Chapter 1430: Chapter 1430: Deadly Question

When Emperor Chu woke up from his illness, instead of announcing it to the world, he continued to keep it a secret. He issued a decree for all the palaces to sprinkle vinegar wine or lime water, and no concubines, eunuchs, or palace maids were allowed to go out. This undoubtedly cast a shadow and aroused countless speculations among everyone.

Could it be that the Emperor has contracted some serious illness or is even at death’s door? Is that why such a decree was issued?

More sinister minds were already imagining that the Emperor might have already passed away, and that Song Zhiyuan is deliberately hiding this, intending to control the government and secretly support someone’s rise to power, or perhaps staging a coup?

For a time, various princes and factions were in a frenzy, forming alliances and engaging in nepotism. They also kept an eye on movements outside the city, as there were troops stationed outside. Some even secretly consulted with their staff whether to enter the palace to rescue the Monarch, and restore order.

Near the Prime Minister’s Mansion, countless spies were deployed, hoping to intercept any news, particularly information about who the Song Family might be colluding with. In that way, they could discredit the Song Family and take credit.

For several days, an atmosphere of restlessness spread among the nobility in Shangjing, as if waiting for a trigger to erupt.

Emperor Chu was safely hiding in Yangxin Hall for treatment and recuperation, while Song Zhiyuan suffered. The Emperor had not attended court for four consecutive days, forcing Song Zhiyuan to repeatedly act as a shield in front of Yangxin Hall. The Imperial Censor’s impeachments, accusing him of treasonable intentions, were already almost finger-thick.

Song Zhiyuan helplessly stood in front of the Dragon Couch and said, "If you do not appear soon, I will be accused of conspiring against the Monarch, having to play out the scene of cleansing the palace and eliminating treacherous ministers. You have seen everything you wanted these days; it’s about time to summon a few key ministers or attend court."

"What is there to fear? As long as I am fine, who can harm you? I will always back you up," Emperor Chu said with amusement.

Song Zhiyuan said, "Since you fainted in the middle of the night, I have not left the palace after entering. Not a single message has been sent back home, and I don’t know how anxious they are. I’m not afraid of a thousand accusations, but I’m worried about my family being..."

"I’ll see who dares," Emperor Chu narrowed his eyes and coldly said, "Anyone who dares will be judged as a traitor."

Noticing Song Zhiyuan’s helpless look, he added, "Later, have someone send a message home. I haven’t fully recovered from this illness, and the epidemic is contagious. Even if you drink medicinal soup every day, it’s better to be cautious."

Song Zhiyuan nodded; this was his concern too.

Emperor Chu looked at him and suddenly asked, "Aren’t you afraid I won’t wake up?"

Song Zhiyuan’s face changed, "The Emperor is blessed, with immense fortune, and is a pillar of the nation. How could such a minor epidemic bring you down?"

"You flatter too much; I’m getting tired of it. Just tell me, are you afraid?"

Song Zhiyuan pressed his lips together, finally nodding after a while, "Yes, I am afraid."

Emperor Chu raised an eyebrow slightly.

Song Zhiyuan smiled bitterly, "Your sudden illness, leaving neither words nor decrees, with the Great Qing having no designated heir, should anything happen to you, the struggle for succession would arise, external threats would follow, and the world would be in chaos. How could I not be afraid?"

Emperor Chu restrained his smile and thought carefully; he too was somewhat terrified. If he had truly perished just like that, his ambitions and hopes would become nothing more than fantasies, turning to dust?

Thinking of this, a hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes.

This sudden illness was entirely due to being schemed against, truly being caught off guard.

"Have you thought about, if I were to pass away from this world, who you would support to ascend the throne?" Emperor Chu asked again.

If Song Ci were here, he might have complained, damn, this is like sending one challenging question after another, how is anyone supposed to survive this?

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