The events of the past were unfolding once more, and the Empress Dowager was the most worried. Her actions today were the result of careful consideration.
This was the least disruptive way to establish an heir.
With Dong Chu's current strength, there was no opportunity to endure another succession struggle.
"I am very worried. Should we inform Chu Chenyi first? What if he… what if he didn't understand my meaning just now and wasted the opportunity? Wouldn't that be a pity? Otherwise…"
"Don't worry, Chu Chenyi isn't an idiot. He's a sensible person, and he wouldn't do something so foolish."
Ling Mohan couldn't help but admire Feng Jin's tendency to worry about everything, always needing to clarify matters. She should trust Chu Chenyi at least once.
"I'm just… I'm just worried."
She was indeed concerned. As the saying goes, worry can cloud judgment. Besides, Chu Chenyi was unreliable, and anyone else would be just as worried.
"You stay home and look after the children. I will handle everything else."
The situation was indeed precarious. Once the Emperor passed away, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar, and preparations for battle would be necessary.
After pacifying Feng Jin, Ling Mohan hurried to the military camp, gathered a team of elite soldiers, and quietly infiltrated the palace. His goal was to control the situation in the event of unrest.
...
"Second Brother, when… when will Father Emperor wake up?"
"The Emperor's condition is not something for you or me to know too much about. We will go in when he needs our care."
Chu Chenyi's expression was cold, appearing aloof. Not only did he not know the Emperor's current condition, but even if he did, he would never break his promise. Without the Emperor's summons, he would not enter.
"Second Brother… Father Emperor is like this, and for us siblings to wait outside is not a long-term solution. We have no news at all. Why don't we… why don't we go in and see?"
"No, if the Emperor does not summon us, no one is allowed to enter without permission."
Chu Chenyi remained steadfast in his principles, not allowing anyone to enter.
Although they all appeared calm and unconcerned on the surface, no one could be sure if some harbored ulterior motives. It was best to remain vigilant.
Everyone knew Ling Mohan's temperament. With him, who was difficult to communicate with, being present, it was difficult for anyone to get in. As time passed, many gave up.
"Cough… cough…"
Emperor Xuanwen slowly opened his eyelids and coughed twice. He felt that his body seemed to have more strength than before, and his previous fatigue had significantly disappeared. It was truly miraculous.
"You're awake?"
"To Mother Empress…"
"It's just you and me, mother and son. There's no need for such formalities. Lie down first."
The Empress Dowager helped Emperor Xuanwen lie down again, her eyes filled with concern.
"Mother Empress, I have been lying here for a long time. Now that I finally have some strength, let me get up and walk around."
Realizing that this was the "return of the soul" that Feng Jin had spoken of, the Empress Dowager felt immense heartache and turned away to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Emperor, your body is failing and cannot hold on much longer. It was I who asked Feng Jin to buy you these few more days."
At this point, there was no need to continue hiding the truth from Emperor Xuanwen.
"This is also… good…"
Unable to accept that he only had a few days left, Emperor Xuanwen's expression became somewhat frenzied.
"Emperor… it is my fault. It is all my fault…"
Tears flowed uncontrollably from the Empress Dowager's eyes. She wished she could trade her life for Emperor Xuanwen's.
As a mother, how could she bear to send her son away before herself? It was like taking her own life.
"Mother Empress, this is fate, heaven's will… cough… cough…"
In his agitation, Emperor Xuanwen spat out a mouthful of blood, followed by violent coughing.
"Emperor… quickly… quickly summon the imperial physician…"
"Mother Empress… Mother Empress, there's no need… Mother Empress, let your son speak with you properly."
Summoning the imperial physician would be futile. Emperor Xuanwen tightly grasped the Empress Dowager's hand, wanting to speak with her properly in his remaining time and to give final instructions.
"Mother Empress, after I am gone, the throne will be passed to Chenyi. He is still young and lacks experience, so please, Mother Empress, work hard and teach him."
Counting his imperial sons, only Chu Chenyi was capable of taking on the responsibility. The throne could only be passed to Chu Chenyi.
"Good… I promise you."
"Mother Empress… Mother Empress, Xi Liang and Dong Chu have been in turmoil for many years. Once war breaks out, the common people will suffer. The marriage alliance with Xi Liang must be finalized quickly. Tomorrow… tomorrow, let them get married early."
While he still had a breath left, he had to ensure their marriage took place. Otherwise, once he passed away, the entire nation would mourn for three years, and the marriage would be indefinitely postponed.
"I will arrange for it…"
The Empress Dowager said, suppressing her grief. She hadn't expected to have to send her son away so soon after many years.
Why did heaven make her live so long? Was it a punishment for her, to let her live alone in this world?
"Mother Empress… and… and…"
The Empress Dowager sighed softly, knowing what Emperor Xuanwen sought: "Don't worry, Liu Shi… I will protect her. She will have enough to eat and wear and live out her days in peace."
"Thank you… Mother Empress…"
"Rest now. The Imperial Consort and all the princes and princesses are outside. Should they be allowed in?"
"Let them all come in."
The Empress Dowager gestured to Eunuch Fu, who stood nearby, to make arrangements.
In a moment, led by the Imperial Consort, the concubines, princes, and princesses, a large group of people knelt in the hall.
"Consort, rise. The ground is cold, and your leg is not good. Don't kneel."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Imperial Consort suppressed her grief and stood up, her gaze fixed on Emperor Xuanwen.
Emperor Xuanwen propped himself up to sit, his face still looking quite ruddy. He appeared to be in good spirits, all thanks to Feng Jin's life-sustaining acupuncture technique.
"I dreamt of the late Emperor in my sleep, and he spoke many words to me. It made me realize that life is short, and some things should be done sooner…"
"Issue an imperial decree. Prince Chu Chenyi, with his extraordinary talent and virtuous character, is hereby proclaimed Crown Prince according to the Empress Dowager's benevolent command. He shall be bestowed with the imperial seal and formally appointed to the Eastern Palace."