Time slips away like sand through fingers, leaving countless mottled marks. Worry-free, the baby's position is stable; she is already six months pregnant, her belly swelling as if inflating a balloon.
Those around him became increasingly cautious, fearing the slightest problem. However, Zhou Huaijin's health deteriorated day by day, and despite daily doses of medicine, he remained in this state, causing considerable concern.
On this day, during the morning court session, the emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne, one hand supporting his forehead and his brows slightly furrowed. The ministers below spoke incessantly, but to his ears it was like a buzzing sound, making him feel irritable and giving rise to an unprecedented fatigue that instantly swept over his entire body.
"Father, Qingzhou is suffering from a severe drought, and the people are living in misery..." The Fifth Prince bowed slightly and spoke righteously about the people's suffering, his face full of worry for their plight.
After a long speech, the emperor on the dragon throne remained silent, and those below lowered their heads in silent confusion, not daring to utter a sound.
"Your Majesty?" Sanxi, standing to the side, turned his head to look, only to find the emperor sitting motionless on the dragon throne, his head bowed, his expression unreadable. Unfortunately, his question went unanswered. Sanxi mustered his courage and nudged Zhou Huaijin, but the man swayed, revealing an excessively pale face.
"The Emperor has fainted! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" Sanxi immediately helped the Emperor up, screaming loudly, and the group panicked instantly. The morning tide had to be abruptly ended. The courtiers were still in the shock of the moment the Emperor fainted. When they came to their senses, they immediately began to discuss the situation.
"His Majesty's health has been quite good lately, how could he suddenly faint? Could something have happened?" Everyone knew that the Emperor had spent many years in battle when he was young, which had damaged his health, and his constitution was not very good. Therefore, Consort Chen was quite surprised when she became pregnant, thinking that the Emperor's health had greatly improved, but unexpectedly...
"If the Emperor falls, the Great Zhou Dynasty will be in turmoil again." None of the princes are easy to deal with. As heirs of the Emperor, they all want to compete for power, which will lead to another bloody battle.
"Don't talk nonsense. We only need to do our duty as subjects and not make unwarranted comments about the emperor or speculate presumptuously."
Every word of the ministers' discussion reached the Fifth Prince's ears. His eyes flickered slightly, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. With a worried expression on his face, he boarded the carriage to return to his residence amidst the ministers' gratified gazes.
The ministers' fears ultimately became a reality. News soon spread from the palace that the Emperor was seriously ill, being cared for by the Consort Chen, and that no one else was allowed to visit him. Whether it was a concubine from the harem or a minister from the court seeking an audience, they were all turned away, sparking numerous rumors.
The Great Zhou Dynasty was not without instances of women ruling, so Consort Chen's actions aroused suspicion and vigilance among many.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the princes also began to secretly cultivate relationships with ministers, hoping to gain more leverage in the battle for the throne and ultimately win.
Of course, this is just speculation by most people; those who are smarter wouldn't believe that Consort Chen would plot a rebellion. They all know that Consort Chen comes from a humble background, and even if she really wanted to become empress, she would need the ability to control the court.
Moreover, it's unknown whether Consort Chen is carrying a boy or a girl; her position and favor depend entirely on the Emperor. If the Emperor were to pass away, she would likely be the most anxious one, like a willow catkin in the wind, at the mercy of others, swaying with the wind. It can be said that the person who least wants anything to happen to the Emperor is Consort Chen.
As Zhou Huaijin's illness worsened, the princes' hearts began to stir with desire. After all, none of them wanted to forever remain children following their fathers around begging for candy. That was the throne of the emperor, the supreme ruler—who wouldn't covet it? How could a prince, so noble, compare to the emperor?
If Zhou Huaijin were to die from this illness, it would be more beneficial than harmful to them. In particular, the longer the illness lasts, the slimmer the chances of the Emperor's recovery become, and the princes' ambitions grow rapidly, giving rise to some other thoughts.
The most restless among them was the third prince. He had always considered himself the crown prince, believing himself to be of noble status, proficient in both literature and martial arts, and the emperor's most favored son. His status, position, and reputation were all superior to his brothers, so the throne was naturally his for the taking.
Seeing his brothers secretly plotting against him for the throne, the Third Prince's heart grew increasingly restless, and he decided to strike first.
As the weather grew colder and the New Year approached, Wuyou was not only busy taking care of Zhou Huaijin, but also busy with the New Year's preparations, keeping her extremely busy. Even though the Emperor was unwell and everything was simplified, the proper ceremonies still had to be observed.
Especially under these special circumstances, countless visiting cards from court ladies and imperial relatives poured in like water, all testing the waters. Among the thick stack of visiting cards, Wuyou found a single card from the Third Prince's residence—Jiang Changle. Why would she take the initiative to come forward?
Ever since their falling out, Jiang Changle has always avoided her whenever they meet. It seems she was hurt and unwilling to be subservient to him. There's definitely something wrong with her coming to him this time.
Wuyou tapped his fingers lightly on the visiting card. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he had received any of the ladies-in-waiting. He figured he might as well let her do as she pleased and send him to his death.
Jiang Changle herself was incredulous upon receiving the news. She had only tentatively sent a visiting card as instructed by the Third Prince, but she hadn't expected a response. Moreover, the task the Third Prince had given her was too risky, yet she couldn't refuse.
She was already the Third Prince's concubine, so naturally she was on the same side as him, sharing both wealth and poverty. If the Third Prince could register his marriage, then she would rightfully become a Noble Consort and would no longer be bound by Wuyou's control. Even if the Third Prince was unreliable, she had other methods.
The temptation to accomplish this task is immense, but the risks are equally great.
"Chang Le, the fact that the Imperial Concubine is willing to see you shows that you still have some sisterly affection for her. You can take advantage of this. Don't worry, as long as you help me with this matter, you will be the Imperial Concubine, second only to the Emperor, and our son will be the Crown Prince. I will never treat you unfairly."
As soon as the Third Prince received the news, he rushed to Jiang Changle's courtyard, took her hand, and made a heartfelt promise, presenting her with everything that women in the world desired most, making it impossible for her to refuse.
Jiang Changle gazed intently at the handsome man before her. When she first entered the manor, she had felt a sliver of affection for him, but after discovering she was of no use, he neglected her in the courtyard, leaving her to be bullied by other women. That last vestige of affection had been completely worn away; only self-interest remained in her heart.
What a woman seeks in this life is nothing more than status and offspring. He has no children and also longs for a child to ensure her wealth and prosperity.
Perhaps he could use this opportunity to bring down that scumbag Jiang Wuyou. Thinking this, Jiang Changle clenched his fists, a determined glint in his eyes, and nodded slowly but firmly.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will do it perfectly."
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