Chapter 57 Issuing Decree

The Emperor hesitated…

The Crown Prince was the heir to the throne, the child he had raised with his own hands, his legitimate son with the Empress. To marry a divorced woman with a daughter…

The Emperor pondered carefully. The Shu family had always been loyal to the crown, and Shu Jin Yi had always been faithful. Shu Jin Yi’s wife was from the Wei family, and the eldest son of the Shu family was a companion reader to the Crown Prince. It seemed that they were all supporters of the Crown Prince.

If the younger daughter of the Shu family became the Crown Prince’s consort, who else besides the Shu family could benefit from this?

However, even with the support of Shu Jin Yi and the Shu family, it was unlikely that they had the influence to orchestrate such a significant event.

Liao Kong was not someone to be trifled with.

The Emperor was conflicted and went to the Crown Prince’s chamber.

Looking at the Crown Prince’s emaciated face, he asked the nearby physician, “Have you still not found the reason why the Crown Prince remains unconscious?”

The physician nervously replied, “We have not yet found the cause.”

Suddenly, the Emperor erupted in anger, “What use are you if you can’t find the reason!”

The physician bowed in fear, “I am sorry, Your Majesty!”

Shaking with fear, he wondered why the Emperor was angry with them physicians when Liao Kong had already provided a solution.

The Emperor wanted to drag the physician out and execute him to quell his anger, but he knew that his anger couldn’t be appeased with a life. He was the Emperor, after all.

It wasn’t just this physician who couldn’t find a solution; the entire hospital staff and even the so-called divine physicians from the common folk couldn’t determine the cause.

The Emperor tried to calm his emotions and asked, “If the Crown Prince remains in this state, how many more days does he have?”

The physician cautiously replied, “At most three days.”

He didn’t dare to say longer. If the Crown Prince passed away prematurely, the blame would fall entirely on him, and he would face certain death.

Upon hearing this answer, the Emperor’s gaze turned cold.

Feeling helpless, he knew he had to try everything in the next three days.

The Emperor turned to Hong Gonggong and ordered, “Go and summon Liao Kong.”

“As you command,” Hong Gonggong replied and went to fetch Liao Kong.

The Emperor arranged for Liao Kong to stay in the Palace. With the Crown Prince still unconscious, having Liao Kong nearby meant he could be called upon at any time. Moreover, until the matter was settled, Liao Kong stayed in the Palace for purity.

Shortly after, Hong Gonggong brought Liao Kong to the Emperor.

The Emperor handed over Shu Yuwan’s birth chart, “Liao Kong, the Crown Prince’s fated marriage has been found.”

Liao Kong smiled, “Then the Crown Prince’s calamity can be averted.”

With Liao Kong’s assurance, the Emperor made up his mind.

“I decree that the youngest daughter of the Shu family, gentle and virtuous, with exceptional grace and beauty, has pleased me greatly. She is destined for the Crown Prince, a match made in heaven. Let the Crown Prince’s consort be appointed, and a grand wedding shall take place soon.”

Hong Gonggong quickly prepared the decree. After writing the imperial edict and sealing it with the imperial seal, he presented it to the Emperor for approval.

The Emperor glanced at it and then handed it back to Hong Gonggong, saying, “Go and deliver the decree to the Shu residence.”

Once the decision was made, the Emperor no longer hesitated.

As long as it helped the Crown Prince recover, marrying a divorced woman as the Crown Prince’s consort was inconsequential!

Perhaps the Shu family could support the Crown Prince in the future and the chosen consort might become a virtuous Empress. The Emperor tried to think positively.

However, the Crown Prince had always wanted a consort who understood him, and the Emperor was worried that the Crown Prince might blame him once he woke up.

But for now, the Crown Prince’s life was the priority!

…

Hong Gonggong personally went to deliver the decree.

Upon learning that Shu Yuwan was not staying at the Shu residence, he arranged for two young eunuchs. One went to the Shu residence to inform the family to receive the decree. The other went to Shu Yuwan’s small courtyard to notify her to go to the Shu residence and receive the decree with the family.

When Shu Yuwan received the notification, she was momentarily stunned. What was the decree for her?

The young eunuch was a trusted aide of Hong Gonggong and knew what was happening. He quickly reminded, “Miss Yuwan, quickly prepare yourself to go to the Shu residence to receive the decree. Hong Gonggong will be arriving shortly.”

As soon as the Crown Prince woke up, she would become his consort and potentially the Empress in the future. He had a keen eye for such matters.

Upon hearing the reminder, Shu Yuwan gave some money to the young eunuch for his trouble and said, “Thank you for the reminder.”

The young eunuch refused to accept the money and respectfully said, “Miss, please prepare quickly. I will take my leave now.”

With that, he swiftly departed.

Qing He remarked, “That eunuch is quite kind.”

Qing Dai analyzed, “Judging by the eunuch’s attitude, it should not be bad news. Miss, let me help you change.”

Shu Yuwan nodded and quickly changed her attire.

After handing WenWenyue over to Zhao Mama and the maid, Shu Yuwan hastily gathered a few guards and went to the Shu residence with Qing He and Qing Dai.

Fortunately, the distance between the two residences was short, and they arrived in no time.

Shu Jin Yi, Mrs. Shu, as well as the eldest brother and sister-in-law were already waiting at the door.

Seeing Shu Yuwan approaching, Mrs. Shu asked, “Yuwan, why are you here?”

“Just now, a eunuch came to me and said to come to the Shu residence to receive a decree,” Shu Yuwan replied succinctly, indicating that her parents were unaware of the situation.

Recalling the previous request for Shu Yuwan’s birth chart from the palace, Mrs. Shu turned to Shu Jin Yi and said, “Could this decree be for Yuwan?”

Before Shu Jin Yi could respond, they saw Hong Gonggong approaching from a distance.

“We’ll know soon.”

The loud voice of the young eunuch echoed from afar, “The imperial decree has arrived. Shu Yuwan of the Shu family is to receive the decree!”

The Shu family members were all puzzled.

Approaching, Shu Jin Yi politely greeted, “Hong Gonggong.”

Hong Gonggong was equally polite, “Master Shu, please have Miss Yuwan receive the decree.”

Shu Jin Yi nodded and quickly led Hong Gonggong and his entourage into the main hall. Shu Yuwan knelt in front, while the rest of the family knelt behind.

Hong Gonggong loudly proclaimed, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The youngest daughter of the Shu family, gentle and virtuous, with exceptional grace and beauty, has pleased me greatly. She is destined for the Crown Prince, a match made in heaven. Let the Crown Prince’s consort be appointed, and a grand wedding shall take place soon. So be it!”

The Shu family members were all shocked at this moment!

No one could react.

Shu Yuwan also stared blankly at Hong Gonggong.

Hong Gonggong handed the decree to Shu Yuwan with a smile, “Miss Yuwan, please receive the decree!”

Shu Yuwan came to her senses, accepted the decree with both hands, and bowed in gratitude, “Thank you for the grace of the Empero!”

She then placed the decree on the incense table.

Zhous quietly tugged at Tang sleeve and whispered, “Sister-in-law, am I hearing correctly?”

Tang also snapped out of her shock and nodded seriously, “You heard correctly. The Emperor has decreed the marriage between the Crown Prince and Yuwan, appointing her as the Crown Prince’s consort!”

Shu Yuwan and even her family couldn’t believe what just had happened, they were all in shock.