Chapter 421 Giving Orders

In the imperial study, deathly silence enveloped everyone.

Even the air seemed to be stagnant, so heavy that it was suffocating.

The shock of His Majesty's fainting just now had not yet dissipated. Everyone's heart was hanging in the air, and their eyes were fixed on the dragon bed.

Su Quan trembled as he climbed up from the cold ground. Without caring about his manners, he rushed to the dragon bed in a few steps and made an extremely rude move.

He stretched out his hand tremblingly, his fingertips shaking violently, and carefully placed it under His Majesty's nostrils.

However, at this moment, no one spoke out to accuse him of overstepping his bounds.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on his hands, which were shaking violently with extreme fear. They held their breath and waited for the final judgment.

The next moment, Su Quan seemed to have been drained of all his strength. He staggered and almost fell down.

Beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead and slid down his cheeks. His voice was filled with the sobbing tone of someone who had survived a disaster:

"He's...he's breathing! Your Majesty is still breathing!"

Suddenly, a suppressed long sigh was heard in the imperial study.

The string that was stretched to the extreme relaxed a little, but still dared not let go completely.

The third princess Qin Zhaowan's hands and feet were cold, and she and the fourth princess Qin Zhaoyu beside her supported each other to barely stand.

She turned to Qin Zhaoyue, her voice still trembling:

"Sixth...Sixth sister, how long can Queen Mother...maintain this state?"

Qin Zhaoyue had actually been secretly sensing the book of merit in his mind.

After His Majesty fell into a coma, the rate at which his vitality was lost slowed significantly, and the consumption of merit points also decreased accordingly.

However, with no new merits coming in, the number continued to decrease slowly but steadily.

It reminded her of the urgency of time like an hourglass, making her anxious.

It's like keeping an oil lamp burning, never knowing when the oil will run out.

She pondered for a moment, then spoke carefully:

"I can't quantify it precisely, but based on the current situation... it will probably last for a few days."

Only a few days!

Qin Zhaowan took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

She swept her eyes over everyone present, finally landing on Qin Zhaoyue, and said decisively:

"Sixth sister, from now on, it's up to you to give the orders!"

Although the true responsibility of regent had already fallen on her shoulders after the Queen Mother's oral instructions and seal, even...

If something happens to the Queen Mother, she will be the rightful successor.

Qin Zhaoyue couldn't help but look up at her, with an undisguised scrutiny in his eyes.

Qin Zhaowan keenly caught this glance, and she spoke frankly without any hesitation:

"I know what everyone is thinking right now. It would be a lie to say that I have no desire for the throne.

But I know even more clearly that my current abilities are far from enough to completely stabilize this turbulent country.

Sixth sister, everyone, there is no need to worry at this moment, and there is no need to test anything.

The most urgent task is to do everything possible to save the Queen Mother.

Only when she wakes up safely can she truly secure her throne and deter the villains everywhere!"

Qin Zhaoyue nodded slightly when he heard this.

Since her third sister was so sensible, she stopped being polite.

"Third sister, immediately draft the Queen Mother's instructions into a decree, and I will issue it with my seal."

Upon hearing this, Su Quan immediately used his hands and feet to get up from the ground, almost rushing towards the imperial desk to prepare writing brush, ink and silk.

Qin Zhaoyue looked at Yinzhe who was standing silently beside him, paused, and tried to speak:

"That... Thirteen..."

"Just call me Yinzhe." Yinzhe's voice came through the veil, but it sounded much stiffer than usual. "It's cheaper for both of us."

OK~

Qin Zhaoyue readily follows the advice:

"Yinzhe, Xuanji Guard should have special channels that can notify all parties as quickly as possible.

Immediately send out orders, ordering the teams lurking in the bases of the four great families to take action immediately and eliminate the disaster.

No matter who is behind this assassination, the support of the four major families is inevitable, the only difference is the depth of their involvement.

To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the country. We will not hold back against those who resist, but will wipe them out with lightning speed!"

"At the same time, activate the fastest communication channel of Xuanji Guard. I want to get accurate information about the war in the northern border as soon as possible.

This requires the establishment of a stable and reliable line, and the necessary resources are at your disposal."

"In addition, the final investigation results of the imperial examination cheating case will be announced this afternoon.

The captured intelligence chief of the aristocratic family was taken to the Meridian Gate and beheaded in public to set the record straight.

Once again, it is clear that all the rankings of this provincial examination are correct, and this will reassure the scholars of the world."

“In addition, all the palace guards, from the Qilin Guard, Qingluan Guard to the Xuanji Guard, will be rearranged by you personally.

Thoroughly search the palace to ensure there are no more assassins lurking around!"

Every single one of these matters is a matter of life and death.

The power of Xuanjiwei can be seen here.

Yinzhe's eyes were solemn, and he replied in a deep voice: "Yes! I will follow the commander's orders!"

"Prime Minister Pei," Qin Zhaoyue turned to the mature and steady Prime Minister.

"It is your responsibility to stabilize the court officials and appease the people. Zhao Yue, there is no need to say more.

In addition, we ask you to make use of your influence in the Shilin community.

No matter what method is used, we must seize this opportunity to deepen the impression of this women's imperial examination in the hearts of people all over the world.

Even the subsequent joint examinations, palace examinations, and even the final selection and appointment of officials will require your careful attention."

Pei Xuanyun was a little confused about what he meant, but he immediately bowed and saluted:

"I understand, and I will do my best."

Qin Zhaoyue did not explain the reason.

The three pages in the book of merit, "Yin and Yang in Harmony", "Four Great Families", and "Peace and Prosperity in the Country" all need to be promoted in order to gain merit.

There is no time to worry about anything right now. No matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat.

"Tomorrow's morning court will be held as usual. The contents of the imperial edict will be announced to help Third Sister stabilize the situation in the court.

We can only rely on Prime Minister Pei for this matter."

"I obey your command."

"General Meng," Qin Zhaoyue's eyes fell on the commander of the imperial guards.

"The heavy responsibility of defending the capital is now entrusted to you.

Please discuss the specific deployment of defense with your third sister, fourth sister... and fifth brother.

How to station troops, how to patrol, whether to impose a curfew...the youngsters like me are far inferior to you in grasping the right measure.

The more critical the situation, the more important it is to ensure the safety of the capital, so that the people can feel at ease."

"I obey your command!" Meng Guang immediately clasped his fists in response.

There are naturally risks involved in entrusting the two most important civil and military affairs to two important ministers respectively.

Especially the Meng family, which has complete control over the imperial guards. If they have any dissenting thoughts, Dagan may even be in danger of destruction.

Qin Zhaoyue didn't know whether his mother had any backup plan, but since she had entrusted the Meng family with the task, any unnecessary suspicion or attempt to control them would only backfire.

Moreover, she always felt that her mother's words, "Don't employ someone if you doubt him, and don't doubt someone if you employ him," were not just meant for Pei Xuanyun.

Qin Zhaoyue looked around and continued to give instructions:

"All the royal heirs are temporarily staying in the side hall of the Imperial Study. It is not appropriate to move the Queen Mother at this time.

The candidates for the service will be personally selected by Eunuch Su, and must be reliable."

Her gaze finally fell on the four second-grade masters in the field.

Mr. Xue, Ling Muxue, Chu Xinglan, and Jiang Wuya.

His eyes slid across their faces one by one, and finally stopped on Jiang Wuya, motionless.