The next morning, Zhao Zhi vaguely heard Zhu San Niang's voice, "Your Highness, it's time for the morning court session."
She suddenly opened her eyes, sat up abruptly in bed, hugged the brocade quilt, and looked around to confirm that this was indeed her Chunchao Palace.
But... she clearly fainted from anger at the Prince Yi's residence last night!
Thinking of this, Zhao Zhi immediately became nervous and hurriedly asked, "Where is the antidote? Has my brother woken up?"
Zhu Sanniang lowered her head and answered cautiously, "His Majesty was awake for half an hour after taking the antidote, but then fell asleep again."
Zhao Zhi finally felt relieved, but still asked anxiously, "Are you really alright?"
Zhu San Niang nodded and comforted him, "The imperial physician said His Majesty is out of danger and only needs to rest and recuperate for a few days." But they all knew in their hearts that this was just an official statement.
Zhao Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, rubbed her sleepy eyes, and got up while putting on her clothes, asking in confusion, "Third Sister, how did I get back?"
Zhu Sanniang's eyes flickered, clearly not wanting to answer the question, but urged, "Your Highness, it's getting late, let me help you change your clothes."
Seeing her avoid the question, Zhao Zhi was even more puzzled and frowned, saying, "How can I be at ease if you don't explain clearly?"
Seeing Zhao Zhi's posture, Zhu San Niang realized that she was determined to know what had happened last night. She stepped forward, leaned close to Zhao Zhi's ear, and whispered a few words. Zhao Zhi's face immediately turned red to the roots of her ears.
"Okay, I understand," Zhao Zhi replied in a barely audible voice.
She recalled everything that had happened last night and couldn't help but sigh. Just then, she saw the palace maid Cuiyun beside her and instructed, "Cuiyun, come and help me change my clothes."
Half an hour later, Zhao Zhi, dressed in magnificent and solemn palace attire and wearing heavy headdress, set off for the Golden Palace in a sedan chair, her steps piercing the damp air.
"Speak if you have something to say, otherwise the court is adjourned—" Qin Han's high-pitched, effeminate voice suddenly rang out in the hall.
The civil and military officials looked at the empty dragon throne, sighed, and shook their heads.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report—"
Yun Zhang, holding a jade tablet, slowly stepped forward. Instantly, all the civil and military officials fell silent, their gazes fixed on him, including Zhao Zhi, who stood at the head of the Golden Palace, whose expression changed slightly.
The hand hidden beneath the wide embroidered robe tightened slightly, the nails digging deeply into the palm.
Zhao Zhi narrowed his eyes slightly and raised his voice, "What does Prince Yi have to report?"
"Your Majesty is unwell and may find it difficult to govern in the future. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. I believe that a new ruler should be appointed," Yun Zhang said with a righteous expression.
These words caused an uproar in the hall. Everyone discussed it animatedly, their expressions varied. Some showed surprise, some frowned, and others whispered among themselves.
Zhao Zhi's heart tightened. Was he going to recommend someone else to be emperor? She looked sharply at Yun Zhang, trying her best to calm herself, and asked, "Who does Prince Yi think is capable of undertaking this great responsibility?"
Yun Zhang smiled slightly and said slowly, "Your Highness is wise. In this world, there is a person who is both virtuous and talented, and enjoys the high regard of the people. He is truly the best choice."
Zhao Zhi frowned slightly and asked, "Oh? I wonder who Prince Yi is referring to?"
Yun Zhang's gaze remained unwavering. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and said loudly, "Your Highness, I believe that Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent and possesses both virtue and talent, making you the most suitable candidate!"
Zhao Zhi stared intently at Yun Zhang, wanting to tear open his stomach to see what kind of wicked schemes were inside!
Upon hearing this, the hall fell into a deathly silence once again.
Just then, Prime Minister Qin Mu slowly stepped out of the ranks, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said loudly, "Your Highness, I second that proposal!"
Immediately following suit, the other ministers stepped forward one after another, shouting in unison, "I second that proposal!" "I second that proposal!" "I second that proposal!"...
The repeated cries of "I second that" echoed like thunder throughout the Golden Palace, deafeningly loud.
Zhao Zhi clenched her fists tightly, her body trembling slightly. Her face turned pale, and her lips lost their color.
Her voice trembled as she said, "His Majesty will get better! You...you are rebelling?" Tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped onto the ground.
She glared fiercely at Yun Zhang, gritting her teeth as she said, "Prince Yi! Are you rebelling?"
Her eyes were filled with anger and resentment, as if she wanted to devour Yun Zhang alive.
Yun Zhang remained calm, instead bowing respectfully and saying, "Your Majesty, my loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon. Recently, I received news that Yunluo is stirring up trouble and something untoward may happen. For the sake of the stability of our Yun Dynasty, I implore Your Highness to immediately ascend the throne and become Emperor!"
After saying this, Yun Zhang bowed and knelt down, looking every bit the loyal subject. Zhao Zhi, however, did not believe his nonsense.
Upon hearing the name "Yunluo," the ministers present all looked bewildered, except for Zhao Zhi and Qin Han, whose expressions instantly turned extremely grim.
Zhao Zhi looked at Qin Han with some confusion, while Qin Han smiled slightly, and an imperial edict appeared in his hand at some point.
Qin Han unfurled the imperial edict and shouted, "Princess Anping, please receive the edict!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi panicked, but she quickly put on her elaborate palace attire and slowly knelt down.
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