, suddenly lamenting, "It’s beautiful, but after today, I won’t see it anymore."

The Imperial Eunuch said, "The Observatory just predicted it; the snow might last for five or six days. If you wish to see it, when you feel better in a couple of days, it won’t be too late to come out again."

"In two days, it won’t be today’s me or today’s scene anymore." Emperor Guangxi said and smiled at Princess Consort Duan, "What did they call it in the alleys? Oh, times change, Zhenzhen, what do you think?"

Princess Consort Duan’s expression stiffened for a moment, but soon returned to normal, "Whatever Your Majesty says, that is how it is."

Emperor Guangxi spoke no more, continued to appreciate the snowy scenery, and gradually fell asleep, perhaps due to the calming incense in the burner.

The two Imperial Eunuchs noticed and informed Princess Consort Duan before quietly escorting Emperor Guangxi back to the Dragon Couch in the inner hall.

Mr. Cui came forward to serve.

Princess Consort Duan followed behind, her gaze falling on the mechanism box that had appeared on the Dragon Desk.

That must have been the Imperial Jade Seal that Mr. Cui found.

Thinking that once the Seal was stamped, the Eastern Palace could change hands, allowing Nuonuo to rightfully become the Crown Prince, Princess Consort Duan’s heart raced.

"The Emperor wants to rest, you all can leave!" Covering up Emperor Guangxi, Mr. Cui waved the two Imperial Eunuchs away, who quickly retreated.

Outside the hall, the imperial guard was still on duty. Princess Consort Duan didn’t dare to use real knockout drugs; the incense burner contained calming incense to make Emperor Guangxi sleep more deeply. Now, only Princess Consort Duan and Mr. Cui remained in the inner hall.

Princess Consort Duan pointed at the items on the Dragon Desk and whispered, "Is it the Jade Seal?"

Mr. Cui nodded, "The key is right next to it; Your Highness can open it and see for yourself."

Princess Consort Duan stood up, instinctively glanced at Emperor Guangxi on the Dragon Couch. Seeing him still asleep, she felt at ease, approached the Dragon Desk, took the key Mr. Cui mentioned, and opened the mechanism box. Indeed, it was the Imperial Jade Seal inside.

She patted her chest, took a deep breath, took out the transfer decree from her wide sleeve, and pressing the Jade Seal firmly onto the red ink, stamped it on the transfer decree.

"It’s done!"

Putting away the decree, Princess Consort Duan carefully placed the Jade Seal back and whispered to Mr. Cui, "Please watch over Qianqing Palace here closely. Once everything succeeds, the benefits promised to you by my uncle will not be lacking."

Mr. Cui urged, "There’s no time to delay; Your Highness should head to the Political Discussion Hall quickly to avoid any unexpected developments."

Princess Consort Duan nodded and quickly exited the Emperor’s bedroom, boarding the sedan chair heading to the Political Discussion Hall.

Inside the hall, the two factions were still arguing. Upon hearing that Lady Duan had arrived, the clamor immediately halted, and all looked outside.

The Minister of Revenue frowned, "The rear palace should not interfere in political affairs. What is Your Highness doing here?"

Others obviously shared the same doubts; even the faction of the Second Prince did not approve of Princess Consort Duan appearing in the Political Discussion Hall.

Princess Consort Duan did not enter, stopping at the threshold, looking at everyone inside, "I am here today to convey the Holy Emperor’s decree."

Saying this, she took out the transfer decree, and instead of handing it to Chief Minister Yang, she had the little eunuch beside her pass it to the Minister of the Ministry of Rites responsible for reading edicts and imperial decrees.

The Minister of the Ministry of Rites received it, and upon seeing it, trembled in shock, "This..."

Princess Consort Duan smiled slightly, "Since it’s an edict personally issued by the Emperor, Minister, feel free to read it aloud. With so many officials witnessing, the decree cannot be fake."

The Minister of the Ministry of Rites stood still, his brows furrowed deeply. Since the foundation of the dynasty, no Emperor ever allowed a concubine to convey an imperial edict without conducting court sessions.

"What is it, Mr. Yao? Are you afraid or unwilling?" Princess Consort Duan looked his way.

Yao Temple Minister bowed and said, "Replying to Your Highness, this old minister is unwilling!"

At this moment, a sudden voice came from outside, "If Yao Temple Minister is unwilling, I am willing to declare the decree for Your Highness."

The crowd turned to look, and upon seeing the person’s face clearly, they all widened their eyes.