Chapter 314 Entering the East Palace
When Xiao Yuan returned to Wutong Garden, Shen Anan had already fallen asleep. He lowered the curtains and asked Wen Yin to take his pulse.
Wen Yin withdrew her hand, made a gesture and went to the outer room. Xiao Yuan followed closely behind her. "How is it?"
“Amitabha, Donor Shen is fine.”
The imperial physician said this every day, so Xiao Yuan knew that she was fine. "I'm asking about her memory."
Wen Yin was stuck again, feeling very powerless, "When Donor Shen threatened me, Lao Na had already used up all his strength, and now I am really powerless."
Even if he had the ability, he couldn't help. If this cycle continued, the only ones who would be unlucky would be him and Xiangjue Temple. Shen Anan was an even more unreasonable lunatic than Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan frowned, his narrowed eyes were filled with a cold chill, "You are just trying to fool me."
"Not really." Wen Yin shook her head slowly, "Donor Xiao, even if Lao Na can help you, if you and Donor Shen switch places one day, will Donor Shen no longer suffer?"
"I am not involved in the officialdom, but I also know that the capital is now full of twists and turns. Can Master Shen hold on alone? Master Xiao thinks that compared to forgetting, which role is more painful?"
Xiao Yuan was stunned and remained silent for a long time.
What he meant was that the price of resurrection must be paid by one person, if not An An, then it would be him. But if it was him who had no memories today, then all the external pressure would be on her, and... the pain of watching the person she loved forget herself! !
Which one hurts more?
He only knew that he couldn't bear to let go and couldn't let it go. He couldn't just throw the mess to a weak woman like her.
Xiao Yuan stood behind the screen, quietly looking at the girl sleeping soundly on the bed.
Hearing this, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"For the two donors, being able to grow old together hand in hand is not the best outcome, is it?"
There always has to be one person who makes the sacrifice and holds the other person's hand while moving forward with difficulty. On the contrary, the person who has lost his memory will have an easier time.
"There are so many people who do evil in the world, but they have never seen the consequences of their karma. Instead, they are targeting us two." Xiao Yuan sneered.
An An always says to do one good deed a day these days. They don't kill anyone or do evil things, but they are still under control and cannot escape the law of cause and effect.
“Amitabha, the law of cause and effect is predetermined by heaven, and besides… Mr. Shen’s body cannot withstand any mistakes now.”
"What do you mean?" Xiao Yuan's eyes suddenly became sharp.
"The secret cannot be revealed. In half a month at the shortest and a month at the longest, Mr. Xiao will know it."
…
When Xiao Yuan returned to the inner room, he saw Shen Anan curled up on the bed, hugging her legs and looking at him. He was stunned for a moment and frowned slightly, "Did I wake you up?"
Shen Anan shook her head slightly, her clear almond eyes full of clarity.
"Wen Yin is not dead?"
Xiao Yuan was stunned again.
Shen Anan was too quiet at this moment, as if she had returned to the time when she was still safe.
"Well, An An, you..."
"Xiao Yuan." Shen Anan suddenly stretched out her hand to him, and Xiao Yuan immediately stepped forward and held her in his arms.
"I heard everything you said."
Xiao Yuan pursed his lips and said nothing.
"Xiao Yuan, God has given us a chance to start over. Wen Yin is right. Rather than standing in your position and suffering, I would rather forget about all the troubles and live happily like I am now. Besides, you are here to protect me."
"An An." Xiao Yuan tightened his arms, his eyes filled with pain.
"Listen to me. You have been planning for years, and you have so many officials and mine at stake. Our lives depend on you. If I can't accomplish such a difficult task, don't throw it to me."
Only if Xiao Yuan is fine, everyone else will have a chance to survive. She can't bear it, and can't afford to take on so many lives, let alone the ability to fight her way out of the officialdom.
"Don't hesitate." She raised her head, her eyes curved with a smile, "We are now at the best possible outcome. I just regret that I can only help you so little. You have to face so many dangers and difficulties alone."
"No, having you by my side is the greatest help to me." Xiao Yuan hugged her tightly, his thin lips turning pale.
Shen Anan leaned on his chest, "Now we are seizing power. When he sits on the throne one day, it will be even harder. My husband should be more tired in this life, so let me enjoy a peaceful life."
She couldn't replace him in those things; only he could do them.
Xiao Yuan knew it all.
If he fails, it is uncertain whether An An can survive in the hands of her ruthless father.
"Okay, then An An, enjoy your life in peace. I'll take care of everything for you. I will always, always protect you."
"While I am still awake, I have a request."
"you say."
Shen Anan curved her eyebrows and said, "You can't just abandon me when I'm done with my work. When you conquer the nine states, you must make me your queen. Don't bully me for being stupid."
“…I can even make you the emperor.”
…
In the next few days, the emperor's health still showed no signs of improvement, and the entire Imperial Hospital was busy.
The court had been suspended for seven days, and those ministers could no longer hold back. The situation of confrontation that had already existed for a long time began to become tense, and they all wanted to push the person they were loyal to to the position.
At this time, many ministers gathered at the gate of the palace, asking the emperor to choose someone to take charge of the government.
It was called an agent, but in fact it was to find out which prince the emperor liked. However, the emperor was in a coma most of the time, and everyone waited for a whole day but got no result.
Zhang Yuanpan, the judge of the Imperial Hospital, came out with a box and prepared to boil medicine, but was stopped by Xiao Yuan, "How is the emperor now?"
Zhang Yuanpan shook his head with a serious look on his face. This action sounded a wake-up call to the ministers, and their minds were racing.
"He was fine a few days ago, why did he suddenly become so ill?" asked a minister.
Zhang Yuan judged, "The emperor is busy with many things every day, and as he grows older, he worries too much, which leads to poor blood circulation."
In fact, what he meant was that the emperor was old.
Of course, the other ministers also understood that the emperor was old, so the next step would be for a young and strong prince to succeed to the throne.
His already active mind was now even more restless. The disease could be cured, but if he aged and his mental and physical strength could no longer keep up, then the emperor would have to be replaced by someone else.
"What should we do? The war situation at the border is imminent." Lord Zhao, the Minister of War, was full of worries.
"Yes, a country cannot be without a king for a day. Daliang is now facing internal and external troubles. We urgently need a prince with great talent and strategy to stabilize the country."
The people who were speaking were from the Fifth Prince's faction, or more precisely, the Emperor's people.
Xiao Yuan didn't even glance at them, and looked indifferently at the people coming and going in the palace.
Xiao Tian took the initiative to step forward and said, "Fourth brother, there are only you and me in the royal family now. The border war is still waiting for the court to make a decision. Now that our father has fallen, we should shoulder the heavy responsibility and must not let other countries take advantage of the opportunity."
Xiao Yuan raised his eyelids slightly and looked at Xiao Tian, "Oh? Then according to what Fifth Brother wants, what should we do?"
To shoulder the heavy responsibility means to shoulder the throne. All the ministers know this clearly and watch this scene with trepidation. After years of taking sides, the result is about to come.
Xiao Tian frowned and thought for a while, then said, "Fourth brother grew up in the palace, and was taught by the Master how to govern a country, and he has a lot of experience in fighting wars. Fifth brother doesn't know anything about these, so why don't we let Fourth brother take care of it first, and I'll take care of our sick father."
After these words were spoken, the ministers looked at Xiao Tian in disbelief, as if their ears were broken.
Xiao Yuan said nothing, just looked at him calmly.
"Fifth Prince, do you know what you are talking about?" Xiao Tian's people could no longer hold back. At this critical moment, it would be fine if he didn't seize power quickly, but he also wanted to leave the court to take care of the sick?
Isn't this just giving your head to the Fourth Prince to be chopped off?
"Our father is in a coma and needs someone to be with him. It is natural for us two brothers to work together to overcome the difficulties." Xiao Tian said righteously.
"This..." The ministers' faces were wrinkled, and they almost doubted whether Xiao Tian was stupid.
Could it be that he was thinking that by taking care of the emperor, he could please him and pass the throne to him?
It's really ridiculous. Even if he had the imperial edict, he had no real power. If the Fourth Prince wanted to overthrow him, it would only take a flick of his finger.
"I have made up my mind, there is no need to say more." Xiao Tian said.
"Fourth brother, what do you think?"
Xiao Yuan suppressed the cold smile on his lips and said calmly, "Since Fifth Brother has said so, I naturally have no objection."
"Well, then it is settled. If you have anything to say, please go to Fengtian Palace and discuss it with the Fourth Brother."
The two princes have already made the decision, and they have no say even if they are unhappy.
Xiao Yuan glanced toward the hall, turned around and left. The ministers followed him, whispering to each other.
"Master Zhao, please wait a moment." Xiao Tian suddenly spoke and called out to the Minister of War, Master Zhao.
"Fifth Prince, please speak."
"What the emperor was most worried about before was the border war. Could you please, Lord Zhao, bring the border military map to me so that we can make arrangements when the emperor is sober?"
Lord Zhao frowned upon hearing this, "But... the military department's geomancy map is confidential and is never allowed to leave the military department."
"The current situation is special and should be treated differently."
Lord Zhao frowned, his eyes swept forward imperceptibly. Xiao Yuan and a group of ministers had already left the palace, leaving only a figure around the corner.
"Well...okay, wait a moment, I will go back and get it myself."
Xiao Tian nodded slightly, and then asked, "Has there been any news from the border in the past few days?"
Lord Zhao nodded solemnly, "The situation is not optimistic. If the prince of Yongning Marquis cannot arrive within ten days, I am afraid that Daliang is in danger. Even if he can arrive, facing the unstoppable force of the Western Regions, whether he can be a match is another matter."
Xiao Tian's eyes flickered, "According to Lord Zhao, is Daliang still in danger of being destroyed?"
"I dare not." Lord Zhao knelt on the ground in a hurry.
"Get up, let's just talk about the matter, there's no need to be like this."
Lord Zhao stood up and left in a hurry. Xiao Tian stood beside the pillar and watched his leaving back, his eyes slightly narrowed.
There was no one around, so his servant came forward quietly and said, "Master, Uncle Shen sent a letter."
Xiao Tian lowered his voice a bit and said, "Speak."
"The letter said that the master should speed up the process, obtain the geomancy map, and welcome the Western Region army into the city."
"Yeah." Xiao Tian's gloomy expression finally relaxed for a moment.
What use is there in the power of the court when the country is destroyed and the family is ruined? He raised his lips with a sarcastic smile and turned to walk into the hall.
…
The emperor's health had not improved at all. Xiao Yuan stayed in the court, while Xiao Tian lived directly in the palace and stayed by the emperor's side.
Six days passed in a flash. On this day, the emperor was awake for an hour, which was rare. Xiao Yuan took the ministers to visit him.
After not seeing each other for several days, the emperor's face looked extremely weak, slightly pale, and he had lost a lot of weight. He leaned on the soft pillow and glanced at the ministers headed by Xiao Yuan.
Listen to their reports on the major events that have occurred in the court in recent days and Xiao Yuan's handling of the situation.
It must be said that Xiao Yuan has the talent of an emperor. Even he might not be able to handle it so well. What a pity...
He listened calmly and looked at Xiao Yuan, "You've worked hard these days."
His tone was very cold, without any hint of praise.
Xiao Yuan didn't care at all, "As a prince, this is my duty as a subject."
"As a son, isn't it your duty to serve me as your father? But I have never seen you in these days."
The hall immediately fell silent. Everyone held their breath, looked at their noses with their eyes and their hearts with their noses, not daring to make the slightest sound.
The emperor was blaming the Fourth Prince, implying that the Fourth Prince only wanted power and did not value filial piety. Considering the current situation, the emperor's words could be said to be extremely harsh.
He was telling all the ministers that he was very dissatisfied with Xiao Yuan. Xiao Yuan had just taken over the government, and how could the officials trust him again after the emperor spoke so bluntly.
Xiao Yuan's expression remained unchanged. "When I was young, my teacher taught me that the relationship between the emperor and his subjects came first, and then between father and son. Now that the government has changed, I will naturally follow what the teacher taught me."
He was neither humble nor arrogant, and his tone was cold. The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, and a hint of coldness flashed across his eyes.
"Father." Xiao Tian at the side took the initiative to stand up, "Father is in a coma, and the former dynasty cannot do without people. It is the idea of this son that the fourth prince will supervise the country and this son will take care of the sick. Speaking of which, there are many people serving the father. Compared with the fourth prince who works so hard, this son has the advantage."
The emperor restrained his expression upon hearing this. The eunuch brought him a cup of tea and served him to drink.
After drinking his tea and talking to his son for a while, he was obviously a little tired and his breathing was slightly panting. "In this case, you should live in the palace from now on, so that you can be closer to me, Eunuch Liu."
"I'm here, old servant." Eunuch Liu walked through the crowd and came to the dragon bed.
"Pass on my order. The Fifth Prince has worked hard to take care of the sick. I want him to stay in the East Palace temporarily."
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was in an uproar.
The East Palace is the Crown Prince’s residence. Is the Emperor going to make the Fifth Prince the Crown Prince?
Many ministers secretly raised their eyes to look at Xiao Yuan who was standing in the front.
"Father, I'm afraid this trip is inappropriate?" Xiao Tian frowned and glanced at Xiao Yuan.
The emperor waved his hand and said, "I am still in good health, so I can still make the decision on this matter."
Xiao Tian pursed his lips and whispered "yes".
The emperor's meaning was very clear. Even if Xiao Yuan was temporarily in charge of government affairs, as long as he was alive, he had the final say in Daliang, including who would live in the East Palace and who would sit on the throne.
This was to slap Xiao Yuan in the face and tell everyone in front of all the civil and military officials that he did not like Xiao Yuan and would not hand over the throne to him.
Ever since the emperor issued this decree, Xiao Yuan had been silent. He didn't say a word, and his pair of dark eyes looked at the emperor quietly. There was no emotion in his eyes, but the emperor frowned for no reason.
This was the result he had planned long ago, wasn't it?
The emperor let out a long sigh, without looking at Xiao Yuan, and, on the pretext of recuperating, he called in the Imperial Guards to guard the palace, with Xiao Tian in charge.
The ministers also knew that this was to prevent the Fourth Prince from murdering the king and seizing the throne.
The current situation is very clear. As long as the emperor is safe, the fourth prince will have no chance of becoming emperor, unless... he rebels! ! ! !
The Fifth Prince and his faction were very happy, but the Fourth Prince and his faction were worried. For the situation and the life and death of their entire family, seizing the throne was imminent! !
The emperor held his breath, gave these instructions, and then fell into a deep sleep. Xiao Tian was busy serving him and was very worried.
Coming out of the palace, the ministers had different expressions. Those ministers who had originally tried to please and fawn on Xiao Yuan were now silent, as if their mouths were glued shut.
"Xiao Yuan, what should we do next?" Li Huaiyan said coldly after leaving the palace. He didn't want to endure it anymore. The emperor was simply going too far.
In front of so many ministers, he did not retain the slightest bit of shame and openly embarrassed Xiao Yuan.
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