The news that His Majesty the Emperor was seriously ill caught everyone off guard and was somewhat unexpected.

Previously, when His Majesty the Emperor did not appear in court, most people thought it was merely a tacit understanding between the Emperor and the Crown Prince, and that the Emperor was consciously cultivating the Crown Prince's ability to govern. However, it seems that this is not the case now.

In an instant, not to mention the women in the palace rushing to the Fengxian Hall to pray for the emperor's well-being, the men also couldn't stay idle.

The princes who were not yet of age also changed into their court robes. Places like the Grand Altar of Sacrifice and the Altar of the God of Soil and Grain were not suitable for women to go to, but as descendants of the late Zhu, they certainly had to go there to pray for blessings.

The princes still in Beiping, or those who had established their own residences but hadn't yet taken up their posts, were all rushing to the capital. Even the imperial grandsons were hurrying there. Anyone who dared to slack off at this time would not only face death, but would also be punished by the Imperial Clan Court.

Similarly, many civil and military officials quickly changed into their court robes and rushed to the capital without any special instructions.

The brothers Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou guarded the city gates, while Feng Cheng and Fu Rang led their troops to stand on the city walls. Those who knew a little about the situation were quite startled, even though they had known before that the Crown Prince had influence in the military and that His Majesty the Emperor intended to cultivate his power.

But now, looking at it again, the imperial city is almost completely controlled by the Crown Prince's forces. If something were to happen, given the current situation, the Crown Prince would have almost completely taken control of the imperial city.

Zhu Xiong Ying's expression was solemn. He did not appear at the Altar of the God of Soil and Grain or the Great Sacrifice Altar, but simply knelt quietly in the Hall of Ancestral Worship.

One by one, the princes and grandsons of the emperor arrived, and they were all startled to see the crown prince kneeling at the front without saying a word.

Zhu Gang walked up to Zhu Xiong Ying and whispered, "Grandson, you should go to the Altar of the State."

"Third Uncle, go over there." Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Da Zhu's memorial tablet and said softly, "We all know what kind of person Grandfather was. We don't know if those people will protect Grandfather, but our ancestors of the Zhu family will definitely protect him."

Zhu Gang paused for a moment, looking somewhat embarrassed, "It's not appropriate for me to go there."

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said to Zhu Gang, "Third Uncle, let's not lie anymore. It's more appropriate for you to go there. Third Uncle is now the head of our Zhu family clan, in charge of the Altar of the God of Soil and Grain and the Great Sacrifice Altar. Third Uncle, please make the arrangements. I'll stay here to keep Grandmother company and chat with my father."

Zhu Gang didn't say anything more. He was originally preparing to go to Beiping to plan the relocation of the capital. But now it seemed that he would have to stay in Yingtian Prefecture and would definitely not be able to return to his fiefdom anytime soon.

The atmosphere in Fengxian Hall was rather somber. Occasionally, one or two concubines from the harem would cry out in a fit of rage, but Zhu Xiong Ying didn't need to say anything, and Xu Miao Qing didn't need to express any attitude.

Although Consort Guo Ning has gone to Yanzhou to take care of her grandson, there are still Consort Guo Hui, Consort Hu Shun, and others. Their ranks are relatively higher, and they all know what is right and wrong and what they should pay attention to at this time.

Even though she knew it was all an act, a somewhat deliberate performance, Zhu Xiong Ying still felt a tightness in her chest.

For some reason, Zhu Xiong Ying felt he was getting closer and closer to becoming a lonely figure. Perhaps soon he wouldn't be able to find anyone to be affectionate or clingy with, and he would find it difficult to feel any care or concern. At that time, he would be sitting alone on the dragon throne, finding it hard to feel any familial love, or even normal human emotions.

For three consecutive days, apart from the central government departments needing to keep operating, most people were praying for the emperor's well-being.

It seems the prayers did have some effect; amidst the tension, worry, or hidden excitement of many, some good news finally emerged from the palace. His Majesty the Emperor has regained consciousness; His Majesty's health is excellent.

This is probably very good news, and it has indeed brought a sense of relief to many people. The atmosphere these days has been really strange, and many people are even making preparations in secret, just in case something happens unexpectedly.

Rubbing his numb knees, Zhu Xiong Ying slowly made his way to the heavily guarded Qianqing Palace to visit his imperial grandfather.

"I want to ride a big horse!" Little Zhu shouted to Old Zhu, holding a small stick.

Old Zhu chuckled and said to Little Zhu, "Alright, let's ride horses! Yin'er, let your great-grandfather have some tea and let us rest."

Zhu Xiong Ying was just listening, but suddenly he felt that something was wrong, and he was indeed startled.

Zhu Xiong Ying was furious. Pointing at little Zhu, she shouted, "Zhu Wen Yin!"

"What are you yelling for?!" Just as Little Zhu was about to cry from fright, Old Zhu pointed at Zhu Xiong Ying and roared, "You're such a troublemaker, get out of here!"

After shouting all that, Old Zhu squatted down, hugged little Zhu, and said, "Yin'er, let's ride a big horse. Your great-grandfather also loves riding horses. When Yin'er grows up a bit, we'll take you horseback riding and hunting!"

Shuangquan wore a pained expression; he really wanted to do it for him. However, some things were clearly beyond his ability to do. All he could do was stand by and watch over him, making sure the little prince didn't fall.

Feeling wronged, little Zhu clung to Old Zhu's back, his arms wrapped around Old Zhu's neck, not as lively as before when riding a horse.

Old Zhu lay there happily, occasionally making a little noise, like shaking his body or lifting his upper body. This made Little Zhu quickly forget that his father had just yelled at him, and he happily played with his great-grandfather.

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