In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the high windows into the imperial court, illuminating the smooth, mirror-like marble floor. Civil and military officials stood in orderly ranks, awaiting the emperor's arrival. However, when Emperor Qi Jingxuan, supported by eunuchs, entered the hall, everyone sensed his unusual presence.
The emperor's face was as pale as paper, and he staggered as if a gust of wind could blow him over. He tried his best to maintain his imperial dignity, but the weariness and pain in his eyes were hard to hide.
"Your Majesty, your health..." a loyal minister couldn't help but step forward and ask with concern.
Qi Jingxuan waved his hand to indicate that he was unharmed. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, and a metallic taste rose in his throat. He tried hard to suppress it, but ultimately could not hold back, and a mouthful of blood spurted out, splattering onto the dragon throne and the floor of the court.
"Your Majesty!" A panicked cry rang out in the court, and civil and military officials rushed forward, causing a brief period of chaos.
Emperor Qi Jingxuan collapsed weakly, and was hurriedly supported by the eunuchs and guards around him. His consciousness began to blur, and the last thing he saw were the terrified and concerned faces of his court officials, and the inscrutable expression on Consort Mu's face in the crowd.
Upon learning this news in the inner palace, Zi Ling's face turned pale instantly, and she hurriedly went to Consort Mu's palace.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has vomited blood and fainted during the morning court session!" Zi Ling's voice trembled slightly.
Although Consort Mu was shocked, she quickly calmed down, and a complex light flashed in her eyes: "Ziling, immediately pass on my order to have General Xu Yunchuan strengthen the palace guards. No one is allowed to enter or leave without my permission."
She took Ziling's hand and told her, "Our time has come!"
Zi Ling accepted the order and left, while Consort Mu sat alone in her palace, her heart filled with worry. She knew that the Emperor's sudden illness would undoubtedly intensify the power struggle within the court, and she had to take action to protect the stability of the royal family and her own position.
In the Grand Tutor's residence, upon learning of the Emperor's illness, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and a meaningful smile curled at the corner of his lips. He knew this might be the opportunity he had been dreaming of.
Consort Mu's robes fluttered in the wind as she walked with firm, hurried steps, ignoring the soldiers guarding outside Yujing Palace, heading straight for the Emperor's bedchamber. Her face was filled with determination, and her eyes flashed with anger and discontent.
The palace guards exchanged bewildered glances, but none dared to step forward to stop her. Consort Mu's imposing presence conveyed her resolve and authority to everyone.
Upon entering the palace, Consort Mu saw Emperor Qi Jingxuan lying on the bed, his face pale, and a complex mix of emotions welled up within her. But these emotions were quickly replaced by anger.
"Your Majesty, this is your retribution!" Consort Mu's voice echoed in the palace, her words filled with resentment. "You imprisoned me, yet you did not know that your own imperial body would also suffer the same fate."
Emperor Qi Jingxuan opened his weary eyes and looked at Consort Mu. A hint of surprise and disappointment flashed in his eyes: "Consort Mu, what do you mean by this?"
Consort Mu sneered. She approached the bed and looked down at the emperor: "Your Majesty, do you think you can get everything by controlling me? The future of Qi is not up to you alone."
A flicker of pain crossed Emperor Qi Jingxuan's eyes, but his voice was weak yet firm: "Consort Mu, everything I have done is for the stability of the Qi Kingdom."
Consort Mu remained unmoved, her voice growing even sharper: "Stability? Your Majesty, is your so-called stability simply allowing the Grand Tutor to run rampant in court? Look at the Qi Kingdom now, where is the dignity of the royal family?"
The atmosphere in the palace became tense and heavy. Every word Consort Mu spoke was like a heavy hammer blow to Emperor Qi Jingxuan's heart. His face grew even paler, and a trace of helplessness flashed in his eyes.
"Consort Mu, I am tired." Emperor Qi Jingxuan closed his eyes, his voice tinged with weariness and helplessness. "You may leave. I wish to be alone."
Consort Mu stood by the bedside, her heart filled with conflict. She knew her words might worsen the Emperor's condition, but she couldn't suppress her emotions. Finally, she took a deep breath, turned, and left the palace.
Outside the palace, Consort Mu's personal maid, Ziling, waited anxiously. Seeing Consort Mu emerge, she rushed forward: "Your Highness, what's wrong...?"
Consort Mu interrupted Zi Ling, her voice carrying a hint of determination: "Zi Ling, pass on my order: from this day forward, the gates of Yu Jing Palace will no longer be closed. I want everyone to see that I, Consort Mu, am not a pawn to be manipulated."
Although Zi Ling was worried, she knew that Consort Mu's orders could not be disobeyed, so she could only silently accept them.
Consort Mu's actions have undoubtedly stirred up a new wave of turmoil in the Qi court. Her discontent and resistance may trigger even greater upheaval, making the future of Qi even more unpredictable.
The next morning, the sunrise shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, but the atmosphere inside was unusually heavy. After an emergency consultation overnight, the imperial physicians left the emperor's bedchamber with grave expressions.
"How is His Majesty's condition?" a minister waiting outside asked anxiously, his voice trembling slightly.
The imperial physician shook his head and sighed, "His Majesty's health... is critical. We have done everything we can, but..." He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.
The news struck like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone present. In the imperial court, disbelief and panic were written on the faces of all the civil and military officials. The emperor's critical illness meant that the Qi Kingdom would face an unprecedented power vacuum, and everyone was pondering the impact of this news on their own fate.
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