Chapter 97   Eve 2

In General Wei’s residence.

The Crown Prince finally met with his uncle, General Wei, both looking expectant.

He patted the Crown Prince’s shoulder, “Yi Er, you have finally arrived in the capital. Everything is prepared, just waiting for your return.”

The Crown Prince bowed slightly in respect, “Thank you, Uncle! In the Emperor’s heart, there is no place for me and my mother, only for you, who truly cares for us.”

General Wei sighed, “You, my child, your mother is my beloved sister. You and your mother are the most important people to me. If I don’t help you, who will?”

The Crown Prince replied, “Uncle, rest assured, I will not disappoint you in the future.”

General Wei nodded in satisfaction.

Back then, his sister had pleaded with their father and himself to help the current Emperor ascend the throne. However, the Emperor turned to favor the Wei family instead. Despite the sacrifices and loyalty of the Li family, his sister only received the title of a concubine in the palace. In the previous dynasty, although the Li family controlled the camp outside the capital, they received no other rewards or titles.

On the other hand, the Wei family, claiming to be a century-old noble family, had always been fickle and favored by the Emperor.

For so many years, he had remained silent, playing the role of a loyal and devoted servant, earning a bit of trust from the Emperor, who kept the Li family’s military power in the camp outside the capital.

Now, it was finally time to rise the power, support Jin Er ascension, and have his own nephew and sister in positions of authority. Furthermore, by marrying his daughter to Jin Er in the future, the Li family’s prosperity and fortune would continue for at least three generations!

General Wei thought about this and then discussed the current situation in the capital with the Crown Prince.

“The two deputy commanders of the camp outside the capital are now under my command. The entire camp is under my control. In the palace, it is your mother who is in charge.”

“The Emperor has been increasingly drowsy, not showing up for the past two days. In a few days, when she sends a message, we will use the excuse of traitors endangering the Emperor’s life to enter the palace under the pretense of protecting the Emperor and ensuring his safety.”

“The Inner Nine and Outer Seven, the four corners of the Imperial City, the outer and inner gates will all be breached by our men. When we reach the Imperial City gate, Shu Yan has already arranged for someone to assist us from the inside.”

“Once we enter the palace, we will have the Emperor issue a decree to crown you as the Crown Prince, then send people to the Palace to kill the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.”

The Prince Cheng nodded in agreement, “I will follow your lead, Uncle.”

The uncle and nephew felt excited, as if they could already see the scene of the Emperor’s funeral and Prince Cheng ascension to the throne.

In the Chengqian Palace.

Hong Gong Gong frowned, looking troubled, “Shu Yan, the Emperor is still asleep.”

Consort Shu ignored him and continued walking inside, saying, “Every time you say the Emperor is asleep, even if he is, I must see the Emperor today. Who knows if you’ve harmed the Emperor!”

“I am the Emperor’s consort, now in charge of the harem. Don’t I have the right to know what’s happening with the Emperor?”

“Ah, Consort Shu, Consort Shu…”

Hong Gong Gong chased after her and stood in front of Consort Shu, “It’s not that I’m not letting you see him, it’s just that the Emperor is asleep, and I can’t let you. I can’t make decisions!”

“If you say I’ve harmed the Emperor, I’m truly terrified. The Emperor attended court a few days ago and even woke up briefly, met the Crown Prince. But recently, he’s been excessively drowsy. Just as you arrived, he fell asleep again.”

Consort Shu became angry as Hong Gong Gong blocked her.

She hadn’t seen the Emperor for quite some time. He had been in a state of drowsiness for most of the day, indicating he was close to death. At this point, his complexion would be noticeably dark. Although her brother had mentioned the change in the Emperor’s appearance during court, she wanted to confirm it for herself.

But Hong Gong Gong always stood in her way.

Consort Shu signaled for the eunuch beside her to push Hong Gong Gong aside and pushed forward, “I’m worried about the Emperor’s safety. I must see the Emperor today to be reassured!”

Once Consort Shu entered, Hong Gong Gong was finally let go.

He caught up and said, “Consort Shu, Consort Shu…”

As Consort Shu entered the Chengqian Palace, she heard a cough from behind the curtain.

The Emperor’s voice sounded weak and feeble, “Cough, cough, Consort Shu, what are you doing invading the Chengqian Palace?”

Hong Gong Gong apologized softly, “Your Majesty, you’re awake. I failed to stop Consort Shu.”

Consort Shu had to stop and knelt down, “Your Majesty, I haven’t seen you for many days. I was truly worried about you. I had to come see you, despite the disrespect.”

The Emperor’s voice behind the curtain was full of sarcasm.

The convict brought by Hong Gong Gong hadn’t even faced questioning yet and was already dead.

Unexpectedly, Consort Shu, whom he had thought was simple-minded, was now expressing concern for him while also seemingly threatening his life!

The Emperor still spoke in a low voice, “I’m fine, just extremely drowsy these days. The physician said it’s just due to excessive fatigue. Resting well will solve it. You don’t need to worry.”

The Emperor lifted the curtain, revealing a weary, darkened face, “Consort Shu, there can’t be a next time. I want to rest a bit more. You may leave.”

Consort Shu glanced at the Emperor’s condition, confirming that he was deeply poisoned and could fall into a deep sleep at any moment.

“Yes, then I will take my leave.”

After Consort Shu left, Consort Xian arrived.

Upon hearing Hong Gong Gong’s report, the Emperor’s expression was complex. What was Consort Xian here for?

The Emperor sat back behind the curtain, “Let her in.”

“Consort Xian, the Emperor is not feeling well, he was just about to rest, and he’s waiting for you.”

Consort Xian nodded politely and entered with Hong Gong Gong.