The Crown Prince and Prince Han sat facing each other. Their stomachs were grumbling. Prince Han’s stomach was rumbling especially loudly. They only had two meals a day and each meal consisted of half a bowl of porridge. It has been a few days. No matter how much the Crown Prince did not feel like eating, he would share half a bowl of porridge with Prince Han every day. Eventually, he was so hungry he could not stand it. What was strange was that Yu He had anticipated for the two brothers to quarrel and suffer, but it did not happen. On the contrary, they were on better terms.
“Why is it so late today? Will they not even give us half a bowl of porridge today?” Prince Han swallowed his saliva.
“Imperial Father is sick and Xinnan is dead. How can you still look forward to eating?” The Crown Prince was hungry but was not going to admit it.
“Then what can I do? At this point, it will be great if we don’t starve to death.” Prince Han sighed, “I am worried if Imperial Father continues to remain unconscious…”
“Imperial Father will recover.” The Crown Prince cut him off with certainty.
“I said if…”
“There is no if. Imperial Father will get better…” The Crown Prince suddenly stopped talking as he saw three palace maids walk in front of their prison room with food baskets in their hands.
Prince Han’s eyes lit up. “Heaven finally has eyes. We are finally having a big meal.”
The Crown Prince glanced at him and lowered his voice. “The final big meal.”
Prince Han was shocked as his face paled. “How can it be?”
The prison head opened the door. “Concubine Yan is generous and prepared…” Before he could complete his sentence, he was knocked over by the food basket and fainted on the floor. . The Crown Prince and Prince Han were shocked.
“Court Lady Fu has orders to send Your Highnesses to the Emperor.” The palace maids were female officials that respected Fu Rou greatly.
The Crown Prince was pulled back to reality. “Why? Did Imperial Father…”
“The Emperor is still unconscious. However, Concubine Yan has captured Court Lady Fu and taken the Emperor’s Seal. She is about to forge an Imperial Decree of Succession. At this very moment, all the ministers are in court. As soon as the Imperial Decree arrives, Prince Zhou will be the new Emperor.”
Prince Han shouted, “This is a conspiracy!”
The Crown Prince’s expression changed. “We should head to the main hall to stop Prince Zhou.”
The leading female official shook her head. “No. Court Lady Fu has already made arrangements there. Both Your Highnesses have to protect the Emperor for things to have a chance to improve.”
The Crown Prince looked unwilling.
Prince Han agreed, “Crown Prince, we have both witnessed Court Lady Fu’s abilities. Imperial Mother looked upon her highly and handed the Six Offices to her. She will not let Imperial Mother down. Let’s listen to her.”
The Crown Prince stared at Prince Han for a while before nodding. He ended up in the state he is in today because he did not trust his own brother. Therefore, he swore that he would not make the same mistake.
At this moment, Prince Zhou was standing behind a screen, wearing the real Dragon Robe. His emotions were surging.
His Imperial Mother had told him that his Imperial Father had woken up for a short moment and immediately sent out the Imperial Decree of Succession, choosing him to inherit the throne. He could not believe his ears. His Imperial Mother said that ultimately, he managed to move his Imperial Father and his Imperial Father approved of him as his most outstanding son. In that moment, all the humiliation that he had endured over the years dissolved.
Prince Zhou took a deep breath and stepped into the main hall. In front of all the ministers, he kneeled in front of the throne and listened to Chief Cao as he read the decree.
“Heaven created people and gave someone to lead them. By leading with morals and principles, the citizens will be empowered. The first son, Li Chengqian, has failed and cannot bear the responsibility. He shall be demoted to a common person. I have many responsibilities and have not been able to rest well. Attending court has taken a toll on my health and I have many health issues. The third prince, Li Ge, looks ahead and is bright and clear. He is almost at the position and the throne shall be passed on to him. He shall lead the world.”
Every word that Chief Cao read slowly filled the gap in his heart all these years. Very soon, he realised that the court was extremely quiet.
Prince Zhou turned around to look. All the ministers, with Minister Fang leading them, did not express respect nor happiness. They all looked serious.
He narrowed his eyes and changed from passive to active. “This is an important matter. Minister Fang, please call two individuals that are familiar with Imperial Father’s handwriting to examine the Imperial Decree and determine if it is real.”
Fang Xuanling was unwilling to pass on the responsibility. “Minister Zhang, Minister Pang.”
The three of them walked forward to take the Imperial Decree. They examined it closely and exchanged looks. They admitted that this was the Emperor’s own handwriting. This time, Fang Xuanling took the lead and kneeled. He led the ministers to cheer for long life.
Chief Cao announced, “The new Emperor shall ascend the throne, bow-”
Prince Zhou stepped in front of the throne and his hand touched the arm rest. Suddenly, a clear voice resounded.
“Imperial Father is still around, who dares to usurp the throne? This is a conspiracy!”
All the ministers turned around and saw Princess Xinnan. She was wearing a palace maid’s uniform and a group of female officials followed behind her. They stood in the main door. Everyone thought that Xinnan had passed on. They did not expect her to still be alive and be accusing Prince Zhou of a conspiracy. They were all stunned for a moment.
Xinnan spoke loudly, “The Imperial Decree of Succession was forged!”
Fang Xuanling stood up.
Chapter 97.2: Seizing the Palace
Fu Shui walked out from behind the screen and reprimanded, “Princess Xinnan, you faked your death and caused unrest in the palace. Now you are spouting nonsense and defaming the new Emperor. What ulterior motive do you have?”
Xinnan was fearless. “You all took the opportunity when Imperial Father was unconscious to get rid of the Duke Lu Residence and framed and hurt Sheng Chuling. You forced me to fake my death to escape. What are your ulterior motives? You are an Imperial Physician, yet you are in the main court and listening to such a big event of handing over the throne. I would like to ask you, who exactly are you?!”
Fu Shui was speechless and knew that with Xinnan’s personality, it was not possible for her to say such well thought out words.
Prince Zhou was surprised and suspicious. He glanced at Fu Shui but asked Xinnan, “On what basis do you say that the Imperial Decree of Succession was forged?”
“Based on facts! Based on how you all did anything you could to get the Emperor’s Seal for the fake Imperial Decree of Succession! Based on how you all do not dare to invite Chancellor Yu Minchen out for a confrontation!” That’s right, Fu Rou was the one that taught her what to say!
“Where is Yu Minchen?” Prince Zhou called out, “Wasn’t this Imperial Decree of Succession stamped with the Emperor’s Seal by Yu Minchen? Summon him immediately!”
Chief Cao and Fu Shui did not dare to say anything.