This news came like a thunderbolt, instantly reversing the situation.
Upon hearing that the Emperor had awakened, Chu Jinxuan's defenses completely crumbled, and the sword in his hand fell limply to the ground.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the prince's private soldiers were thrown into chaos.
Taking advantage of the situation, Wang Meng launched a general offensive, leading elite cavalry and loyal guards to crush the Crown Prince's forces in one fell swoop.
Crown Prince Chu Jinxuan was captured alive, collapsed to the ground, his eyes vacant.
His face was filled with despair; he knew it was all over.
Supported by palace maids, the emperor slowly walked out of his bedchamber.
His face was pale, but his eyes conveyed both authority and anger.
How could Chu Jinxuan not know that he was raising a private army, engaging in corruption, and colluding with court officials?
Because he lost his mother at a young age, I have always indulged him and given him opportunities to grow.
But he was disobedient and unfilial, daring to poison himself with a curse, and even plotted to kill his brothers and usurp the throne...
Such wolfish ambitions must not be tolerated or let off lightly.
The Emperor of Chu closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again, his eyes filled with a resolute look. “Chu Jinxuan, you have committed the heinous crime of treason. I hereby depose you from your position as Crown Prince, demote you to a commoner, and exile you to Ningguta. You shall never set foot in the capital again.”
Chu Jinxuan's body went limp and he collapsed to the ground. "Father, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this time!"
"Delay it. Set off immediately. There must be no delay." The Emperor of Chu waved his hand, brooking no argument.
Chu Jinxuan wanted to say something, but was dragged away by the guards who came closer.
Three days later.
The main hall of the imperial palace was solemn and dignified, with civil and military officials lined up neatly on both sides.
Chu Jiuqing and Chen Qingqing also stood among them, awaiting the Chu Emperor's reward.
With a long, drawn-out announcement of "The Emperor has arrived," everyone knelt down and paid their respects.
Supported by eunuchs, the Emperor of Chu ascended the dragon throne with steady steps.
Although he had just recovered from a serious illness and his complexion was still pale, his eyes had regained their former dignity.
The Emperor Chu's gaze swept over the crowd in the hall, and he slowly began to speak.
"I was poisoned this time, but thanks to Chen Qingqing's skillful treatment and Prince Ning's unwavering loyalty, I was able to turn the tide."
After speaking, he looked at Chu Jiuqing with eyes full of satisfaction.
"Qing'er, you have gone through great hardships, traveling thousands of miles to find a good doctor to save my life, thus thwarting the Crown Prince's faction's plot to murder my father and usurp the throne. As a reward for you, you may make any request, and your father will grant it."
Chu Jiuqing immediately knelt down, "Father, your kindness is too great. I do not ask for any reward, I only pray that Your Majesty will be healthy."
"Very well, my son, rise quickly." The Emperor Chu looked at the eunuch beside him with a kind expression, "Proclaim the imperial decree."
The eunuch stepped forward, flicked his whisk, unfurled a roll of yellow silk that he had already prepared, and shouted in front of everyone, "Prince Ning, receive the imperial decree."
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
I have received the Mandate of Heaven and ascended the throne.
In the fifty-sixth year of the Da Ning reign, he first ascended the throne.
I am filled with trepidation, fearing that I may fail the trust of my ancestors and the expectations of the people.
For decades, he has devoted himself to the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people.
Fortunately, with the blessings of Heaven and the gods, the nation is at peace, the court is united, the four directions are tranquil, and all industries are thriving.
I now feel that I am lacking in energy and unable to bear the heavy burden of government affairs.
At this critical juncture, after careful consideration, I have decided to abdicate the throne to Prince Ning.
Chu Jiuqing was intelligent from a young age, had lofty aspirations, and cared deeply for the world. He also demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and wisdom in governing the country through his experiences, making him the only suitable candidate for the throne.
After I abdicate, I will become the Retired Emperor and stay away from court intrigues to enjoy my later years.
However, I still care about the fate of the nation and the well-being of the people. I hope that after the new emperor ascends the throne, he will uphold justice, govern the country with benevolence, be close to virtuous ministers, distance himself from treacherous people, and create an even more glorious era for our dynasty.
At the same time, I hereby solemnly order all princes, imperial relatives, and civil and military officials to do their utmost to assist the new emperor, and not to form cliques or engage in private activities, nor to disobey the imperial decree.
Anyone who violates the law, disrupts order, or plots rebellion to usurp the throne will be punished without mercy under the law.
This edict is promulgated throughout the land, so that all people may know of it.
"Your subject accepts the decree and expresses his gratitude." Chu Jiuqing's expression was solemn. He knew how heavy the burden on the emperor's shoulders was, but he would never let the people of the world down or his father down. He vowed to be a virtuous and wise ruler.
"Very well, my son, get up quickly." After saying that, the Emperor Chu turned his gaze to Chen Qingqing and smiled, "Miss Chen's medical skills are superb. She cured my strange poison. This is a great achievement. I will bestow upon you a luxurious mansion, ten thousand taels of gold, and a thousand acres of fertile land. I will also confer upon you the title of the Sage of Medicine of Anguo and the head of the Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy."
Chen Qingqing's heart tightened. She didn't want to stay in the palace, where she had to kneel countless times every day until her knees were almost raw.
Besides, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; a slight misstep could bring trouble upon oneself. It would be best to find an excuse to go home as soon as possible!
Despite the pain in her knees, she knelt down to pay her respects.
"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful. However, I am by nature free and not good at court etiquette. I am really not capable of serving in the Imperial Medical Academy. It would be better if I could return to a normal life."
The Emperor of Chu frowned slightly, somewhat surprised. Could there really be people in the world who didn't crave wealth and power?
"Miss Chen, please don't have any concerns. Since you find the palace rules too numerous, I can exempt you from the etiquette between ruler and subject. You can do whatever you want, and you can even go out and benefit the people when you have nothing to do. Is that alright?"
Chen Qingqing shook her head. "Your Majesty's favor is too much. Practicing medicine and treating the sick is the medical path I have pursued all my life. In the vast fields, there are many more people who need to be treated. I would rather use my medical skills to relieve their pain than enjoy wealth and honor. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."
Hearing this, Chu Jiuqing felt both admiration and reluctance for Chen Qingqing's choice, but he never dared to say what he had been holding in his heart.
The Chu Emperor frowned slightly. In these brief encounters over the past few days,
He felt that Chen Qingqing was a rare and extraordinary woman, with superb medical skills and an exceptionally likable personality.
His words always have a refreshing and novel feel to them.
He felt a pang of reluctance, and glancing at Chu Jiuqing unintentionally, he suddenly realized something.
A perfect couple, a match made in heaven.
Perhaps the two of them have already secretly pledged their lives to each other, so why not take this opportunity to make it happen?
Having made up his mind, the Chu Emperor smiled and nodded.
"Very well, since Miss Chen is unwilling to accept this reward, I will bestow upon you the title of Qing'er's concubine, and the wedding will be held on a chosen date."
As soon as the Emperor of Chu finished speaking, Chu Jiuqing's excitement was palpable. He raised his head and looked at Chen Qingqing with excited, joyful eyes.
Feeling both anticipation and trepidation during the days spent with Chen Qingqing,
He had long harbored feelings for this extraordinary woman, but had never found the right opportunity to express them.
Chu Jiuqing's eyes were filled with anticipation as he looked intently at her, waiting to hear her nod in agreement...
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