Chapter 220 Finale

Such carefree and relaxed days always pass quickly. In the blink of an eye, the Fourth Prince has been following the Emperor in the Yangxin Palace to study government affairs for a long time. Now he can handle these state affairs with ease.

"Hongli, how do you think these memorials should be reviewed?"

On this day, as usual, after leaving court, the emperor asked the Fourth Prince to accompany him into the Yangxin Palace. He took out the memorials that had just been submitted by the court officials in recent days and asked the Fourth Prince to make a decision alone.

"I feel that the flooding in the Jiangnan area is of paramount importance. If it is not dealt with promptly, it may cause disaster..."

"Cough, cough, cough~~"

Before the Fourth Prince could finish his words, he was interrupted by a series of coughs.

"Your Majesty, please have some tea."

Su Peisheng hurried forward and gently stroked the emperor's back, then worriedly picked up the tea on the table.

The emperor's health has been getting worse over the past few years. A few days ago, he caught a cold and developed a cough.

"Father Emperor, would you like to summon the Imperial Physician to take a look at you?"

The Fourth Prince also looked at the Emperor with a face full of worry. Although he could not forget the Emperor's act of abandoning him in his early years, both the Empress Dowager and Empress Xi taught him that he did not need to trap himself in that childhood. The most important thing was to grasp the present and protect the future.

He had been with the emperor for so many years, so he naturally saw everything clearly. In addition to some theories on state policy, the emperor also taught him the power tactics and the art of controlling ministers. He wanted to make himself a person full of power tactics and calculations.

He did not refuse these, but he always kept a place deep in his heart, which was to protect the Empress Dowager and Empress Xi. They were the only softness in his youth.

"No need, you can leave first. I am fine, you don't need to worry."

The emperor waved at him and asked him to leave first.

"Su Peisheng, draft the decree."

When there was no one else in the hall, the emperor coughed again, and the handkerchief he used to cover his mouth was stained with blood.

"emperor!!"

Su Peisheng was standing next to the emperor, so he could see it clearly. He was so scared that he immediately wanted to run out to find the imperial physician.

"Su Peisheng! Don't spread this out!!"

The emperor knew his own body. Even if he was unwilling, he knew that he could not act rashly at this time. Any carelessness would cause turmoil in the court. He had to prepare in advance.

"Draft an edict for me."

In the past few years, the Fourth Prince has been working diligently, and the Emperor has seen it all. The only thing he cared about before was his background, but now that he is raised under the name of the Queen, he is impeccable in every aspect.

Speaking of which, Nian Shilan is considered competent. Since she became the queen, the harem has been harmonious, and there has been no dispute among the princes over the throne. Even the third prince is now just following behind the fourth prince to provide assistance.

…

"Your son pays his respects to the Empress Dowager and to the Empress Xi."

After leaving the Yangxin Palace, the Fourth Prince went to the Yiku Palace.

Yiku Palace is where Nian Shilan lives now. She dislikes Jingren Palace because it is where Yixiu lives, and is very reluctant to live there. So she found an excuse and told the emperor that she has gotten used to living here for so many years and doesn't want to move out. The emperor agreed without any suspicion.

"Hongli, how come you have time to come here today? Why did the emperor let you out so early?"

When Zhen Huan had nothing to do, Nian Shilan pulled her over to chat with her. She found it strange that the Fourth Prince appeared here at this time.

"In reply to Empress Xi, the Emperor had some other matters to attend to, so he asked me to leave first."

Then he seemed to look at Nian Shilan and the people around Zhen Huan intentionally. They immediately understood and left the room on their own initiative.

"What's wrong? But what happened to the emperor?"

Nian Shilan was a little surprised by the Fourth Prince's behavior. She knew that something important must have happened.

After the Fourth Prince told them what had just happened in the Yangxin Palace, the room fell into a brief silence.

After a while, Nian Shilan spoke again: "Hongli, there are some things you need to prepare for. It probably won't be long."

Although Nian Shilan did not explain, the two people present understood the meaning of her words. However, this is also good. At least the Fourth Prince does not have to go through the same struggle as the current emperor to get what they want.

"I understand, Your Majesty, please rest assured."

As Nian Shilan expected, a few days later, the emperor asked Su Peisheng to read out an imperial edict in front of civil and military officials at the morning court.

"By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Since ascending the throne, I have diligently labored day and night, fearing that my virtue and talent are insufficient to carry on the legacy of my ancestors and prolong it through the ages. Now, I see that my son (the Fourth Prince, Hongli) possesses noble character, outstanding talent, and a blend of benevolence and filial piety, earning my heart and the respect and love of the people at court and abroad. Effective immediately, he is appointed Crown Prince, endowed with gold and treasures, and appointed to lead the affairs of the Eastern Palace, assisting in the administration of the country, observing government from the court and learning to govern the people. I hope you will uphold filial piety, study diligently, accept wise advice, cultivate yourself, manage your family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world, living up to my high expectations, the spiritual blessings of our ancestors, and the hopes of all the people. All officials shall diligently assist him and join in this great undertaking, without any slackness. Announce this to the whole nation, so that all may know. This decree!"

When this decree was issued, there was not much opposition from the court or the public. The court officials had witnessed the Fourth Prince's ability over the years, so naturally they would not raise any objection.

The news from the court soon reached the harem, and both Nian Shilan and Zhen Huan were very satisfied with the outcome.

"Sister Hua, you will be the Empress Dowager in the future."

"Sister Huan, then you are Concubine Xi."

"We two sisters must stay together until the end. We must never abandon each other and go first."

"Okay, I will never abandon you. Let's protect each other together!"

The two hands were tightly clasped together, as if it was their future life together, accompanying each other until death!

(Full text completed!)

Thank you all for your company for so long. It is because of you that I have the motivation to keep writing. See you on the next book!

The summer breeze is not dry, I wish all my children: a worry-free summer, peace and joy in all seasons!