Chapter 57: Bound to the Birth System and Becoming a Winner in Life Chapter 57: Cannon Fodder Little Imperial Consort (57)

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

On the fifth dawn after Xiao Yanchen collapsed, Shen Yao appeared at the Xing Gong gate in palace attire.

Feeling both moved and fortunate, Shen Yao did not know what to say at this moment.

Beside her was Qiu Yue, who had accompanied her all the way; mistress and servant met Zhao Cai, who had come out to welcome them.

"This slave pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress, and offers greetings to Your Majesty."

Seeing Shen Yao, Zhao Cai was more excited than if he had seen his own mother.

He bowed respectfully and saluted, then eagerly led her into the palace with an earnest expression.

Shen Yao did not bother with courtesy, her face stern without a trace of a smile, after all the Emperor truly had met with trouble.

"Eunuch Zhao Cai, please tell me in detail, how is the Emperor's condition? Are the others at the Xing Gong still obedient?"

Qiu Yue spoke with Zhao Cai in Shen Yao's place; although they had received the urgent letter sent back from the Xing Gong while in the palace, there was not much that could be written in the letter.

Shen Yao could rely on the system to investigate indirectly, but Qiu Yue and the others could only speculate based on the letter's contents.

So upon arriving at their destination, Qiu Yue immediately began gathering news.

Zhao Cai's expression was hesitant, his eyes darting about, and finally he whispered a few words.

"……The Emperor has still not regained consciousness to this day, Consort Xian's side is making a great clamor wanting to see the Emperor, this slave truly does not know what to do."

Zhao Cai found Consort Xian very troublesome, because the Emperor had not clearly given a disposal plan regarding Consort Xian.

But the Emperor collapsed, and Consort Xian was indeed present, and there were obvious injuries on her body (specifically her neck), making her the greatest subjective suspect.

Now Consort Xian was temporarily confined in her own sleeping hall, Zhao Cai treated her well with food and drink, but simply would not agree to let anyone out.

As for the remaining two Constant Attendants, they stayed honestly in their own sleeping halls, and Zhao Cai did not even mention them.

Hearing this, Qiu Yue looked up at her own mistress, who had an expressionless face.

Shen Yao's voice was composed, "Consort Xian continues to be confined; until the Emperor wakes for one day, Consort Xian cannot come out for one day.

Quickly take this palace to see the Emperor, and summon the Imperial Physicians over; this palace needs to personally inquire."

After speaking, Shen Yao strode forward and left.

Seeing this, Zhao Cai and Qiu Yue both hurriedly lowered their heads and followed.

This time Shen Yao came in the identity of the Empress, and her aura was fully unleashed.

The Xing Gong, which had been tottering because of Xiao Yanchen's sudden collapse, suddenly became stable.

Shen Yao could spare little time; first she entered the hall to look at the pale-faced Xiao Yanchen, then turned and learned the specific condition of Xiao Yanchen's body from the Imperial Physicians.

Then, Shen Yao reached a conclusion of unknown good or bad.

Xiao Yanchen likely could not compare to the Former Emperor's luck.

The Former Emperor passed away more than ten years after becoming a Retired Emperor, but Xiao Yanchen's body was inferior to the Former Emperor's; even with careful recuperation, it could not be restored.

After all, adding water to a leaky bucket cannot fill the whole bucket.

Xiao Yanchen, "I beg Her Majesty the Empress to take care of herself."

This time the Imperial Physicians were no longer noncommittal; they simply told the truth, basically having already pronounced a death sentence on Xiao Yanchen.

Shen Yao: ……

There was no need to be so efficient; with the person lying in bed, once the news got out it was still somewhat cruel.

Shen Yao said nothing; from an outsider's perspective, she just looked stern.

At this time the Imperial Physicians dared not disturb her at will; after asking Qiu Yue in a low voice, they left efficiently.

Squeak—

The room door opened and was closed again; Qiu Yue paced to Shen Yao's side.

"Go find Zhao Cai immediately, and ask him carefully once about the Emperor's arrangements at the Xing Gong.

Starting tomorrow morning, this palace will temporarily act in his place, handling the Xing Gong affairs."

Shen Yao raised her head, her gaze cold and calm, like a lake surface without any ripple, showing no change at all.

Qiu Yue lowered her head and drooped her eyes, "Yes, this slave understands."

……

Shen Yao was fast; basically as soon as she finished speaking, Qiu Yue could arrange manpower to execute it immediately.

And Zhao Cai was very cooperative; basically whatever Qiu Yue asked, he said.

Unless it was some truly absurd situation, Zhao Cai had to consider the Emperor's dignity; even though the Emperor now lay in bed knowing nothing.

Qiu Yue: ……Actually not necessary

"Your Majesty, for now there are this many; the harder ones to arrange are the two Constant Attendants brought by Consort Xian, both are pregnant."

Qiu Yue lowered her voice; she had already had someone catch that Ding Taiyi who had some collusion with Consort Xian.

Ding Taiyi knelt down at lightning speed and explained everything Consort Xian had done clearly and plainly.

The troublesome point right now is that the two Constant Attendants suspected of using foreign objects are pregnant; considering the imperial heir must be kept alive.

Consort Xian herself did not conceive, but Consort Xian did not use methods, only verbal hints.

Making Consort Xian confess will take some effort; besides, given Consort Xian's current situation, the probability of confessing and seeking death is close to none.

Shen Yao's teeth ached; tsk, look at how these matters are handled, Emperor, ah Emperor, do you regret it or not?

"Confine the three of them temporarily, try not to let them contact others.

Ask the good Imperial Physician about the Emperor's condition; we should return to the palace."

The Xing Gong was inconvenient everywhere; even though Shen Yao brought a group of Imperial Physicians and fine medicinal herbs when she came, using them on Xiao Yanchen was still a drop in the bucket.

Considering Xiao Yanchen, this palace must be returned, and as soon as possible.

Qiu Yue agreed and hurried down to handle it.

After finishing the Xing Gong affairs every day, Shen Yao would go to the Dian Dian to visit Xiao Yanchen.

Under the day-and-night efforts of the Imperial Physicians, Xiao Yanchen's condition gradually stabilized.

Finally, Shen Yao's oft-urged return to the palace was smoothly put on the schedule.

……

The carriage moved slowly forward, as Shen Yao watched the lush greenery passing by around her, feeling relaxed in body and mind.

"Impudent! Let go of this palace, let this palace out!"

……

Qiu Yue looked up at the carriage behind her, turned around and went out to give a word of instruction.

Soon, the noise disappeared; apart from the sound of horse hooves and the marks of the shafts pulled out, there was no other commotion.

"At noon rest, go to Consort Xian's carriage and tell her that if she keeps making a scene, this palace will not be courteous.

There are so many Xing Gongs outside the palace; if she wants to stay, this palace will naturally grant her favor."

Shen Yao did not want to get involved in meaningless disputes with Consort Xian; she had already received a letter from Xiao Jin and was clear about the issue of the New Emperor's ascension to the throne.

It was difficult for Xiao Yanchen to wake up, and with the precedent of the Former Emperor, the court officials could not possibly let the Great Jing Realm be without a head.

Xiao Jin was the only choice for the New Emperor, whether in terms of qualifications or capability.

This time returning to the palace, unexpectedly, Xiao Jin would ascend to the throne within half a month.

Delay brings change; neither Shen Yao nor Xiao Jin wanted to drag it out, and the forces behind Xiao Jin wanted to drag it out even less.

Looking at the carriage door blocked by the curtain, Shen Yao exhaled and thought of the two pregnant Constant Attendants again.

Hmph!

"This palace does not believe that while the Emperor has not woken, the Empress has any authority to dispose of this palace."

Consort Xian lay at the window with disheveled hair, staring fixedly at Qiu Yue, wishing she could tear the person apart directly.

Qiu Yue's complexion did not change: "Constant Attendant Ling and Constant Attendant Yan have been pregnant for one month; surely Consort Xian has put in much effort."

The Emperor has not woken; after he wakes, Consort Xian's fate needs no further words from this servant."

I advise Consort Xian: better to stay still than to move; perhaps you may still gain some pity."

Consort Xian sneered: "What are you! How dare you come over and lecture me."

Qiu Yue did not care: "This servant came by order; I take my leave now."

Having delivered the words she should say, Qiu Yue left cleanly and decisively.

As for Consort Xian? She was already a prisoner; who would care.

The day Shen Yao brought Xiao Yanchen back to the capital, the weather was overly gloomy.

A breeze brushed Shen Yao's cheek, blowing a few strands of stray hair.

Xiao Jin brought the court officials over, silently watching as Xiao Yanchen was carried down from the sedan chair by palace attendants and sent into Taiji Hall.

Shen Yao lowered her head and wiped her tears with the handkerchief in her hand.

"Gentlemen, this palace knows, but the Emperor's condition this time, sigh."

Shen Yao looked sad and had to force herself to be composed, which made Xiao Jin feel heartache.

Stepping forward to support her own mother's arm, Xiao Jin pursed her lips, not knowing what to say.

Instead, Shen Yao stretched out her hand and patted Xiao Jin's hand, signaling the gentlemen to go to Pian Dian to discuss.

In public, some things cannot be said.

The court officials who followed were all people with discernment, and had close relations with Xiao Jin; at worst, they were mere acquaintances without conflict.

At such a time, even if Xiao Jin were stupid, she would not let people with differing opinions come over.

"Mother, you have traveled hard all the way; from now on, leave it to your son."

Xiao Jin did not want her mother to participate, mainly because the Great Jing Dynasty strictly controlled women of the inner chambers participating in politics.

Perhaps because there had been women who claimed the title of Emperor in history, men holding heavy power were all quite sensitive about it.

Previously, Xiao Jin could not leave the palace due to court affairs, so Shen Yao went to the Xing Gong in her place, and the court officials could understand.

But now the Emperor had returned from the Xing Gong; although his health was poor and he had not woken, the following matters were their internal affairs, and Shen Yao continuing to participate was not very wise.

Shen Yao naturally knew Xiao Jin's concerns, but she still had words left unsaid.

Furthermore, she was the person who understood Xiao Yanchen's situation best, apart from certain people; she needed to explain some matters to pave the way for Xiao Jin's ascension to the throne.

Signaling Xiao Jin to calm down, Shen Yao followed the gentlemen to Pian Dian.

Pian Dian was very spacious; once the people entered, it instantly became crowded and noisy.

Since entering the door, Shen Yao had looked sad; after the gentlemen's gazes fell on her, large tears instantly flowed from the corners of her eyes.

Shen Yao opened by playing the pitiful card, mainly to express Xiao Yanchen's physical condition and the court affairs issue.

The accompanying Imperial Physicians did not all return to the Imperial Medical Bureau; in between, Shen Yao called them over to say a few true words.

"Gentlemen, this palace still needs to care for the Emperor's side and cannot stay longer; please understand."

Ai yo, the Empress dared to say it, but they did not dare to truly listen; all being subjects by origin, how could they be so lacking in tact.

Seeing off the Empress with great respect and fear, the court officials exchanged glances; then two respected leaders stepped forward, imploring Xiao Jin to consider the state foundation and ascend to the throne to stabilize the court discipline.

A family cannot be without a master for a day; a country cannot be without a ruler for a day.

Great Jing has been passed down to this day, relying on the unremitting efforts of emperors of all generations.

Since Xiao Yanchen cannot do it, then let those who can take over; although these people have selfish motives, they will not watch Great Jing Realm run into trouble with their own eyes.

Of Xiao Yanchen's six sons, only those born of Shen Yao have some ability.

With Xiao Jin holding the innate advantage, the new emperor's position falling to him was entirely expected.

Whatever the court officials thought in their hearts, they said it on their faces, but Xiao Jin could not nod in agreement.

His father had just returned and was lying in the neighboring room; even if he was anxious, he had to first play the filial son and show his benevolence and kindness to the court and the people.

"The most urgent matter is Father Emperor's health; other matters need not be mentioned for now."

Xiao Jin righteously refused the court officials' pleas; as for whether they understood or not, they saw through it but said nothing.

……

In the main hall of Fengyi Palace, Shen Yao sat before the dressing table after waking up in the morning, slowly doing her makeup and attire.

"At this morning's court session, were the ministers still jointly submitting a memorial requesting that Prince Rong ascend the throne?"

Qiu Yue nodded, "It has been like this all along; it's just that Prince Rong has not yet agreed."

This had been the focus of the court these past few days; ever since Xiao Yanchen returned, the voices calling for the new emperor's ascension had grown increasingly loud.

Xiao Jin also persisted; no matter what the ministers said, he simply would not nod.

He continued to handle the affairs of regency, paying no attention to anything else.

Whether it was an act or not, at least the reputation Xiao Jin wanted had been acquired.

Standing up, leaning on Qiu Yue's arm, Shen Yao went to the Eight Immortals Table in the hall to dine.

"How is the situation on His Majesty's side? It has been several days since he returned from the Xing Gong."

Qiu Yue laid out the bowls and chopsticks for Shen Yao while explaining the Imperial Physicians' progress.

"Not very smooth; His Majesty's body is weak, and he cannot take the medicinal soup."

Now they can only rely on crushed ginseng and lingzhi for slow recovery and recuperation.

The Imperial Physicians estimated that at the shortest it would be three to five months, and at the longest eight or nine months before there would be any movement.

Longer than the time the Former Emperor took to wake up, and one must even prepare oneself in his heart for the possibility that he might not wake up at all.

Sigh

Shen Yao sighed, picked up the porcelain bowl, and drank the very thick millet porridge.

Mm, although things were not going smoothly on His Majesty's side, Shen Yao's appetite was still quite good.

Especially since the Huang Hou had been stable lately as if nothing had changed, Shen Yao was even happier.

"Take it slow, no rush; first ensure His Majesty's personal safety."

Waking up a little later would be better; it would be best to smoothly get through the first half year of Xiao Jin's ascension to the throne.

Xiao Jin's persistence seemed somewhat flimsy given that there was no progress at all in Xiao Yanchen's condition.

The ministers also persisted, submitting memorials day after day, asking people to ascend the throne whenever they met; some even went so far as to strike a pillar in court, threatening death to force the issue.

Xiao Jin: ……

Xiao Jin did not know whether these people were cooperating in an act or truly expressing their feelings.

Anyway, the emotions were in place; if he still did not nod and agree here, it would seem rather affected and pretentious.

Forget it; having come this far, there was no need to keep putting on an act.

After another morning court session ended, the ministers collectively begged Xiao Jin to ascend the throne; Xiao Jin did not speak to refuse, but unusually nodded and agreed.

Mm, since that was the case, then tomorrow continue... agreed?!

The ministers:... Wow, they finally got the day they had been waiting for.

The hardest point of the new emperor's ascension lay in the new emperor's own attitude.

Now that this problem had been smoothly resolved, what was there to delay? Hurry and have the Imperial Household Department seize the time to make the court robes, have the Bureau of Astronomy calculate an auspicious day to hold the Coronation Ceremony, so that everything could be proper and legitimate.

Anyway, the new emperor's birth mother was the Orthodox Empress, so in the Huang Hou the Empress Position was the highest. In the Front Court, it was the unanimous hope of the people, and no one would oppose it.

With everyone working together, all preparations were complete.

In late March, listening to the sound of drums and bells, Xiao Jin with a solemn face, wearing the emperor's court robes, held this Coronation Ceremony of the New Emperor at Taihe Palace.

Thus, Qianyuan ended, and Zhenghe began.