Upon hearing this, Jiang Xianhao instantly became furious.
"Human life is at stake; can this wait?"
Just then, the person who had gone to ask for instructions hurriedly ran back.
However, the news he brought back completely shattered Jiang Xianhao's hopes.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has not granted your request."
A cold remark made her take a step back in disbelief, and tears streamed down her face.
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! His Highness has started talking nonsense."
Jiang Xianhao wiped away her tears, no longer willing to sit and wait for her death.
Taking advantage of the guards' momentary lapse in attention, she drew the swords from their waists and held them to their necks.
"I now order you to go and fetch the imperial physician right now, or I will die right here in front of you. Then let's see how you explain yourselves to His Majesty."
The guard was terrified and immediately nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty, please don't act rashly. I will go and fetch the imperial physician right away."
The guard was about to go and fetch someone when Jiang Xianhao breathed a sigh of relief.
But just then, the guard snatched the sword from her hand.
"Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for me."
The two guards knelt on the ground, showing no further intention of summoning the imperial physician.
Jiang Xianhao sneered.
"But what if I insist on going out?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the two guards drew their longswords and stood in front of Jiang Xianhao with their swords crossed.
"Your Majesty, swords have no eyes; please step back."
Jiang Xianhao watched this scene and suddenly understood the importance of power. She also realized that her status and life in the harem depended on Shen Wanshan's attitude.
She was like a toy to Shen Wanshan; he could tease her when he was in a good mood, but lock her up and leave her to fend for herself when he was in a bad mood.
She suddenly felt sad.
What empress, what the most noble woman in the world, can't even save her own son!
Just then, two women suddenly rushed out from behind her. One grabbed the guard, while the other rushed towards the two long swords without regard for anything else.
With a "splatter" sound, the long sword sliced through Jiang Xianhao's neck, spitting out a stream of warm blood that splashed directly onto Jiang Xianhao's face.
Then another sound followed.
As the guard struggled to break free from Shiying, he stabbed her in the waist and abdomen.
Wenxiang and Shiying slowly collapsed to the ground.
"Smell...smell the fragrance..."
"Shadow recognition..."
Jiang Xianhao opened her eyes wide, trembling as she stepped forward and hugged Wenxiang and Shiying in her arms.
"Your Majesty."
"Someone in our palace is in critical condition; we can summon the imperial physician now."
"quick."
The two guards had not expected this situation. They exchanged a glance, then immediately sheathed their swords and hurriedly headed towards the Imperial Hospital.
Soon, the imperial physician arrived in a hurry.
However, at this moment, the scent and the shadow were devoid of any aura.
The imperial physician shook his head regretfully and immediately went back to the room.
Fortunately, the imperial physician arrived in time, thus saving Shen Hechuan's life.
However, after waking up, Shen Hechuan forgot everything that happened that day.
Moreover, from that day on, Shen Hechuan never secretly came to Jiang Xianhao's courtyard again.
After that day, Jiang Xianhao became increasingly silent.
She has completely changed.
Even when Shen Wanshan came to her palace again later, she never spoke a word to him again.
In response, Shen Wanshan became enraged, struggled, and even threatened, but Jiang Xianhao's eyes lost all their light.
Later, Shen Wanshan began to favor one concubine after another.
Later, Consort Hui gradually began to distinguish herself.
Jiang Xianhao still refused to say another word to him, but presented the Empress's seal and requested to move to Jingyu Palace.
And more than a decade has passed since then.
Jiang Xianhao was utterly despondent at that time and had completely given up on Emperor Rongcheng.
Today, hearing the truth of that night with her own ears, she still couldn't stop the heartache.
However, this is for the best, because only with enough heartache can she remember it deeply and be able to resolutely complete all of this.
******
Inside the main hall.
The entire court was like a marketplace, with officials arguing endlessly, while Emperor Rongcheng's expression grew increasingly grim.
Only when he threw all the memorials on the imperial desk down did everyone shut up and kneel on the ground begging for mercy.
"Say something, everyone! Why are you all so quiet?"
Emperor Rongcheng looked furious.
"When did you, as court officials, start believing such hearsay?"
"This is my family matter, what does it have to do with you?"
Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Wang was the first to speak.
"Your Majesty, your family affairs are national affairs, and this matter concerns the imperial heir. It cannot be taken lightly. I urge Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly!"
Emperor Rongcheng was so angry that his face turned red.
"You bastard!"
"You have some nerve! Do you think I don't know whether the Crown Prince is my son or not?"
"Do I need you all to stand here and give me pointers? I think you've all lived too long. Guards..."
As soon as he finished speaking, all the ministers knelt on the ground and began to plead for mercy.
"Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost importance. I know it has caused Your Majesty to lose face, but the matter has already become common knowledge. If it cannot be resolved smoothly, it may affect the stability and prosperity of our Great Cheng Dynasty!"
"Your Majesty, are you really willing to let your empire fall into the hands of the previous dynasty again?"
"The remnants of the previous dynasty are still active among the people. If they hear any rumors, they might make a big fuss about this and incite a popular uprising!"
"His Majesty!"
Prime Minister Wang knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, each word a gem of wisdom, appearing to be offering heartfelt advice.
"Your Majesty, everything I have said comes from the bottom of my heart. For the sake of our great Cheng dynasty, I urge you to consider this matter carefully!"
Emperor Rongcheng's complexion had improved considerably by this time.
He looked at Prime Minister Wang and spoke.
"Then, according to Prime Minister Wang's suggestion, what should I do now?"
Prime Minister Wang looked up, his face showing an expression of resolute acceptance of death.
"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you abolish the position of Crown Prince and appoint Prince Rui as the new Crown Prince."
"absurd!"
After Prime Minister Wang finished speaking, Grand Tutor Wang couldn't help but speak up.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is virtuous and talented, loyal to the people, and has now made great contributions to the relief of the severe drought in Qi County. How can you so absurdly depose him from his position as Crown Prince because of a mere rumor?”
"If what Prime Minister Wang says is true, does that mean our Emperor's position could be changed based on just a few rumors?"
These words were so bold that Emperor Rongcheng's expression changed instantly.
But it also made him instantly alert.
"What you say is true, my dear minister. The position of the crown prince is a matter of national importance. When has it ever been affected by a few rumors?"
But Prime Minister Wang remained unchanged.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. This matter is of utmost importance. The entire capital is now aware of it. If we are not careful, it could lead to a great disaster."
As he spoke, he looked up and delivered a devastating blow to Emperor Rongcheng.
"Your Majesty, have you forgotten the former Crown Prince's wisdom and popularity?"
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