Chapter 206.1

Chapter 206.1

Yaoniang did not think much when Emperor Jin’an said it was nothing important.

Xiao Shunzi returned from Qianqing Palace and said that the Emperor Emeritus enjoyed his dinner. However, the food had been a bit greasy these past two days, so His Majesty wanted to have something refreshing for breakfast the next day.

Yaoniang nodded repeatedly, already pondering what refreshing dishes to prepare for breakfast.

Emperor Jin’an was somewhat dissatisfied and said, “Let the kitchen handle these things. You don’t need to fuss about it.”

Yaoniang strongly disagreed and said, “How can this be considered fussing? It’s rare for the Emperor Emeritus to want to eat something. Doctor Liu also said that food is better for nourishing one’s health than medicine. When you eat happily and are comfortable, your health naturally improves.”

Erbao, who was oblivious to the situation, immediately made his demands, “Mother, I want to eat sweet potato bread tomorrow, and I also want green bean rolls and eight treasures lotus seed soup.”

“The eight treasure lotus seed soup is too sweet for your grandfather to eat. Let’s make shrimp and vegetable porridge for him. If you want the eight treasures lotus seed soup, I’ll have Mother Xue make it for you.”

“No, I want to eat what you make, Mother. Your cooking is the most delicious.” The chubby little child leaned over, looking as if he would cry if his request was denied. Although Erbao rarely cried now, he had a hundred ways to make one cater to his every whim.

Just like now, he nestled into Yaoniang’s arms, tugging at her clothes with a childish voice, pleading. He was adorable and exasperating at the same time, making it impossible for anyone to refuse him. One would even want to give him their heart and soul.

“Then I’ll make it for you now. The eight treasures need to be soaked in advance, so tomorrow’s porridge will be soft and tender.” Saying that Yaoniang became enthusiastic and wanted to go to the small kitchen, but she was held back by Xiaobao.

“What’s the matter?”

The officials earnestly pleaded for the sake of the court and the nation. But in reality, how could the Emperor Emeritus, who had spent his life battling and outwitting these officials, not understand what they were thinking?

What he really couldn’t figure out was what the people behind these officials were thinking.

These elderly officials truly were loyal and devoted, dedicated to the imperial court and the country. The only common trait among them was their pedantic and stubborn nature. Given the current situation, they were most likely encouraged to make a move by others. In fact, the influential families who sought power behind the scenes did not dare come forward.

“Since Zhen has abdicated and handed over the throne to the new emperor, Zhen has no intention of interfering in court affairs. It is up to the new emperor to decide who will be the successor. Zhen doesn’t want to meddle.”

“But...”

Before these officials could say much, Li Dequan stepped forward, gently escorting them out, and softly said, “This servant hopes all the ministers can consider His Majesty’s situation. The Emperor Emeritus’s health is already frail, and he is currently recuperating. The imperial physician has repeatedly warned against overexertion. This servant hopes the ministers can understand.”

These officials dared not be labelled as inconsiderate. They could not help but feel disheartened as they thanked Li Dequan and hastily left. Afterwards, several court officials entered the palace to see the Emperor Emeritus, but they were all rejected before they even saw his face.

At this point, it was clear that the Emperor Emeritus did not want to oppose the new emperor.

For the time being, no one had the time to speculate on the reasons behind it. Some even began to think about the Grand Princess. Grand Princess Anqing was currently the highest-ranking member of the imperial family in the capital and also the great-aunt of the present emperor. While she might not be suitable to intervene in other matters, she could have a say in the selection of the empress.

Unfortunately, to everyone’s disappointment, Grand Princess Anqing caught a cold and secluded herself, refusing to see anyone.