0p0 Chapter 323 Emperor Wen wakes up
Chapter 323 Emperor Wen wakes up
However, at this moment, Gao Gonggong's heart was filled with regret and self-blame. He remembered that over the years, he had not dared to contact his nephew's family, fearing that one day they would become his weakness. Now, the thing he was most worried about finally happened, and he felt extremely painful and helpless.
"The Gao family... I can't let the Gao family die out! Otherwise, how can I be worthy of my ancestors?" Eunuch Gao murmured to himself, tears streaming down his cheeks.
He slowly stood up, walked to the tablet in the room, and kowtowed several times: "Empress Dowager! I feel so ashamed of you! I failed to protect Your Majesty!"
The next morning, Eunuch Gao stood beside the dragon throne and read aloud: "The Emperor of Heaven and the Mandate of Heaven decrees that Crown Prince Chu Chengli is a man of noble character and very much like me. He will surely be able to inherit the throne. If you can be vigilant and protect me after my death, I will also be happy to die in peace. You are ordered to succeed me as the emperor!"
The ministers below could not help but look astonished and exchange glances with each other. They really could not imagine that Emperor Wen would make such a decision.
Emperor Wen was always resolute and resolute, so how could he give up the throne so easily? Moreover, Emperor Wen was in his prime and full of energy, so he should have continued to rule the world! This sudden abdication was really puzzling.
The Third Prince frowned and asked suspiciously, "Why didn't he show up and explain in person about my father's abdication?"
The prince smiled coldly, turned his gaze to Eunuch Gao beside him, and ordered: "Submit the imperial edict to the third prince for review!"
Eunuch Gao hurried forward and carefully handed the imperial edict to the third prince. The third prince could not wait to unfold the imperial edict and carefully examine the handwriting and seal on it. There was no doubt that this was indeed the handwriting of his father, and the imperial seal was definitely not a forgery.
At this moment, some ministers could no longer hold back and said, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince! We still hope to hear His Majesty personally announce that you will inherit the throne!"
The prince's eyes flickered, then he took a deep breath and said to Eunuch Gao, "Go and ask our father to come out!" His voice was a little low, but with a hint of firmness.
Eunuch Gao was delighted, knowing that this meant they finally had a chance to see His Majesty. He nodded and said, "Yes! Your Highness." Then he turned and left.
Not long after, Eunuch Gao came out with Emperor Wen and Concubine Jin. Emperor Wen's face was as pale as paper, his eye sockets were sunken, his eyes were dull, as if he had lost his vitality. He was so thin that his bones were visible, and it was almost unrecognizable.
The ministers were all shocked by Emperor Wen's appearance. They couldn't believe their eyes. They didn't expect that after only half a month of not seeing him, Emperor Wen would become so haggard, as if he had a serious illness.
Everyone was talking among themselves. Some speculated that Emperor Wen was unwell and his condition had worsened; others worried that something had happened in the palace that had affected Emperor Wen's health. Everyone was very worried because Emperor Wen's health was related to the stability and development of the entire country.
The prince looked at Concubine Jin, who was holding Emperor Wen's fingers and moving them gently. Her fingertips gently stroked the back of Emperor Wen's hand, as if sending some kind of signal.
At the same time, a faint fragrance quietly wafted away. This fragrance was vague, but it was impossible to ignore. Emperor Wen's eyes blinked slightly, as if he was affected by something.
Emperor Wen slowly opened his lips and uttered a weak voice: "I..."
Xiao Jinghan stood below, bowing his head like a loyal subject. However, there were subtle movements hidden in his sleeves. As his fingers moved lightly, a faint fragrance drifted out from his sleeves...
This fragrance intertwined with the fragrance of Concubine Jin, forming a strange atmosphere. A trace of clarity gradually emerged in Emperor Wen's eyes, and his body trembled violently.
Emperor Wen took a deep breath and shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel the strange feeling. His eyes became firm, and he spoke again: "I have not been feeling well recently! The Crown Prince... will be the regent for the time being! When the King of Qin returns... then..."
The prince's face changed, and a hideous crack appeared on his calm face. He interrupted Emperor Wen angrily, "Father! You clearly wrote in your imperial edict that you want to abdicate to me. Why do you want to go back on your word? Did I do something wrong?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Wen's eyes suddenly widened, and a fierce look flashed in his eyes. He used all his strength to say word by word: "I am not... dead yet!"
As soon as he finished speaking, blood suddenly spurted out of his mouth, splattering all over the ground!
Everyone was shocked and gathered around. However, Emperor Wen still refused to fall down, and supported the dragon throne with trembling hands, trying to continue speaking, but in the end he couldn't hold it in, his eyes went dark, and he fainted!
Seeing this, Concubine Jin at the side screamed in fear: "Imperial Physician! Call the Imperial Physician!"
At this time, a group of panicked palace maids and eunuchs immediately helped Emperor Wen up and prepared to send him back to the palace for treatment. The other ministers looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
The ministers could not help but sigh as they watched the guards carry Emperor Wen away. Although Emperor Wen had successfully prevented the crown prince from ascending the throne, given his current physical condition, he was afraid that he would not have much time left. What kind of situation would the court face next?
After the court session, the crown prince looked at the unconscious Emperor Wen, a gloom flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly raised his hand and slapped Jin Xiaohe hard: "Bitch! Why did he suddenly wake up?"
Jin Xiaohe covered her swollen cheek with her hands, her face full of panic and fear: "Master! I really don't know! He has been under very good control recently! Is the dosage of the medicine not enough!" Her heart was full of doubts and uneasiness, and she didn't understand why Emperor Wen suddenly woke up.
The prince frowned, his eyes revealing a sinister light. He pinched Jin Xiaohe's chin hard and said through gritted teeth: "Maybe his time is up and he has a last burst of energy! Keep an eye on him! If anything goes wrong again, I won't let you go! When that happens, your precious brother won't be able to survive!"
Jin Xiaohe widened her eyes in fear, tears welling up in her eyes. She nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, Master, I will definitely take good care of him, please rest assured!"
She knew very well that her fate and her brother's life and death were in the hands of the prince, so she dared not slack off in the slightest.
The prince let go of her hand, and Jin Xiaohe sat on the ground, panting as if relieved. She prayed in her heart that Emperor Wen would not wake up again, and at the same time she felt at a loss about the future.
She knew that if she failed to complete the task assigned by the prince, not only herself but also her family would be implicated.