Chapter 156 Unexpected Changes
On the same day that Chu Yunyao's marriage was arranged, the emperor and the Prince of Huaibei of Nanzhao also set the wedding date for the Prince of Ming.
On the auspicious day of the second day of the eighth lunar month, King Ming married Princess Xue Ziying of Nanzhao.
There is still one month left to prepare.
The timing was carefully considered. The Prince of Huaibei was the prince in charge of military power in Nanzhao and could not stay in Yong for too long. Xue Ziying was his and his wife's only daughter, and they hoped to witness their daughter's marriage in person.
Therefore, this date was chosen after careful consideration.
After the wedding date was set, the Prince of Huaibei and his wife spent three consecutive days in the palace discussing the details of the wedding with the Emperor. Consort Gu was responsible for communicating with the Princess of Huaibei, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Rites. They exchanged information about the different customs and habits of marriage between the two countries, trying their best to respect the Prince of Huaibei's wedding customs.
Both sides negotiated with the utmost sincerity and friendliness, and the whole process was extremely pleasant and smooth.
The two main characters in the wedding, Prince Ming and Xue Ziying, have visibly made great progress in their relationship, probably because of their engagement. Prince Ming, who used to be a gentleman, has been frequently seen touching heads and holding hands lately, and their intimate gestures have become more and more frequent.
But that's all there is to it.
In contrast, Xue Ziying often kisses and hugs, showing no hesitation in displaying the coquettishness and joy of a young girl.
It was very hot in July.
Chu Yunjin mostly stayed in the mansion to rest during her pregnancy. She only occasionally inquired about the progress of the marriage between Prince Ming and Xue Ziying, and did not pay too much attention to it. After all, it was a matter for the Emperor, Consort Gu, and the Prince of Huaibei and his wife to decide, and others could just watch from the sidelines.
Time passed by day by day.
On July 26, an unexpected incident occurred in the palace.
The Emperor was reviewing memorials late into the night, and when he got up, whether from exhaustion or due to poor health, he fainted without warning.
Chief Eunuch Xu's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly ordered someone to summon the imperial physician.
The palace gates were already locked at that time.
By the time the imperial decree was sent out of the palace, it was already the next morning.
Before dawn, Yan Cang received an imperial edict. The emperor ordered all civil and military officials, as well as all princes and imperial concubines, to enter the palace for an important announcement.
Chu Yunjin was still asleep in bed when she felt a light kiss on her face. She opened her eyes, looked at Yan Cang who was so close to her, and naturally reached out to hug his neck: "Did you go to court?"
“There is an imperial decree that all princes and princesses must enter the palace.”
Chu Yunjin's drowsy mind instantly cleared, and she was startled, sitting up abruptly in bed: "What's wrong? Has something happened in the palace?"
This is the time when all officials go to court.
But an imperial decree was issued from the palace.
Based on Chu Yunjin's past experience watching TV dramas and observing the palace, this must mean something major has happened in the palace, and most likely it is...
"Let's get dressed first." Yan Cang frowned slightly. "Since you can still issue decrees, Father should be alright for the time being."
Chu Yunjin hummed in agreement and didn't ask any more questions. She then called Adai in to help her with washing and dressing.
It wasn't fully light outside yet.
The maids were extremely efficient and served her in an orderly manner. Before long, Chu Yunjin finished washing up, changed her clothes, and followed Yan Cang out of the palace, taking a carriage to the palace.
The atmosphere in Chonghua Palace was tense.
The emperor sat leaning against the headboard, his face pale and tired, looking unwell. Consort Gu sat on the edge of the bed, quietly serving him his medicine.
The concubines arrived early.
After summoning the imperial physician last night, Consort Gu and the other concubines came to pay their respects. The emperor kept only Consort Gu and sent everyone else back. However, the emperor was unwell, so even if it was just to show their loyalty, the concubines dared not neglect him and got up before dawn to come to Chonghua Palace.
The ministers arrived relatively early, as the morning court session usually had already begun by then.
The princes who arrived the latest were naturally Prince Chen and his wife, Prince Yan and his wife, Prince Ming and Prince Jing and his wife. This was because Prince Chen and his wife were not as diligent in attending court and would occasionally slack off. Prince Yan had to wait for his wife to get up, Prince Jing had to wait for his wife, and Prince Ming was often willful. In short, the princes all arrived relatively late.
After the eunuch announced the arrival of Prince Yan and his wife, Prince Chen and Young Master Shen, and Prince Ming and his wife, Emperor Zhaode finished his bowl of medicine.
"Let them all in," Emperor Zhaode said. "Officials from the Six Ministries, come in and receive my decree."
The adult princes and princesses entered the hall and respectfully greeted the emperor.
"My health is not good." Emperor Zhaode leaned wearily against the headboard. "Last night before going to bed, I suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. Xu Baozhong summoned the imperial physician to take my pulse and said that if I rest well, I can live for another two or three years. If I continue to overwork, I won't even last half a month."
Chu Yunjin turned to look at Yan Cang in surprise, but Yan Cang remained silent.
Would an imperial physician be so audacious as to speak so bluntly?
"Therefore, I have decided to abdicate and pass the throne to Prince Yan, Yan Cang." Emperor Zhaode finally revealed his purpose. "The responsibility for the country is too great for me to bear. I will entrust this heavy burden to Yan Cang. You will all assist the new emperor well from now on and must not slack off."
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