Chapter 191 Testing the Waters in Front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation
"I am feeling unwell... During this time, all matters of the court will be handled by Prince Li and Prince Lian... The affairs of the inner palace will be temporarily managed by Consort Tongjia..."
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, listening to the Emperor suppressing his cough and giving intermittent instructions on the next steps, no one believed that he was really just "feeling unwell occasionally."
No matter how much speculation they had, they dared not reveal it at this moment. Everyone in the hall lowered their eyes and respectfully accepted the imperial decree and expressed their gratitude.
But once they left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, watching the clouds gradually obscure the sun, everyone knew that the world was about to change.
At this moment, everyone else had left, except for Yixiu, who remained by Yinzhen's side, sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his hand, her eyes slightly red: "Your Majesty..."
"I'm fine, don't worry. I'll have to trouble Xiao Yi from now on." Yinzhen smiled at Yixiu. Over the years, Yixiu's abilities had proven trustworthy. So she had also participated in the plan, but she didn't know much about it.
Therefore, when Yixiu saw Yinzhen's companion fall, she was somewhat panicked, but not much. Now, seeing Yinzhen's expression, she became even more certain that it was all an act by the Emperor, and breathed a sigh of relief. However, she still appeared sad and sorrowful, not wanting others to see through her act.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations. I am in poor health and worried about Your Majesty's condition, so I will have to trouble Consort Tongjia to take care of the affairs of the inner palace."
"That's right, you just need to guard Jingren Palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I know. I will certainly guard Jingren Palace well."
The couple exchanged a knowing smile inside the hall, their words flowing in unspoken agreement. Yixiu turned and walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, her eyes red-rimmed, feigning composure. Those secretly watching clearly saw her suppressed grief.
The Empress fell ill upon returning to Jingren Palace, claiming to the outside world that she was still recovering from an old ailment. However, some observant people examined her medical records and found the words "excessive worry and anxiety, causing emotional distress" written in large characters.
With the suppression of the court by two princes and the control of the Empress Dowager Tongjia in the harem, Yinzhen was recuperating in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Everything seemed to be running normally, but beneath the calm surface, there were countless plankton that had already gathered together, restless and ready to steal the day and night.
The stalemate was disrupted when everyone discovered that the Emperor had secretly dispatched Prince Yi on the very first day of his convalescence to escort the Crown Prince back to the palace.
A somber atmosphere permeated the Forbidden City, and even the common people in the capital felt uneasy, returning home early every day and staying indoors.
On the seventh day of Yinzhen's convalescence, the Duke of Feng'en, Man Duhu, led a group of imperial relatives to the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Despite Su Peisheng's obstruction, they insisted on seeing the emperor.
"You dog slave, get out of my way! I must see the Emperor today!"
"Lord Duke, the Emperor has issued a decree that no one may enter without being summoned, except for Prince Li and Prince Lian."
Su Peisheng ordered several guards to stop Manduhu and forcefully prevent them from entering.
"His Majesty has been ill for so many days but has not recovered. I now suspect that you, Prince Li, and Prince Lian are colluding to deliberately besiege His Majesty and plot to usurp the throne!"
Manduhu looked indignant and wished he could rush in and save the emperor immediately.
"This servant dares not, but without His Majesty's orders, this servant will not allow you to enter."
Faced with the questioning gazes of the group of clansmen opposite him, Su Peisheng looked fearful and uneasy, as if he had been frightened by their words. But he stood motionless at the door, refusing to budge.
"I do not believe it. I must see the Emperor today! Your Majesty—Your Majesty—Manduhu requests an audience with Your Majesty—"
Manduhu shouted loudly at the entrance of Yangxin Hall.
"Duke Zhenguo, you have overstepped your bounds! The Emperor needs to rest and recuperate; how dare you shout and yell here!"
Su Peisheng shouted angrily, but the Manchu governor didn't take a eunuch seriously at all and continued shouting. The relatives who had been persuaded by him came to his aid. Although they felt it was somewhat inappropriate, they did not stop him in order to see the emperor.
"Your Majesty—Your Majesty—"
"How dare you! Who is it that dares to shout in front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation!"
Prince Lian, Yunsi, had clearly rushed over, his face serious and without a trace of a smile.
"This prince wishes to see the Emperor..."
"Bang!"
Before Manduhu could finish speaking, he was kicked to the ground by Yunsi.
“Yun Si, you—”
Before Manduhu could finish his question, a gleaming, sharp blade was already pressed against his neck.
Everything happened too fast. Before the clansmen could react, Prince Lian had already drawn a guard's knife and held it to Manduhu's neck. Forget about questioning him for kicking people; everyone was worried that he would cut off Manduhu's head in the next second.
"Prince Lian, Prince Lian, let's talk this out..."
"Yes, how could we make a move at the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation..."
"The Protector-General was just in a moment of impatience..."
Despite the persuasion of these nominal elders, Yinzhi remained unmoved, staring coldly at Manduhu's terrified face, and warned, "If there is a next time, I will take your life!"
When Manduhu met Yunsi's murderous gaze, he broke out in a cold sweat. He knew Yunsi was serious and was too cowardly to say anything.
The remaining people looked at each other, unsure whether to advance or retreat in the face of Yunsi's imposing aura and murderous intent. In the end, it was the oldest prince, with gray hair and the highest seniority, who stepped forward.
“Prince Lian, we are just worried about the Emperor’s condition. It’s hard for the imperial family to feel at ease if they can’t see him.”
Yinzhi sheathed his sword, faced the old prince, and slightly toned down his imposing manner: "After I have met with the Emperor, I will give you an answer. But no matter who it is, no one is allowed to disturb the Emperor's rest!"
"Yes, yes, we understand..."
Everyone nodded in assurance, and breathed a slight sigh of relief as they watched Prince Lian walk in openly and honestly. Judging from Prince Lian's demeanor, he was wholeheartedly protecting the Emperor and showed no signs of guilt; he probably hadn't kidnapped the Emperor. But the Emperor hadn't seen anyone—had he truly reached the point where he couldn't get out of bed and couldn't face anyone?
Thinking of this, everyone's expressions became somewhat solemn, while Manduhu, who had his head bowed as if frightened by Yunsi's behavior, blinked slightly.
Soon, Yinzhi came out, quickly concealing his unpleasant expression, but those with discerning eyes still caught a fleeting glimpse of grief in his eyes: "His Majesty has decreed that, starting tomorrow, the princes and princesses shall come to attend to the sick. Can you all rest assured now?"
"Yes, yes, it's good that His Majesty is alright."
The fact that princes and princesses could come and go freely showed that the emperor was indeed not restricted in his movements, and the imperial relatives completely put aside their doubts about Yinzhi.
But at the same time, one can't help but wonder why the Emperor only summoned the princes and princesses. Could it be that he is truly seriously ill and worried that others might harm the imperial heirs?
The more the relatives thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and their faces grew increasingly grim. Some regretted getting involved in this mess, while others avoided eye contact, harboring other thoughts.
Yinzhi didn't care about any of that. He stood in front of the palace gate with a cold face and said, "Can you all go back now? Don't disturb the Emperor's peace any longer. If you have any questions, just come to me or Prince Li."
The imperial relatives didn't linger. Feeling they had discovered the truth the emperor had been hiding, they quickly left the Hall of Mental Cultivation with paces far beyond their years.
Yinzhi stood still, his deep gaze fixed on Manduhu's retreating figure...
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