However, at this moment, Eunuch Gao was filled with regret and self-blame. He recalled that over the years, he had not dared to contact his nephew's family, fearing that they would one day become his weakness. Now, the thing he worried about most had finally happened, and he felt extremely painful and helpless.
"The Gao family... I can't let the Gao family die out! Otherwise, how can I be worthy of my ancestors?" Eunuch Gao muttered to himself, tears streaming down his cheeks.
He slowly stood up, walked to the tablet in the room, and kowtowed several times: "Empress Dowager! I feel so ashamed of you! I failed to protect Your Majesty!"
The next morning, Eunuch Gao stood beside the dragon throne and read aloud, "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees that Crown Prince Chu Chengli is a man of noble character, a close resemblance to me, and will undoubtedly succeed me. If you will diligently protect me after my death, I will also be happy to die peacefully. You are to succeed me as Emperor!"
The ministers below couldn't help but look astonished and exchanged glances with each other. They really couldn't imagine that Emperor Wen would make such a decision.
Emperor Wen was known for his resolute and decisive character; how could he easily give up the throne? Furthermore, he was in his prime, full of energy and vitality, and should have continued to rule. This sudden abdication was truly puzzling.
The Third Prince frowned and asked suspiciously, "Why didn't my father personally come forward to explain the matter of his abdication?"
The Crown Prince smiled coldly, turned his gaze to Eunuch Gao beside him, and ordered: "Submit the imperial edict to the Third Prince for his review!"
Eunuch Gao hurried forward and carefully handed the imperial edict to the Third Prince. The Third Prince eagerly unfolded the edict, carefully examining the handwriting and seal. There was no doubt that this was indeed his father's handwriting, and the imperial seal was no forgery.
At this moment, some ministers finally couldn't help but speak up, "Your Highness! We still hope to hear His Majesty personally announce that you will inherit the throne!"
The prince's eyes flickered, then he took a deep breath and said to Eunuch Gao, "Go and invite father out!" His voice was a little low, but with a hint of firmness.
Eunuch Gao was delighted, knowing this meant they would finally have a chance to see His Majesty. He quickly nodded and said, "Yes, Your Highness!" Then he turned and left.
Not long after, Eunuch Gao came out with Emperor Wen and Concubine Jin. Emperor Wen's face was as pale as paper, his eyes were sunken, and his eyes were dull, as if he had lost all vitality. He was so thin that his bones were visible, and he was almost unrecognizable.
The ministers were shocked by Emperor Wen's appearance. They couldn't believe their eyes. They didn't expect that after only two weeks of not seeing him, Emperor Wen would become so haggard, as if he had a serious illness.
Everyone was whispering and discussing the matter. Some speculated that Emperor Wen was unwell, causing his condition to worsen; others worried that something had happened within the palace that had affected his health. Everyone was deeply concerned, because Emperor Wen's health was crucial to the stability and development of the entire country.
The prince looked at Concubine Jin, who was holding Emperor Wen's fingers and moving them slightly. Her fingertips gently stroked the back of Emperor Wen's hand, as if sending some kind of signal.
At the same time, a delicate fragrance quietly wafted out. This fragrance was subtle, yet impossible to ignore. Emperor Wen's eyes blinked slightly, as if affected by something.
Emperor Wen slowly opened his lips and uttered a weak voice: "I..."
Xiao Jinghan stood below, head bowed, like a loyal subject. However, subtle movements were hidden in his sleeves. As his fingers moved lightly, a faint fragrance wafted from his sleeves...
This fragrance intertwined with the fragrance of Concubine Jin, creating a unique atmosphere. A trace of clarity gradually emerged in Emperor Wen's eyes, and his body trembled violently.
Emperor Wen took a deep breath and shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel the strange feeling. His gaze grew firm, and he spoke again, "I haven't been feeling well lately! The Crown Prince will... Regent for now! When the King of Qin returns... we'll..."
The Crown Prince's expression changed drastically, a ferocious crack appearing across his previously calm features. He angrily interrupted Emperor Wen, "Father! Your imperial edict clearly stated that you would abdicate to me. Why are you going back on your word? Did I do something wrong?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wen's eyes widened suddenly, a fierce look flashing in them. He used all his strength to say word for word, "I'm not... dead yet!"
As soon as he finished speaking, blood suddenly spurted out of his mouth, splattering all over the ground!
Everyone was shocked and gathered around. Emperor Wen, however, still refused to fall down. He supported the throne with trembling hands and tried to continue speaking. But in the end, he couldn't hold it in anymore. His eyes went dark and he fainted!
Seeing this, Concubine Jin on the side screamed in fear: "Imperial Physician! Call the Imperial Physician!"
At this moment, a group of panicked palace maids and eunuchs immediately helped Emperor Wen to his feet and prepared to send him back to his bedroom for treatment. The other ministers looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what to do.
As the guards carried Emperor Wen away, the ministers sighed deeply. Although Emperor Wen had successfully prevented the crown prince from ascending the throne, his current health meant he probably didn't have much time left. What would the court face next?
After the court session, the Crown Prince looked at the unconscious Emperor Wen, a gloom flashing in his eyes. He suddenly raised his hand and slapped Jin Xiaohe hard: "Bitch! Why did he suddenly wake up?"
Jin Xiaohe covered her swollen cheeks with her hands, her face full of panic and fear: "Master! I really don't know! He has been under good control recently! Is the dosage of the medicine not enough!" Her heart was full of doubts and uneasiness, and she had no idea why Emperor Wen suddenly woke up.
The prince frowned, a sinister glint in his eyes. He gripped Jin Xiaohe's chin tightly and said through gritted teeth, "Maybe his time is up and he's having a last hurrah! Keep an eye on him! If anything goes wrong again, I won't let you go! When that happens, your precious brother won't be able to survive!"
Jin Xiaohe's eyes widened in fear, tears welling up in her eyes. She nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, Master, I will definitely take good care of him, please rest assured!"
She knew very well that her fate and her brother's life and death were in the hands of the prince, and she dared not slack off in the slightest.
The prince released his hand, and Jin Xiaohe collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily, feeling relieved. She prayed silently that Emperor Wen would not wake up again, and at the same time, she felt lost about the future.
She knew that if she failed to complete the task assigned by the prince, not only herself but also her family would be implicated.
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