Chapter 158 How to Turn the Tide?

After watching his mother being carried away, Li Yuanshu originally wanted to ask to see his father, the Emperor, but then saw Eunuch Xu say to the kneeling crowd, "Please go back, everyone. His Majesty is unwell and has already gone to bed."

She had no choice but to suppress her eagerness and leave with the others.

As soon as she stepped out of the Zichen Palace, she quickly caught up with Zheng Wenkai ahead, her voice extremely low: "Prime Minister Zheng, may I have a word with you in private?"

Zheng Wenkai stopped, turned around and looked at her, then slowly nodded: "Princess, please."

The two walked side by side into the Lanyue Pavilion in the Imperial Garden, and Li Yuanshu waved to dismiss all the servants and palace attendants.

Only the two of them remained in the pavilion, and she could no longer hold back, speaking frankly: "Prime Minister Zheng, what do you suggest we do now? Does Father really intend to watch my elder brother remain in Weizhou as a monk?"

She knew that the old prime minister was wholeheartedly devoted to assisting her father, the emperor.

His previous willingness to plead for the Cui family was not out of genuine concern for them, but rather to counterbalance Li Yuanzhao's growing power and preserve Li Yuanyou's position as heir apparent.

But no one expected that such a big thing would happen as soon as Li Yuanzhao arrived in Weizhou.

Both men knew perfectly well that Li Yuanyou's decision to become a monk was no accident, and that it was definitely related to Li Yuanzhao.

Perhaps she used some means to force Li Yuanyou into a corner, which led him to this desperate measure.

Zheng Wenkai raised his hand to stroke his goatee, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"Third Princess, the Second Prince's actions are tantamount to cutting off his own arms. He failed to provide adequate disaster relief, losing the hearts of the people, and now he has entered a monastery, chilling His Majesty's heart. This old minister may have a thousand thoughts, but there is nothing I can do."

Li Yuanshu's voice rose several decibels in his anxiety, "Prime Minister Zheng! You know that Li Yuanzhao has been acting swiftly and decisively in Weizhou these days, killing members of the gentry and planting her own people, winning over the hearts of the people. Now even my brother the Emperor has been forced to withdraw from the game. If this continues, her power will only grow stronger."

She became increasingly agitated as she spoke, “You helped the Cui family before precisely to prevent Li Yuanzhao’s family from becoming too powerful, didn’t you? Now that my brother is in trouble, and my uncle and mother are under house arrest by my father, we have no one left to stand against her. If you don’t take action now, do you really want to watch her gradually take control of the court, even sideline my father, and become all-powerful?”

Seeing Li Yuanshu's anxious expression, Zheng Wenkai sighed softly, "Third Princess, you don't need to worry. Although the Second Prince has now entered a Buddhist monastery, as long as he is still alive, there is still room for maneuver."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanshu pressed for an answer, "How can we turn things around?"

Zheng Wenkai said, "Although His Majesty is angry with the Second Prince, he may not really want to give him up. He is just angry right now. In a few days, when his anger has subsided, this old minister will find another opportunity to speak to His Majesty, and perhaps he can change His Majesty's mind."

As Li Yuanshu listened to Zheng Wenkai's words, the panic in his heart gradually subsided.

But thinking of her mother, who was under house arrest, she couldn't help but ask, "Then...will Mother be alright? Father beat her today and said she was delusional. What if..."

“Princess, rest assured,” Zheng Wenkai interrupted her, his tone certain, “Consort Cui is the Second Prince’s birth mother. As long as His Majesty still values ​​the Second Prince, he will not really do anything to her. Once the storm has passed, His Majesty will definitely release her.”

Only after receiving Zheng Wenkai's assurance did Li Yuanshu finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She bowed slightly, "Then I thank Prime Minister Zheng for his help in smoothing things over before Father. When my brother ascends the throne, he will never forget your kindness today."

Zheng Wenkai retorted, "This old minister's actions are not for the Cui family, nor for the Second Prince, but for His Majesty and all the people of the world."

If Li Yuanzhao were to truly ascend the throne, the world would be turned upside down, and the country would cease to exist—a scenario neither the emperor nor he wished to see.

Although Li Yuanshu didn't know how the topic of the world and its people had come up again, she still chimed in, "Prime Minister Zheng's noble character is truly admirable."

Remembering something, she asked again, "I heard that you were also present when Father vomited blood today?"

Zheng Wenkai nodded.

Li Yuanshu frowned and asked, "Isn't Father's health always good? How could he suddenly vomit blood and faint?"

Zheng Wenkai glanced at her and said, “Your Majesty also finds this matter quite strange. Although His Majesty suffers from headaches, his health has always been relatively good, and he has never suddenly vomited blood like this before.”

Li Yuanshu's tone was somewhat tentative, "Could it be... related to Physician Lin by Father's side? I don't doubt him, but Physician Lin has always personally taken care of Father's diet and medicine. His sudden vomiting of blood is really suspicious."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Wenkai couldn't help but think more highly of the third princess.

"To be honest, Your Highness, this old minister has already sent people to investigate the prescriptions and dregs of the medicines that Physician Lin usually uses..."

Li Yuanshu pressed on impatiently, "Did they find anything unusual?"

Zheng Wenkai shook his head, "The medication records of Physician Lin are clear, and the daily medications were also reviewed by the Imperial Hospital. There are no abnormalities."

Li Yuanshu frowned. "But I always feel there's something fishy about this. Since the medicine can't reveal anything, why don't we send someone to investigate Physician Lin?"

A hint of approval flashed in Zheng Wenkai's eyes.

Unexpectedly, this third princess, despite her youthful arrogance, was far more astute than the second prince, and even thought of this aspect.

He couldn't help but sigh, "If only the Second Prince had your meticulous mind and keen insight."

Li Yuanshu inwardly curled her lip. What could that idiot possibly have to compare with her?

But he still put on a humble appearance, saying, "Prime Minister Zheng is too kind. I, Yuan Shu, am unworthy of such praise."

Zheng Wenkai nodded and said, "Third Princess, rest assured, this old minister will send people to investigate this matter thoroughly. However, I also ask that when the princess has the opportunity, she advise the Noble Consort not to argue with His Majesty again. His Majesty is in a bad mood, and if another disturbance is stirred up, it may be even more detrimental to the Second Prince's return to the capital."

Li Yuanshu understood and nodded solemnly: "Yuanshu understands."