Chapter 76 Star Change
Zhu Yuhuan had heard stories in modern times about the Forbidden City being frequently struck by lightning, so this was not surprising to him. But for others, this matter was not so simple.
In ancient times, such natural phenomena were considered as punishment from heaven. When Chongzhen ascended the throne in the late Ming Dynasty, a strong wind blew off a few tiles, which became a sign that the Ming Dynasty was doomed. It is likely that it was just a small matter that was forced to have a new meaning.
As a result, the palace was in a state of panic, with the palace maids even worried that this was a punishment from heaven. Although Concubine Guo was favored, she lacked authority and was unable to suppress the rumors for a while.
Zhu Yuhuan only heard a few words from Huai En, who was out gathering information, and he knew that the rumor might have already spread throughout the palace. Zhu Yuhuan was a little worried that the rumor would be known to the King of Han, but seeing that Empress Zhang remained calm and composed, he knew that she must be confident of victory, so he did not say much.
Zhu Yuhuan had only been there for two days when word arrived from the Palace of Heavenly Purity that Empress Zhang was invited over. Zhu Yuhuan happened to be eating melons nearby, but Empress Zhang turned around and took her with her, completely shattering Zhu Yuhuan's wish to eat melons.
Zhu Yuhuan now understood why his fifth uncle ran away when he encountered trouble. If it were her, she would not want to listen to such overly realistic gossip for no reason. It would be more reassuring to listen to rumors spread by others.
Inside the main hall, while not entirely gloomy, it wasn't much better either. Zhu Gaochi lay on his bed, breathing heavily, looking as if he were near death.
It was not until the eunuch beside him announced that Zhu Gaochi reluctantly opened his eyes, looked at Empress Zhang, and said tremblingly, "The Empress is here..."
Zhu Yuhuan subconsciously looked at Empress Zhang, curious about her expression at the moment. He never expected that Empress Zhang had already waved her hand to ask the palace maids to stay away. Then he quickly stepped forward and half-knelt beside the bed.
Empress Zhang held Zhu Gaochi's hand and said softly, "Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but marvel at his grandmother's powerful ability to change shapes and shadows.
As expected of the queen, performing big and small shows anywhere is just a common occurrence for her.
Without waiting for Zhu Gaochi to speak, Empress Zhang took the water from the eunuch beside her and moistened Zhu Gaochi's lips with a handkerchief, saying worriedly, "Your Majesty, moisten your throat first and speak after you recover..."
Zhu Gaochi was relieved to hear her thoughtful and caring words. He drank a few sips of water before slowly saying, "My health... I'm afraid it won't last."
Empress Zhang realized that Zhu Gaochi's hands were shaking, and hurriedly held his hand tightly, saying, "Your Majesty has the blessing of God, and you will definitely recover."
Zhu Gaochi just shook his head helplessly and said, "Queen..."
Empress Zhang's eyes were red, and she choked for a long time before finally speaking out a word, "No..."
Zhu Yuhuan, who was standing not far away, was slightly stunned. For a moment, she didn't know whether Empress Zhang was sincere or not, which made her previous speculation seem a little ridiculous.
Maybe all this was just her wild guess...?
Zhu Gaochi swallowed hard, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he said, "Empress, summon Yang Shiqi, Huang Huai, and Yang... to the palace..."
He seemed to be choked up when he said this, and was obviously having difficulty breathing. Seeing this, Zhu Yuhuan hurriedly ran behind Zhu Gaochi, raised his hand to pick up the pillow beside him and placed it behind him. He also helped Empress Zhang to help Zhu Gaochi sit up, and patted Zhu Gaochi's back gently to help him breathe smoothly.
Although Zhu Gaochi hadn't finished speaking, Empress Zhang had already understood his meaning and said to Zhu Yuhuan beside him, "Huanhuan, tell someone to pass on His Majesty's oral order and summon Shangshu Jian Yi, Huagai Palace Grand Secretary Yang Shiqi, Wuying Palace Grand Secretary Huang Huai, and Jinshen Palace Grand Secretary Yang Rong to the palace for an audience."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaochi couldn't help but look relieved and seemed very relieved.
Zhu Yuhuan responded upon seeing this, and hurried to the nearby eunuch, repeating what Empress Zhang had said. She watched the eunuch go out to deliver the message, and then returned to the bedside. She couldn't help but sigh in her heart that her grandmother was indeed very familiar with political affairs, and even had a keen insight into the emperor's heart. She could guess what Zhu Gaochi was thinking before he even finished speaking.
When Zhu Gaochi saw Zhu Yuhuan, he was a little surprised, and then he laughed. However, because he was out of breath at the moment and had to conserve his energy to tell more important things, Zhu Gaochi did not speak.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't really know much about his royal grandfather. Although they had lived together for many years, the emperor was busy dealing with various political affairs before he ascended the throne. Only when they were reading together could Zhu Yuhuan secretly observe him for a moment.
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't say what Zhu Gaochi himself was like, but in her eyes, Zhu Gaochi was indeed conscientious and hardworking, and there was no doubt about that.
After meeting Zhu Gaochi's smile, Zhu Yuhuan subconsciously smiled along. She suddenly realized that Zhu Gaochi in front of her was about to die, and it might not be a good time to smile at this time. She was about to retract her smile, but when she saw Zhu Gaochi and Empress Zhang looking at her, she froze in place, not knowing what expression to show for a moment.
However, when Zhu Gaochi and Empress Zhang saw her like this, they smiled at the same time, as if they were laughing at her embarrassed expression.
In order to make these two laugh at this moment, Zhu Yuhuan had no choice but to accept it. Her originally embarrassed expression finally turned into a shy smile. She moved her eyes slightly, but saw that Zhu Gaochi was still holding Empress Zhang's hand, and his fingertips gently stroked the back of Empress Zhang's hand, as if this could calm him down.
Zhu Yuhuan originally thought that the couple were at least allies, but it was obvious that they seemed to have grievances against each other because of Concubine Guo's affairs, and he also thought that their interests were divided, but the warmth at this moment showed that everything seemed not as simple as Zhu Yuhuan thought.
Zhu Gaochi glanced at the palace maids not far away. Empress Zhang understood what he meant and said to Zhu Yuhuan, "Send someone to get your grandfather's robe. He will be meeting the ministers soon, and he can't be wearing his pajamas like this."
"yes."
When the palace maid brought the robe, Empress Zhang did not call any servants and helped Zhu Gaochi put on the clothes herself. Seeing this, Zhu Yuhuan quickly reached out to help.
Fortunately, she exercises regularly, otherwise she would feel tired even helping out...
Empress Zhang helped Zhu Gaochi tie his belt, and said with a hint of emotion, "Today I'm reminded of the time I helped His Majesty get dressed on the first day of our wedding..."
Zhu Yuhuan was stunned when he heard this. He looked back and forth between the two of them. Seeing that Zhu Gaochi had a smile on his face, he said, "Grandma, do you often help Grandpa change his clothes?"
Empress Zhang carefully took care of Zhu Gaochi's large red dress with dragon and cloud patterns, and said with a smile, "I help your grandfather change his clothes once a day when he stays with me. In the past thirty years, that must have been at least five thousand times..."
Before Zhu Yuhuan could reply, Zhu Gaochi actually said, "Ever since we came back from moving the capital, you haven't helped me change clothes much."
Zhu Yuhuan counted on her fingers in her heart. Wasn't that the time when her eighth uncle was born? She immediately understood that it was because of Concubine Guo that the couple had become more estranged.
Empress Zhang simply smiled and said, "There are others who can handle these things. Why should someone as clumsy as me take on the responsibility?"
When Zhu Gaochi heard this, although there was still a smile on his face, it was not as genuine as before.
He seemed to sigh a little, and said: "Although the noble concubine was rude, she still considers herself a noble concubine. You are the most tolerant and considerate person, so there is no need to bother with her."
Empress Zhang's expression at this moment was the same as Zhu Yuhuan had seen her before, neither sad nor happy. She said calmly, "Rumors are spreading throughout the palace, dishonoring Your Majesty's reputation. This is due to the Imperial Concubine's poor handling of the matter, and she deserves punishment."
Zhu Gaochi heard her firm tone and was silent for a long time before he said, "You are the mother of the princes after all."
Empress Zhang's eyebrows jumped. She looked at Zhu Gaochi, as if she finally understood something, and said, "I understand."
For a moment, the room was silent.
Even Zhu Yuhuan didn't know what to say. She knew very little about what happened before she was born, and it was really not appropriate for her to get involved too much in this situation.
Zhu Yuhuan, however, had clearly overheard their conversation. The couple was using Concubine Guo's mismanagement of the harem as an excuse to discuss her future. Seeing Empress Zhang's resolute stance, he knew Concubine Guo would face a difficult fate. Zhu Gaochi, fully aware of this, chose to abandon Concubine Guo, seeking only to preserve her three sons.
"Huanhuan."
When Zhu Yuhuan heard Zhu Gaochi calling him, he quickly responded, "Grandpa, Huanhuan is here."
Zhu Gaochi motioned her to come before him, and after examining her for a long moment, he said, "I heard from Scholar Yang that you do your homework very well, are very attentive in your daily lectures, and are a voracious reader. Your willingness to study diligently and apply what you have learned to making farm tools is a positive development, and I am very pleased."
Although Yang Pu was Zhu Yuhuan's nominal teacher, he himself served as a Hanlin scholar and held several positions. Zhu Yuhuan naturally thought that Yang Pu would not care about the schoolwork of a little kid like him. But after hearing what Zhu Gaochi said today, Zhu Yuhuan was surprised to find out that Yang Pu would actually look at the schoolwork submitted by Zhu Yuhuan. He immediately wondered if he had talked nonsense during his schoolwork.
After confirming that he hadn't written anything outrageous in his homework, Zhu Yuhuan said obediently, "Daddy always teaches that everyone should do their job. There's not much I can do, but as long as it benefits the country, that's enough."
When Zhu Zhanji said this, he definitely did not mean to allow Zhu Yuhuan to conduct research so freely and casually. Now that Zhu Yuhuan said this, he was certainly trying to change the subject.
Zhu Gaochi was unaware of the conversation between the father and daughter and simply nodded slightly. He had spoken so much in a row and was inevitably a little tired. After a long pause, he continued, "When your father returns from Yingtian, you must make sure those farm tools and greenhouses are used by the people. They must not be abandoned..."
Zhu Yuhuan didn't expect him to tell her this, so she nodded quickly and said, "Huanhuan, remember this. When Daddy comes back, the Emperor will tell him in person. Daddy will definitely do his best."
Zhu Gaochi raised his hand with some difficulty and touched her head, but did not continue Zhu Yuhuan's conversation. He probably knew that his body could not hold on any longer. He just said: "Huanhuan... you are very smart. In the future, if you let your younger brothers... follow you, they will definitely learn and understand... As the eldest sister, you must take care of your younger brothers..."
Hearing his words, Zhu Yuhuan was stunned. She turned to look at Empress Zhang and saw her nod slightly. Then she responded, "Huanhuan understands."
She thought of how Zhu Gaochi was unusually lenient towards his two younger brothers, the Prince of Han and the Prince of Zhao, and how he was even willing to plead for mercy in the case of poisoning the emperor. He truly acted like the head of a feudal family. However, Zhu Yuhuan thought of how his half-sister, Princess Ancheng, was unable to inherit the title because her husband did not lend her earrings, and she felt that this set of standards was really difficult to evaluate.
After a while, a notice came from outside that the four summoned people had entered the palace. Zhu Gaochi then managed to sit up by himself and asked someone to help him put on his shoes. However, his feet were swollen due to his illness, making it difficult to put on his shoes. After a long time, Zhu Gaochi finally put on his shoes properly. He said vaguely, "Send them in."
These four pillars of the court walked in. They were all a little surprised when they saw Zhu Yuhuan standing in the corner trying to reduce his presence. However, they had more important things to do now, and Empress Zhang was right next to them, so they naturally did not ask too many questions and just kowtowed in greeting.
Zhu Gaochi raised his hand to signal them to stand up. His eyes swept back and forth between them before he finally spoke: "I summoned you to the palace to entrust you with an important matter. The most urgent task is to summon the Crown Prince back to the capital. There is absolutely no delay."
After hearing what he said, the three people who had already had a premonition understood that this was the emperor's will, and they couldn't help but burst into tears and sobbed as they agreed.
They were all officials in the Prince's Mansion and had a deep friendship with Zhu Gaochi, who spent twenty years on the throne of the Crown Prince. It was no longer something that could be described by ordinary monarchs and ministers, teachers and students, or relatives and friends. Now, seeing that His Majesty, who had been with them for twenty years, was about to pass away, how could they not be heartbroken?
Seeing them weeping like this, Zhu Yuhuan quietly retreated to the side of the eunuch and whispered, "Send someone to prepare hot towels for the gentlemen, so that they won't lose their manners when the emperor gives orders."
The eunuch suddenly realized what was going on after hearing this and hurried over to give orders.
Although Empress Zhang did not move, she glanced at Zhu Yuhuan. Seeing that the eunuchs brought the handkerchief as she instructed, she showed a look of satisfaction.
After the ministers wiped their tears and calmed down, Zhu Gaochi also recovered and said, "The Crown Prince is intelligent and kind. My father and I have high hopes for him. You must assist the Crown Prince wholeheartedly and take care of the people of the world... ahem..."
Empress Zhang heard him cough and immediately poured another cup of warm water. Zhu Gaochi waved his hand and continued, "My reign is still short, so everything should be frugal. Funeral ceremonies should be replaced by months with days, and marriages and music should not be prohibited among the people. As for the dress code of our Emperor Taizong... it should still follow the order of August of last year, and there is no need to change it." He paused for a moment before adding meaningfully, "Princes in foreign countries are to be protected by their vassal states and should not leave their home countries... Generals, garrisons, important officials, and civil and military officials of all ranks should not leave their posts without permission. They should mourn day and night for three days... All of them are exempt from attending the imperial court and performing formal ceremonies."
When Zhu Yuhuan heard this, he immediately understood what Zhu Gaochi meant.
The purpose of prohibiting the princes from leaving their fiefdoms was to prevent Prince of Han Zhu Gaoxu from making any rash moves. After all, his current location in Le'an Prefecture was not far from the capital and was heavily guarded. As long as Zhu Gaoxu himself did not dare to move, his subordinates could not cause any major chaos no matter how much they acted. In addition, if Zhu Gaochi died, the news would surely be suppressed in the capital. As long as Zhu Zhanji traveled day and night, by the time Prince of Han learned of the news and set up an ambush, Zhu Zhanji would have already returned to the capital, so there was no need to worry about being ambushed by the Prince of Han.
Several ministers naturally understood Zhu Gaochi's meaning and responded in unison: "Yes."
Zhu Gaochi sighed deeply, and seemed to be in better spirits. He glanced at everyone and said, "You all should leave. Let me rest for a while. I haven't had a good rest in too long."
Zhu Yuhuan looked at Empress Zhang and saw that she had also stood up, so he obediently followed her and retreated.
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