The Empress Dowager's stance was clear, so none of the courtiers wanted to risk bad luck. Regardless of whether or not there were relevant individuals on the previous list, all those mentioned later were far removed from Prince Rui's faction. Some even deliberately distanced themselves from the lineage to avoid suspicion.
Empress Dowager Lin became more and more angry as she listened.
If she hadn't heard them enumerate so carefully, she, who had been in the palace for over twenty years, would not have known that there were so many people in the Great Chu Imperial Family. And the fact that these people could describe it so clearly showed that they had done a lot of research during this period.
Everyone wants to claim the credit for following the emperor, right? Empress Dowager Lin thought coldly.
When a new emperor ascends the throne, he will naturally be very tolerant to those who recommend him.
It is possible that some people have already colluded with each other in private to push the person they chose up.
After all, having lived in the deep palace for so long, Emperor Ling and the recently deceased Emperor Daxing were both reluctant to attend to government affairs. Some matters even had to go through Empress Dowager Lin, so she knew a little about these official affairs. Thinking about it now, her heart was filled with hatred, bitterness, and fear.
A new emperor appoints new ministers, and before the dynasty is over, people's hearts have already changed.
The selection process naturally took more than a single day to finalize. Not to mention Empress Dowager Lin's approval, even the ministers themselves were divided. Therefore, they only narrowed down a few candidates that day, and further discussions were still needed.
He Qing still maintained the frequency of visiting Kunhua Palace to pay respects every day. If the Empress Dowager did not see him, he would leave immediately and never stay.
She appeared calm on the outside, but she was actually a little anxious in her heart, because according to rumors, the candidate for the new king seemed to be almost decided.
Fortunately, perhaps because she had come so often and left a deep impression, when Empress Dowager Lin heard the announcement from her subordinates, she did not immediately refuse. Instead, she asked the people around her, "Aunt Qiu, what day has Master Huiru been here?"
"It's the fifth day, Your Majesty." Aunt Qiu, the female official following behind her, bowed and replied.
Empress Dowager Lin thought for a moment and said, "It's rare that she's so willing. Please come in."
When He Qing met Empress Dowager Lin, he first shared a passage from the sutra. She had recently devoted all her energy to studying the Daoist texts, and combined with the seemingly plausible memories in her mind, she had occasionally come up with new theories, which she considered to be a small gain. Speaking of this to Empress Dowager Lin, her restless mood eased considerably.
Perhaps because it was easier to speak the truth when relaxed, Empress Dowager Lin sighed after listening to the Taoist scriptures. "Master, have you heard about the selection of a new ruler?"
As soon as she said this, she realized that something was wrong, so she stopped and looked up at He Qing's expression.
He Qing's expression remained unchanged, but she didn't shy away from the topic. She nodded slightly and said, "I've heard a little bit." Seeing Empress Dowager Lin's surprise, she explained, "There are all kinds of rumors in the palace. Although I wanted to ask, I'm still a mortal, so I can't help but be bothered by them."
Empress Dowager Lin had been carrying many things on her mind lately, desperate to talk about them. However, she couldn't bring herself to share them with anyone close to her, nor with the court officials or the royal family, so she could only ponder them on her own. Her spirits had been failing for the past few days. If it weren't for the unfinished funeral, which prevented her from falling ill, she might have already died.
Although He Qing is not very old, he is of the same generation as her. Now he is also very insightful and has become a monk, so he is the best person to talk to.
Empress Dowager Lin looked her over, waved her hand and ordered everyone around her to leave, then asked, "What rumors are there outside?"
He Qing said softly, "Everyone says that King He Yuan of Zhongshan is the most virtuous and worthy of the throne."
Hearing this name, Empress Dowager Lin was startled. While rumors of the new emperor's selection were rampant, the actual list of candidates had been kept secret. No one knew except her, a few important ministers, and the elder princes of the imperial clan. The Prince of Zhongshan was on the list, and it was indeed Empress Dowager Lin's choice, but... how had this news spread?
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