Inside the Imperial Study, a deathly silence enveloped everyone.
Even the air seemed to freeze, so heavy it was suffocating.
The shock of His Majesty's fainting spell had not yet subsided, and everyone's hearts were in their throats, their eyes fixed on the imperial bed.
Su Quan shakily scrambled to his feet from the cold ground, disregarding all decorum, and rushed to the dragon bed, where he made an extremely impolite gesture—
He reached out his hand, his fingertips trembling violently, and cautiously probed under His Majesty's nose.
However, at this moment, no one spoke up to accuse him of overstepping his bounds.
All eyes were fixed on his hands, which were trembling violently with extreme fear, as everyone held their breath and awaited the final judgment.
The next moment, Su Quan seemed to have all his strength drained away, and he staggered, almost collapsing.
Large beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead, sliding down his cheeks, his voice trembling with the sobs of someone who had just escaped death:
"He's...he's breathing! His Majesty is still breathing!"
A series of suppressed sighs suddenly filled the imperial study.
The taut string relaxed slightly, but it still dared not let go completely.
Princess Qin Zhaowan, the third princess, had ice-cold hands and feet. She and Princess Qin Zhaoyu, the fourth princess beside her, supported each other to barely stand.
She turned to Qin Zhaoyue, her voice still trembling:
"Sixth...Sixth Sister, how long can Mother Empress maintain this condition?"
Qin Zhaoyue had actually been secretly sensing the Book of Merits in her mind all along.
After His Majesty fell into a coma, the rate at which his life force was draining slowed down significantly, and the consumption of merit points also decreased accordingly.
However, without any new merits being accumulated, the number continued to decrease slowly but steadily.
Like an hourglass, it reminded her of the urgency of time, making her feel anxious.
It's like tending to an oil lamp, not knowing when the oil will run out completely.
She hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words:
"I can't quantify it precisely, but based on the current situation... it can probably last for a few more days."
Only a few days left!
Qin Zhaowan took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.
Her gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Qin Zhaoyue, her tone decisive:
"Sixth Sister, it's your turn to give the orders from now on!"
Although the Empress Dowager's verbal decree and seal have just been issued, the true responsibility of overseeing the country has fallen on her shoulders, and even...
If something were to happen to the Empress Dowager, she would be the rightful successor.
Qin Zhaoyue couldn't help but look up at her, her gaze filled with undisguised scrutiny.
Qin Zhaowan keenly caught this glance, and surprisingly, she didn't shy away from it, speaking frankly:
"I know what everyone is thinking right now. It would be a lie to say that you have no desire for the throne."
But I am even more aware that with my current abilities, I am far from being able to completely stabilize this turbulent country.
Sixth Sister, everyone, there is no need to have any concerns or test us now.
The most urgent task is to do everything in our power to save the Empress.
Only when she wakes up safely can she truly secure her position and deter all the villains from all sides!
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhaoyue nodded slightly.
Since her third sister was so reasonable, she decided not to stand on ceremony any longer.
"Third sister, immediately draft the Empress's instructions into an imperial edict, which I will then affix my seal to and issue."
Upon hearing this, Su Quan immediately scrambled to his feet and practically lunged at the imperial desk to prepare writing materials.
Qin Zhaoyue then looked at Yin Zhe, who stood silently to the side, paused, and tried to speak:
“That… Thirteen…”
“Just call me Yin Zhe.” Yin Zhe’s voice came through the veil, but it sounded much stiffer than usual. “It’s cheaper for both of us.”
Okay~
Qin Zhaoyue readily accepted good advice:
"Yin Zhe, Xuanji Guard should have special channels to notify all sides as quickly as possible."
Immediately issue an order to the teams lurking in the strongholds of the four great families to take immediate action and eliminate the threat.
Regardless of who was behind this assassination attempt, the support of the four great families was undoubtedly involved, differing only in the degree of their involvement.
"To repel external threats, we must first pacify internal strife. Those who resist must be dealt with swiftly and decisively!"
"At the same time, activate the fastest communication channel of the Xuanji Guard so that I can get accurate information about the war in the Northern Border as soon as possible."
This requires establishing a stable and reliable connection; the necessary resources are at your disposal.
"In addition, the final investigation results of the imperial examination cheating case will be announced this afternoon."
The captured intelligence chief of the aristocratic family was escorted to the Meridian Gate and beheaded as a warning to the public.
This reaffirmed that all rankings in the provincial examination were accurate, thus reassuring the scholars throughout the land.
"In addition, you will personally rearrange all the palace guards, from the Qilin Guard and Qingluan Guard to the Xuanji Guard."
A thorough search of the palace is necessary to ensure no remaining assassins remain!
Each and every one of these matters was a matter of life and death.
The immense power and influence of the Xuanji Guard can be seen from this.
Yin Zhe's gaze was solemn, and he replied in a deep voice, "Yes! I will obey the Commander's orders!"
"Prime Minister Pei," Qin Zhaoyue turned to the mature and prudent prime minister.
"It is your duty to stabilize the officials in the court and appease the people, Zhaoyue, so there is no need to say more."
In addition, we would like to ask you to leverage your influence and prestige within the Shihlin community.
Whatever method is used, we must take this opportunity to deepen the impression of this women's imperial examination in the hearts of the people.
Even the subsequent provincial and palace examinations, and ultimately the selection and appointment of officials, will require your considerable attention.
Pei Xuanyun was somewhat puzzled, but still immediately bowed in greeting:
"This old minister understands and will certainly do his utmost."
Qin Zhaoyue did not explain the reason.
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