Chapter 279 I can't bear to part with it, bring it into the palace for me!
Emperor Wusu did not hold court today, nor did he release the news that he had woken up.
He returned to Zhaoyang Palace and sat down on the couch to meditate with a sullen face.
Li Yuzong didn't dare to say a word, standing there like a wooden statue, trying his best to minimize his presence.
Zhao Mingyan meditated for a long time.
Because of what Ji Qingwu said, he was unable to truly calm down.
Her attempts to conceal her true feelings were full of flaws; she feigned indifference while resorting to hurtful words, but he could see clearly that her clear eyes were filled with grievance.
He still couldn't bear to part with it...
Zhao Mingyan's body tensed up; the burning sensation still wouldn't subside.
He stopped at the last minute, only to be met with excruciating pain and burning agony—a feeling he had experienced firsthand.
The more force you apply, the more force will rebound back after a short while.
He said in a deep, hoarse voice, "Li Yuzong."
Li Yuzong stepped forward as ordered, but after taking only two steps, he almost tripped and fell, his legs numb from standing for so long.
Zhao Mingyan opened his eyes, which were burning red.
With a face full of anger, he said in a hateful voice, "Go and bring Lexi to the palace for me!"
Li Yuzong was so frightened by this undisguised anger that his legs became even more unsteady.
He walked out with his legs shaking, stealing a few glances at the emperor along the way.
He immediately noticed that the hem of the Emperor's robe was sticking up very high, and Li Yuzong's old eyes darted back and forth.
After regaining his senses, the Emperor went to the Wei family that very night. His anger was understandable, after all, no man could accept his beloved woman marrying another.
But now it's terrifying, like a spark could set it on fire and cause an immediate explosion.
This time, it was Miss Ji who stirred up trouble? But why can't this fire be extinguished?
Li Yuzong was astonished. Emperor Wusu's offspring were already few, and if this continued for too long, it would cause serious problems.
Li Yuzong hurriedly went outside the palace and arranged for his trusted confidant to ride a fast horse to the city to invite Lexi over.
*
Now, all the people in the city believe that the emperor is still unconscious, and people are filled with fear.
The officials of the previous dynasty were like ants on a hot pan.
In the vast Golden Palace, the emperor was leaderless.
The dragon throne was empty. In the past, whenever Emperor Wusu sat there, no matter what happened, the worst that could happen was that he would be frightened by the emperor's cold face.
But I've never felt such a strong sense of panic as I do now.
Emperor Wusu lay in the Zhaoyang Palace, his fate uncertain. Several ministers had already secretly shed tears, wiping them away with the sleeves of their official robes.
The court officials already knew about the Xijin faction's surprise attack and that Wei Ting had been summoned directly from his bridal chamber to the front lines.
Officials from the Imperial Clan Court were the first to step forward.
"My lords, please allow me to say a few words. It was previously agreed that General Wei and Prime Minister Su would jointly assist in governing, but General Zhenbei has already gone to the northern border, and the young prince is still too young. Therefore, we can only ask the highly respected Prime Minister Su to take charge of the overall situation."
Su Fengyue stood at the front, dressed in a crimson official robe, a color reserved for high-ranking officials of the court.
All eyes turned to him.
Su Fengyue's temples were all white, and although his face was aged, he was still very energetic.
He sighed and said, "This old minister is old, but I hold the position of prime minister of the Imperial Grace Office. When Your Majesty is on the verge of death, I feel powerless. I can only do my best to stabilize the court for Your Majesty and hope that the Northern Li will be peaceful and prosperous."
Su Xiang's faction chimed in in agreement.
"Prime Minister Su is loyal to the emperor and the people. Even if the emperor is in a coma, he will feel your loyalty."
As originally planned, Wei Ting and Prime Minister Su should have jointly overseen the country, but the absence of one person had a profound impact.
If the emperor remains in a coma for an extended period, all memorials submitted from various parts of Beili will be reviewed by Su Fengyue.
This court will become a one-man show by Prime Minister Su.
Lu Juan's gaze swept across the entire room, taking in the expressions of the civil and military officials. Finally, he exchanged a glance with Duan Mingfeng, but neither of them spoke.
But at that moment, someone stepped forward.
He said loudly, "Isn't it too hasty for only Prime Minister Su to act as regent?"
Su Fengyue turned his head and looked at the handsome young man from the Censorate.
With a kind expression, he said, "What are your thoughts, Lord Li? Please feel free to speak frankly."
Li Chengxun was unfazed by the various gazes he received, and his words were clear and logical.
"His Majesty is seriously injured, and state affairs should be handled by the Crown Prince. However, the young prince is too young to rule personally. At present, General Wei has gone to the northern border to resist foreign enemies, and Prime Minister Su is assisting him alone. I believe that the Prime Minister is too old and we should find someone else to share the burden with him."
The official from the Imperial Clan Court who had spoken earlier turned around and sneered, "Lord Li, who do you think can be compared to Prime Minister Su?"
Li Chengxun cupped his hands and said, "In my opinion, Prince Yong is the best candidate. He is of noble birth, the Emperor's brother, and also the young prince's uncle."
Prince Yong's men came to the morning court, but his spirit did not arrive.
It was only after the officials around him reminded him and whispered a few words in his ear that Zhao Minghong came back to his senses.
He looked at the group of people standing in the center of the hall.
He said in a hoarse voice, "I have no interest in court affairs; I only hope that my brother will wake up soon."
This is true. Prince Yong has looked haggard these past few days, with dark circles under his eyes and bloodshot eyes, and he looks much thinner.
For several days in a row, he was so worried about Emperor Wusu's injury that he lost his appetite and couldn't eat or drink.
Prince Yong had no intention of overseeing the country and was even less interested in their disputes.
An official from the Imperial Clan Court said, "Everyone knows that Lord Li recommended Prince Yong. Lord Li is the Prince's brother-in-law. Isn't this a case of favoritism?"
Li Chengxun said, "I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. If you gentlemen think that Prince Yong is not suitable, I have another candidate."
The man said sarcastically, "Who is it? Could it be Lord Li himself?"
Li Chengxun looked at the person who had been keeping his head down and was moving towards the window.
He called out, "Lord Lu."
Lu Juan was a high-ranking official of the second rank in the court. Although his official position was not as high as that of the prime minister, he was a favorite minister of the emperor and, in terms of kinship, he was also Emperor Wusu's cousin.
He is indeed a suitable candidate.
Before Lu Juan could even utter his words of refusal, Duan Mingfeng suddenly interrupted.
"I also believe that Lord Lu is extremely suitable."
This is to avenge being pushed out in front of the emperor yesterday.
Lu Juan emerged from the crowd, a forced smile on his face, and said, "Lord Duan, I really have to thank you."
And so, Lu Juan was pushed forward to go with Su Fengyue to the Secretariat to review the memorials, and he wouldn't be able to go home until late at night.
*
The Wei family.
When Chiu Chiu arrived in the unfamiliar place, she didn't cry or fuss, and slept soundly all night as usual.
All of this was thanks to the fact that the little girl, while still an infant, had spent many turbulent days with Ji Qingwu on the border.
Even after settling down in a clinic in Southern Chu, Qiuqiu often spent her days with her foster mother-in-law.
The mother and daughter were not picky about their living environment; as long as they had a bed and a bowl, they could make a living.
Lanzhi brought Qiuqiu over.
As soon as the little girl entered the door, she ran towards Ji Qingwu with a smile on her face.
First he pounced on her legs, then nimbly climbed onto her body, hugging her neck tightly and refusing to let go.
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