Chapter 191.1
Empress Weis words left everyone puzzled, but since she had spoken, there were naturally people who wanted to know more details.
Most of those present didnt move. Only the irrelevant and unimportant people were asked to leave. The princes and their wives were all present, but only Consort Qian, Imperial Concubine Kang, and Noble Ladies Li and Ying were left among the imperial concubines. As for those from the Imperial Hospital, Xiao Yuanshi and two other respected physicians remained behind since they were the ones responsible for taking care of Emperor Hongjings health on a daily basis.
Xiao Yuanshi, you explain it, so people wont think bengong is doing something behind the scenes, said Empress Wei.
Consort Qian smiled hypocritically and said, Your Majesty, dont be angry. His Highness An Wang and this concubine are also concerned about His Majestys condition. Please dont misunderstand. Everyone knows that our empress is the mother of the world and the epitome of magnanimity and tolerance among women.
Empress Weis face didnt look good, and she seemed tired and impatient. She looked at Consort Qian and said, You dont have to praise me. Whether bengong is tolerant or not, its not for you to judge.
Consort Qian suddenly looked embarrassed, but for some reason, she held her tongue.
Empress Wei then said, Xiao Yuanshi, tell them the result of the diagnosis, so they wont think that bengong is doing something behind the scenes. As for Li Dequan, since youre the emperors person, you can fill in the gaps.
Xiao Yuanshi and Li Dequan both looked hesitant, but they knew there were too many eyes on them, and this matter couldnt be kept secret. They exchanged a glance, and Xiao Yuanshi spoke first.
It turned out that Emperor Hongjings collapse this time really had nothing to do with his old ailment. Actually, it had something to do with it, but it was not the main reason. It was also true that Noble Lady Li and Noble Lady Ying came to Qianqing Palace. These two noble ladies probably wanted to gain favour, and hearing that Emperor Hongjing had improved a lot over the past two days, they took the initiative to come to Qianqing Palace to seek an audience.
Emperor Hongjing ordered people to call them in, originally they were just talking to each other, but no one knew whether it was Emperor Hongjing who was too vigorous or the two little noble ladies who deliberately seduced him, but they actually managed to pick up the rain and dew in the Xinuang Pavilion. Since His Majesty was bestowing favour to his concubine, as servants, they naturally have to avoid it. Even Li Dequan had to avoid them and go outside to guard. No one knew exactly what happened. They only knew that when the two noble ladies came out from inside that Emperor Hongjing had already fallen asleep.
Li Dequan noticed that something was wrong with Emperor Hongjing when he didnt wake up at night. Normally, Emperor Hongjing would ask for tea several times at night. It was then that they realized that Emperor Hongjing was not well, and they called for the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital.
The Imperial Hospital was alarmed, and soon the news spread throughout the entire palace. Initially, Empress Wei did not plan to inform the princes of the news. She had planned to only summon Hui Wang and Dai Wang. However, Consort Qian intervened and thus, all the princes gathered at Qianqing Palace as the play began.
Therefore, the act that Consort Qian put on earlier had a basis and reason behind it. However, neither Xiao Yuanshi nor Li Dequan mentioned it. It was the crowd that analyzed the situation and realized it. If it werent for Consort Qian and An Wang attempting to muddy the waters, Jin Wang and Lu Wang would not have known of this news so quickly.
Currently, Emperor Hongjings situation was not good, and even though Xiao Yuanshis medical explanation was incomprehensible to those present, they understood that if he were to wake up, the worst would have passed. If he couldnt, that would be a different story. After all, he was an elderly person and had suffered a stroke. However, the possibility of him having another stroke if he woke up was also high.
After hearing this, the whole hall fell silent.
Are these two little noble ladies responsible for Father Emperors illness? Lu Wang said suddenly.
Then why did Mother Empress not punish them? Wu Wang asked. As soon as he spoke, he realized how foolish he sounded. This was such a significant matter, and naturally, they needed to focus on Emperor Hongjings health first. No matter what, those two individuals would not escape punishment.
Of course, they will be punished. But if bengong handled them in private, that would only support Consort Qian and An Wangs argument. So lets wait for everyone to arrive, and then we can discuss this matter.
Empress Weis tone was cold. Perhaps it was because even though he was already a patient, Emperor Hongjing had caused trouble and she felt that she had lost a lot of face. Moreover, the insinuations made by Consort Qian had angered her considerably. Hence, Empress Weis demeanour changed drastically. She was no longer as accommodating or gracious as she had been before.
However, if one were to think about it, any proper wife would have the same reaction if they found themselves in her position.
Yaoniang stood beside Jin Wang, holding Xiaobao. The three of them did not say anything and only listened quietly from the beginning till the end.
Noble Lady Li and Noble Lady Ying were terrified and fell to the ground, weeping and begging for mercy, but Empress Wei ordered them to be taken away.
It was no surprise that their fate would be grim. At most, they would get to choose between white silk and wine, which was the palaces customary punishment for such situations.
Consort Qian wanted to intervene but hesitated and kept her silence.
Currently, the empress was in a weak position, and saying anything would only be detrimental to her. If things went awry, she could easily be labelled as attempting to defame others. After all, as the empress and the mistress of the Central Palace, if Emperor Hongjing were to suddenly pass away, she would be the most powerful person in the palace. Regardless of which prince took the throne, they would have to respect her
After that, they started to discuss how to care for Emperor Hongjing during his illness. Empress Wei did not interfere, and whatever the princes discussed, she listened to without objection.
During this time, there was another round of strategizing. No one knew when Emperor Hongjing would wake up. Naturally, everyone wanted to eliminate dissidents and strengthen their own power. Therefore, no matter how they discussed it, someone would be dissatisfied.
In the end, it was Lu Wang who came up with an idea: two princes would take turns each day to watch over Emperor Hongjing. This proposal was naturally aimed at the empresss faction. In fact, what everyone was most afraid of was that the empress would interfere. After all, Empress Wei controlled the harem and currently holds the greatest advantage.
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