Chapter 484 Those who defy, kill!

The Empress was quite composed. Although she bore some responsibility for failing to properly investigate Yan Fengxi's entry into the palace, the real culprit was Consort De, and she had nothing to fear. Of course, the most important factor was that her brother gave her complete confidence.

The Empress had confidence, and so did the most trusted servant by her side. Upon seeing the Emperor, the old woman respectfully knelt and bowed, saying:

"The Empress Dowager is seriously ill, and many officials' families copy scriptures to pray for her well-being. To express her gratitude, Her Majesty the Empress invited some of these officials' families to the palace to thank them in person for their kindness. Five days ago, she invited some of these officials' families to the palace, and Your Majesty also gave them a reward that time."

The Emperor nodded after hearing this, indicating that he remembered it. The nanny then continued, "The other day, Her Majesty the Empress drafted another list. However, this time, out of consideration for the ladies of the harem's longing for their families, Her Majesty asked them to suggest adding some ladies and young misses."

At the time, Consort De suggested adding Madam Yan and Miss Yan to the list. Although the Empress found it strange, she didn't ask any further questions, and the list was finalized.

After the old woman finished recounting the events, she stood there respectfully without saying another word. The Emperor's face grew even more somber. He had been led to the Empress Dowager by Prince Rui, and it was Prince Rui's mother, Consort De, who had suggested bringing the Yan family mother and daughter into the palace. If this was all a coincidence, then all the conspiracies in the world would be coincidences.

The emperor remained silent for a long time before saying, "Summon the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards."

These words shocked everyone in the imperial study. Announcing the commander of the Imperial Guards meant the use of force. It seemed the emperor was about to take drastic measures.

Zhao Fuquan hurriedly ran out, and a moment later the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards entered. Upon seeing him, the emperor immediately ordered, "Take the troops and surround the Prince Rui's residence. No one is allowed to enter or leave."

The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards was taken aback, then cautiously asked, "Is His Highness Prince Rui the same?"

"I'm talking about anyone!" The emperor's words seemed calm, but he was clearly suppressing his emotions. The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards quickly agreed and then hurried out.

"Seale Xiande Palace," the emperor instructed Zhao Fuquan.

"Yes." Zhao Fuquan immediately went out again to instruct his capable men to carry out the task. He thought to himself that Consort De and her son had really brought this upon themselves; of all the people they could have colluded with, they had to choose to collude with the Prince of Lingnan.

Inside the imperial study, the emperor, exuding a cold and ruthless aura, seemed to be furious. Zhao Fuquan carefully went over to pour tea, but the emperor's hand trembled violently as he picked up the teacup. The warm water splashed onto his hand, and the emperor could no longer suppress his anger. With a crash, he threw the teacup to the ground.

The emperor gripped the armrests of his chair tightly, his heavy breathing particularly clear in the silent room. He shook his head, which suddenly felt dizzy, and frowned, suppressing the anger that was about to erupt within him.

Jiang Yu noticed the emperor's unusual demeanor and a hint of worry on her face. After a moment's hesitation, she stepped forward and softly called out, "Your Majesty."

The voice sounded faint and distant to the emperor. He shook his somewhat dizzy head, but still couldn't clear his mind. Seeing this, Jiang Yu became even more worried and quickly shouted, "Quickly, call the imperial physician!"

Zhao Fuquan hadn't dared to look at the emperor because of his anger, but upon hearing Jiang Yu's voice, he immediately looked up at the emperor. He saw him shaking his head, sweat beading on his forehead as he tried to suppress his emotions. Zhao Fuquan rushed over to help the emperor up and shouted loudly outside, "Summon the imperial physician! Summon the imperial physician quickly!"

One of the eunuchs guarding outside immediately ran to the Imperial Hospital. Inside the room, Jiang Yu also approached the Emperor and asked Zhao Fuquan, "Has Your Majesty been unwell lately?"

"No!" Zhao Fuquan's anxious voice trembled. "Recently, His Majesty has been worried about the affairs of Lingnan and has not been sleeping well. The imperial physician prescribed tonics, and after drinking them, His Majesty has been sleeping more soundly every night. But this situation has never occurred before."

Jiang Yu carefully observed the emperor's condition. He seemed to be furious, but given the emperor's personality, even if he was furious, he wouldn't act like this in front of his ministers.

Thinking of a possibility, she whispered to Zhao Fuquan, "Given His Majesty's condition, it would be best to find someone trustworthy and capable to serve him."

"Yes, yes, yes." Zhao Fuquan suddenly realized and turned to call out, "Xiao Dezi, quickly go and invite His Highness Prince Rui over."

Jiang Yu: "......."

She actually wanted Prince An to come, as he was the most suitable person to stay by the emperor's side at this time. However, upon further reflection, she realized that Prince An couldn't compare to the emperor's favor and trust towards Prince Rui, so it was perfectly normal for Zhao Fuquan to think of Prince Rui first.

Zhao Fuquan clearly hadn't thought that far ahead. In his mind, the only people who would least harm the emperor were the Empress Dowager and Prince Rui. Now that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill, she naturally summoned Prince Rui.

"Minister Jiang," the emperor's voice rang out, his gaze somewhat unfocused, but he strained to focus his eyes on Jiang Yu, saying, "If anything happens to me, you will be fully responsible for eliminating the Prince of Lingnan. Anyone who obstructs this... will be executed without mercy!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I obey your decree, but you are sure to be alright."

The emperor shook his head again, his consciousness growing increasingly hazy. But he struggled to stay awake, raising his hand to point to the precious sword lying on the sword stand not far away. Jiang Yu understood, rising quickly to walk over, picking up the golden dragon-carved sword, then hurried back to the emperor's side, presenting it to him with both hands.

The emperor pushed the sword back, his gaze fixed on Jiang Yu's eyes. "Take this sword. Seeing this sword is like seeing me. Anyone who disobeys will be killed!"

"Yes." Jiang Yu replied immediately and seriously. She was deeply moved that the emperor could trust her at this time.

"Jiang Yu," the emperor looked at her again and said, "can you really eliminate the King of Lingnan?"

Jiang Yu quickly kowtowed, holding the sword with both hands, "Your subject will certainly not fail Your Majesty's command!"

The emperor seemed relieved upon hearing this and closed his eyes. At that moment, the imperial physician arrived, and Jiang Yu and Zhao Fuquan quickly made way for him. The physician then examined the emperor. While the physician was examining him, Prince Rui rushed in anxiously. Seeing the physician examining the emperor, he stood beside Jiang Yu and asked her about the situation.

After Jiang Yu recounted what had happened, the imperial physician finished his examination, and the result was that the patient's anger had reached the heart. Jiang Yu frowned upon hearing this, while Prince Rui went straight over and asked, "Why would such a sudden attack of anger cause this condition?"

The imperial physician immediately replied, "Your Highness, His Majesty was already overworked, and the sudden rebellion caused him to become enraged and depressed, which depleted his mental energy and led to his fainting. When I examined his pulse, I found it to be floating, rapid, and hurried, which is a sign of sudden anger attacking his heart."

At this moment, the emperor opened his eyes, and Prince Rui took his hand and softly called out, "Your Majesty."

The emperor gripped his hand tightly, "Let the empress stay with the mother, and you stay by my side."

At this point, he only trusted the younger brother he had raised himself.

"Yes." Prince Rui helped the emperor up, and seeing that he could no longer walk, he bent down and carried him into the adjacent bedchamber. Several imperial physicians quickly followed behind.

Jiang Yu was a woman, so she could only wait outside the bedchamber.