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墨書 Inktalez
The Xuande Emperor was well aware of the absurdity of these days. However, if given a second chance, experiencing the moment of struggling on his deathbed, he might still choose the same path. After all, who could blame him for being a monarch?
Had he lost even a bit of his authority?
Yet at this moment, facing the Chancellor's aggressive demeanor, the Xuande Emperor knew he had to restrain himself. He decided to play the emotional card. "Shi Yun, this throne is not easy to bear. I am only fifty years old, yet my body is frail and in constant pain. Who knows when I might be gone? Can't you feel a little pity for me?"
Yes, he had made many mistakes lately, but it was not his intention; it felt as if someone else was controlling his mind, leaving him in a daze. Whenever he regained clarity, it was often too late.
His symptoms were indeed strange. Could it be that someone had used underhanded means against him? In Jingjing City, there were not many capable of such tricks—except for Sang Qingxiao.
Shi Yun could no longer listen. "Your Majesty, do not involve others."
Tsk, one couldn't help but wonder what kind of potion that girl had given you.
"Your Majesty!"
The Xuande Emperor realized he had gone too far. Sighing, he said, "I truly fear you. In the entire court of civil and military officials, only you dare to confront me, and yet I cannot bear to punish you."
Hearing the Xuande Emperor speak in a tone meant to soothe a concubine made Shi Yun feel nauseous.
The Xuande Emperor's current state was peculiar; he was not someone who easily compromised. There must be something more beneath the surface.
"If Your Majesty has something to say, please do."
Another sigh escaped him. "Shi Yun, I am now both ill and old and plan to abdicate. My sons may not be particularly capable, but with your assistance, they should manage as a preserving monarch."
"Help me consider which of my sons might suit your preferences."
"Preserving? The older ones lack ability; the younger ones are too influenced by their maternal relatives. None are suitable!"
"Choosing an heir is a matter of great importance for the nation; it cannot be decided by one person alone. If Your Majesty truly intends this, I will gather the civil and military officials immediately for an urgent discussion."
"You underestimate yourself! If you have set your sights on one of them, you have the ability to sway opinions."
"Your Majesty!" Shi Yun grew impatient with his scheming. "Since Your Majesty is eager about this matter, after we conclude with the Sang family affairs, I will immediately convene the officials to discuss the selection of an heir."
After saying this, Shi Yun presented a book before the Xuande Emperor and even opened it for him.
The Xuande Emperor maintained a stern expression as he stared at Shi Yun for quite some time before suddenly breaking into a smile. "Yes, things must be done in order." He called out gently, "Bring me my imperial seal."
Once he had the seal in hand, he became unexpectedly decisive and flipped through the thick volume to its end, preparing to stamp it down.
Shi Yun reminded him gently, "Your Majesty, perhaps you should take a serious look first."
"No need," replied the Xuande Emperor. "I am well aware of the capabilities of the Sang family and have seen your abilities firsthand. I may wish to obstruct this decision, but ultimately it would be futile; it is better to accept fate."
The Imperial Seal fell, and the wrongful case was overturned. The Xuande Emperor handed the booklet back to Shi Yun, saying, "My dear minister, issue the edict. When will Sang Bai Jue return?"
If all goes well, it should take at least two months.
"My dear minister, can you expedite the ascension of the new emperor within these two months?"
Establishing a crown prince and having the new emperor ascend the throne are both extremely complicated processes. If Your Majesty insists on keeping it within two months, it can be done, but I fear it may inconvenience your successor. Moreover, if this matter spreads, it won't reflect well. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider.
However, the Xuande Emperor was unconcerned. "It’s fine; we can save time in various aspects and still gain a good reputation among the people."
"Is it really that urgent?" Shi Yun wondered what scheme the Xuande Emperor was concocting but could only agree for now.
Returning to the Ministry of Justice with the stamped documents, Shi Yun found that the other officials had already gone home to rest. Ze was still waiting there and noticed Shi Yun's troubled expression. "Did he make things difficult for you?"
Shi Yun shook his head; it was relatively smooth.
"Then why do you look so grim?"
"The emperor is eager to abdicate, and he mentioned that the new emperor must ascend before the Sang Family returns."
"What trick is he up to now?"
One could not judge his thoughts by common standards; perhaps it would be wise to observe for a few more days.
Shi Yun quickly wrote a letter and handed it to Ze along with the edict. "Make sure to use a regular channel; it will take half a month for the letter to arrive, assuming no one intentionally delays or damages it. Just in case, we’ll use a fake edict on the surface while giving the real one to your daughter. She should have a faster method to get it into Sang Bai Jue's hands."
"I... my daughter..."
Since that day at the palace gate, Ze had been busy with overturning cases as an excuse to avoid facing this issue. He had a premonition that A Ning might... he dared not confront this problem.
"What's wrong? Are you scared?"
Ze countered, "Weren't you afraid when you brought your grandson back?"
"Of course I was scared. That day felt even more urgent than now," Shi Yun recalled how he had even lost his shoes in his haste; he hadn't felt so flustered in many years.
"Sigh, these younger generations are all little debt collectors."
Shi Yun empathized and comforted him. "Your daughter is like a little cotton jacket; she is more mature than boys her age. Since she acknowledged you publicly, whether out of obligation or sincerity, she shouldn't dislike you."
The past is also a knot in your heart. I'll give you a half-day off. If you don't want it, then just drag it out. I'll go to the Small Tavern by myself.
As she spoke, she tried to snatch the edict from Ze's hands. Ze quickly hugged it to his chest, not even bothering to get into the carriage, and walked alone to the Small Tavern. When he reached the entrance, he hesitated, peeking inside.
Since its reopening, the Small Tavern had attracted more and more customers drawn by the legendary background of Sang Qingxiao. She wondered how much longer she would stay in Jingjing City. With the intention of giving back to her customers, she had been skipping meals, even preparing dinner herself.
The tavern only closed around midnight, and with such a workload, even the robust spirits were feeling the strain. After much consideration, Sang Qingxiao decided to send a Mountain Spirit to help out at the Small Tavern.
She thought there might be some complications, but when the Mountain Spirit made its appearance, it merely attracted a lot of attention. The patrons were quite accepting; they had become familiar with one another and even greeted the Mountain Spirit according to the name on its clothing.
With the Mountain Spirit's presence, everyone wanted to come and see this novelty, and the Small Tavern was busier than ever.
When Ze arrived, it was precisely during the busiest time. Some sharp-eyed regular customers spotted him and whispered a few words to Sang Qingxiao. She looked outside and indeed saw him.
As he approached, he wore a flattering smile, unsure of what to say when an apron was tossed into his arms.
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