Chapter 191.1
Empress Weis words left everyone puzzled, but since she had spoken, there were naturally people who wanted to know more details.Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com
Most of those present didnt move. Only the irrelevant and unimportant people were asked to leave. The princes and their wives were all present, but only Consort Qian, Imperial Concubine Kang, and Noble Ladies Li and Ying were left among the imperial concubines. As for those from the Imperial Hospital, Xiao Yuanshi and two other respected physicians remained behind since they were the ones responsible for taking care of Emperor Hongjings health on a daily basis.
Xiao Yuanshi, you explain it, so people wont think bengong is doing something behind the scenes, said Empress Wei.
Consort Qian smiled hypocritically and said, Your Majesty, dont be angry. His Highness An Wang and this concubine are also concerned about His Majestys condition. Please dont misunderstand. Everyone knows that our empress is the mother of the world and the epitome of magnanimity and tolerance among women.
Empress Weis face didnt look good, and she seemed tired and impatient. She looked at Consort Qian and said, You dont have to praise me. Whether bengong is tolerant or not, its not for you to judge.
Consort Qian suddenly looked embarrassed, but for some reason, she held her tongue.
Empress Wei then said, Xiao Yuanshi, tell them the result of the diagnosis, so they wont think that bengong is doing something behind the scenes. As for Li Dequan, since youre the emperors person, you can fill in the gaps.
Xiao Yuanshi and Li Dequan both looked hesitant, but they knew there were too many eyes on them, and this matter couldnt be kept secret. They exchanged a glance, and Xiao Yuanshi spoke first.
It turned out that Emperor Hongjings collapse this time really had nothing to do with his old ailment. Actually, it had something to do with it, but it was not the main reason. It was also true that Noble Lady Li and Noble Lady Ying came to Qianqing Palace. These two noble ladies probably wanted to gain favour, and hearing that Emperor Hongjing had improved a lot over the past two days, they took the initiative to come to Qianqing Palace to seek an audience.
However, if one were to think about it, any proper wife would have the same reaction if they found themselves in her position.
Yaoniang stood beside Jin Wang, holding Xiaobao. The three of them did not say anything and only listened quietly from the beginning till the end.
Noble Lady Li and Noble Lady Ying were terrified and fell to the ground, weeping and begging for mercy, but Empress Wei ordered them to be taken away.
It was no surprise that their fate would be grim. At most, they would get to choose between white silk and wine, which was the palaces customary punishment for such situations.
Consort Qian wanted to intervene but hesitated and kept her silence.
Currently, the empress was in a weak position, and saying anything would only be detrimental to her. If things went awry, she could easily be labelled as attempting to defame others. After all, as the empress and the mistress of the Central Palace, if Emperor Hongjing were to suddenly pass away, she would be the most powerful person in the palace. Regardless of which prince took the throne, they would have to respect her
After that, they started to discuss how to care for Emperor Hongjing during his illness. Empress Wei did not interfere, and whatever the princes discussed, she listened to without objection.
During this time, there was another round of strategizing. No one knew when Emperor Hongjing would wake up. Naturally, everyone wanted to eliminate dissidents and strengthen their own power. Therefore, no matter how they discussed it, someone would be dissatisfied.
In the end, it was Lu Wang who came up with an idea: two princes would take turns each day to watch over Emperor Hongjing. This proposal was naturally aimed at the empresss faction. In fact, what everyone was most afraid of was that the empress would interfere. After all, Empress Wei controlled the harem and currently holds the greatest advantage.