The Second Master of the Red Chamber

"Is Father still not awake?"

Daming Palace, Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The Third Prince walked in, looked at Emperor Ningkang who was still lying motionless on the bed, and asked with concern.

Dai Quan, equally worried, bowed as he replied:
"No. At dawn, the imperial physicians had just given His Majesty his medicine..."

What is administering medication?

If a person is unconscious, they can only rely on others to feed them life-sustaining medicine; this is called "feeding".

To put it more accurately, it is called irrigation.

"What did the imperial physicians say?"

The Third Prince asked casually. Seeing that Dai Quan didn't reply, he slowly turned around.

“Eunuch Dai, you have been with the Emperor since you were a child, so I trust you very much.”

I believe you should also understand that in the past two weeks, Father has spent most of his time in a coma and very few days awake.

You should understand what the consequences will be if this continues.

"I am the Emperor's son. At this time, it is my duty to share his burdens. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Dai Quan trembled and immediately knelt down, his voice trembling with tears, "Your Highness, the imperial physician said that His Majesty... those useless fools, they said His Majesty is beyond saving..."

They're all quacks. Prince Bei Jing shouldn't have pleaded for them a few days ago; he should have had Prince Zhong Shun execute them all. A bunch of quacks..."

During Emperor Ningkang's serious illness, apart from the Empress who was allowed to freely enter and leave the Daming Palace, he basically only saw Prince Zhongshun, Prince Beijing, and Zhao Dongsheng.

Even when princes and princesses came to pay their respects, he basically refused to see them.

These past few days, Emperor Ningkang has rarely woken up, and without his orders, Dai Quan and the others naturally dared not forcibly prevent the prince from seeing the emperor.

Upon hearing Dai Quan's words, the Third Prince's face turned sorrowful, and he seemed utterly shocked.

But a knowing glint flashed in his eyes.

This old man actually didn't lie to him.

Is she panicked and at a loss, or is she taking the opportunity to show him goodwill?

Unfortunately, it's too late.

The Third Prince took one last look at Emperor Ningkang, who lay weak and peaceful on the dragon bed, his skin pale and his face emaciated from being bedridden for so long, and a look of hatred flashed in his eyes.

"If Father Emperor wakes up, send someone to inform me."

"Yes."

After leaving Daming Palace, the Third Prince hurried to Shenwu Gate.

Shenwu Gate is the north gate of the imperial palace.

As soon as he approached, two armored generals hurriedly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, we have arranged for all our men to be brought in as you instructed."

There were a total of eight hundred men, all fully armored and equipped with bows and crossbows, ready to act at any time.

The Third Prince nodded, following the two men's directions as he walked forward, and asked in a cold voice, "What did Prince Zhongshun and Feng Sheng say?"

"They have all sent back messages and are ready."

"very good."

The Third Prince's tone finally softened, becoming more satisfied.

Upon entering the fortified city and seeing the eight hundred warriors in their neat armor, his expression became even more excited.

His eyes revealed ruthlessness and boundless ambition.

"May your lineage be as noble and powerful as the ages, and may your descendants live on indefinitely. Let us set out today."

……

The presence of eight hundred fully armed soldiers within the palace could not conceal their presence.

They didn't seem to have any intention of hiding it at all, and just kept traveling at a fast pace.

They soon arrived at the back gate of Chonghua Palace.

"Stop, who is it?"

The imperial guards stationed at the palace gates saw this and immediately stepped forward to stop them!

However, they quickly realized that the leader was the third prince of the current dynasty, and immediately bowed again.

"His Majesty is critically ill. I, in accordance with the wishes of the officials, request that the retired emperor be restored to the throne."

You all must leave immediately.

Upon hearing the Third Prince's words, the junior officer wondered if the Emperor was truly dying.

So the officials wanted to support the retired emperor to return to the throne?
Although he had no major doubts, he did not forget his duty.

"His Majesty has decreed that the Emperor Emeritus shall recuperate in the palace, and no one may act without His Majesty's permission..."

Before the word "break through" could be uttered, two "whoosh" sounds were heard.

Two crossbow bolts shot from the arms of the guards beside the Third Prince, hitting the junior officer precisely.

The other guards of Chonghua Palace were shocked by what they saw and immediately formed a defensive formation.

The Third Prince stepped forward: "I don't want to say it a second time. Anyone who dares to stop me will suffer the same fate as him!"

The guards looked at each other, hesitant.

If the Third Prince dared to kill someone in the palace, they naturally wouldn't doubt that he would dare to continue.

There were only about twenty people here, but behind the Third Prince was a dense crowd of several hundred.

Moreover, they were all fully armed.

If we really wanted to take action, we could slaughter them all in no time.

Fortunately, the sound of a large number of people running could be heard behind them.

A middle-aged general hurried from the corner tower, followed by a large number of his personal guards.

"My lord!"

The guards breathed a sigh of relief and made way for them.

Wang Han, the captain of the Imperial Guard, strode up to the Third Prince, glanced at the junior officer still groaning in pain on the ground, and asked in a deep voice:

"What does Your Highness mean by this? Do you intend to rebel?"

"So it's Lord Wang."

"His Majesty is critically ill, and the officials are determined to ask the retired emperor to come out and take charge of the overall situation."

Now all the civil and military officials are waiting in the Golden Hall.

I have been entrusted by the three prime ministers to come and welcome the Emperor Emeritus to take charge of the overall situation. I ask that Your Majesty not obstruct me.

otherwise……"

Wang Han's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he forced a smile, saying, "But, this humble servant has not received any imperial decree..."

"Ridiculous. His Majesty is critically ill and has long been unconscious. Where would he get an imperial edict from?"

The matter is urgent, and I have no patience to waste words with you.

If you don't give way within three breaths, don't blame me for unleashing a bloodbath!

After the Third Prince finished speaking, he retreated into the army formation.

At the same time, the hundreds of armored soldiers who had been waiting around him immediately lined up and stepped forward, ready to charge.

Wang Han felt a chill run down his spine.

Although there were no fewer than a thousand imperial guards stationed inside Chonghua Palace.

But right now he only has two hundred people here.

Not only were their numbers small, but they were also ordered to "protect" the retired emperor.

Although they wore armor and carried swords, that was all.

Unlike the other side, this is clearly a well-prepared attack.

They were all armed with powerful bows and crossbows; they looked terrifying.

Even if all the palace guards were summoned, they would still be unable to withstand the attack.

The key issue is that without the commander, he cannot mobilize all his troops.

Seeing the Third Prince's fierce gaze, about to give the order, Wang Han quickly said, "Your Highness, please don't be impulsive. This humble servant can make way for you."

However, Your Highness should also bear the consequences.

Without hesitation, Wang Han signaled his soldiers to clear the way.

Watching the Third Prince lead a large entourage straight towards Chonghua Palace, one of Wang Han's men approached him and whispered, "Sir, are we just going to let them in like this? What if the higher-ups blame us..."

"If you want to die, then go and stop me."

Wang Han cursed and ignored him completely, instead asking around, "Where is the Commander?"

"The Commander did not enter the palace today, but the Deputy Commander was there when it was time for roll call. Later, someone came to find him in a hurry, so he left the palace."

"broken."

Wang Han was extremely anxious.

The fact that the Third Prince was able to bring so many people into the palace already demonstrates the seriousness of the problem.

I fear that if we are not careful, it could end up like last year at Iron Net Mountain, with rivers of blood flowing.

This kind of thing is simply beyond the control of a mere captain like him.

"Quickly, you lot, go find the Commander."

Furthermore, immediately report the situation here to His Majesty... and to the Imperial Guard.

Wang Han wanted to report to the emperor, but then he remembered that there were already rumors in the palace that the emperor was terminally ill.

At this point, he truly didn't know what to do.

After subduing Wang Han, the Third Prince and his entourage arrived at Chonghua Palace without any trouble.

Having taken over all defenses, he arrived at the main gate of Chonghua Hall and pushed open the gate.

Inside the main hall, an elderly man with white hair sat in a wheelchair, seemingly having been waiting for him for a long time.

"Your grandson has arrived late to save Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

"Hehehe..."

The old man gestured to the old eunuch behind him, who then pushed him in front of the Third Prince.

The third prince immediately bowed.

"You're very good, much better than your older brother."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I was just following your instructions and dare not take credit for it."

The Emperor Emeritus nodded and smiled, "Don't worry, your grandfather will not forget your contributions, and I will keep my promise to you." Upon hearing this, the Third Prince's eyes flashed with intense joy, and he immediately knelt down and said, "Grandson thanks Your Majesty. Congratulations to Your Majesty on escaping the cage and once again ruling the world."

Upon hearing the word "cage," the retired emperor instinctively felt somewhat displeased.

However, he still needed to use this grandson, so he didn't say anything, only saying, "Your father is a very capable person. He is only ill right now, which is why you have this opportunity."

Once he wakes up and finds out what you've done, I'm afraid neither of us, grandfather and grandson, will have a good ending.

The third prince was taken aback, then a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

He stood up and replied, "Grandpa's reminder is correct. I know what to do."

His solemn answer surprised the retired emperor.

The retired emperor was, after all, a man who had seized power amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood, even though he was betrayed by his own son in his old age.

He quickly realized that the Third Prince must have misunderstood him.

But he didn't warn him.

He really wanted to know if this grandson had the guts to kill his father and his ruler.

"Let's go. Where are the ministers now?"

Let me meet with my ministers as soon as possible so that we can settle the overall situation quickly.

Otherwise, once your father wakes up, I'm afraid all our efforts will have been in vain.

"Yes."

……

The upheaval at Chonghua Palace could not be kept secret from those in power within the palace.

Phoenix Palace.

Yuan Chun was also among the first to receive the news.

She immediately realized that this was probably the "change of events" that Jia Lian had told her about.

Not daring to delay, she immediately arranged for someone to send a message outside the palace through the channels that had already been established.

But after making the arrangements, she felt more uneasy than at ease.

"Go and fetch the birds I keep from the back corridor."

"Which one would Your Majesty like to take?"

"Bring all of the black stuff."

She ordered her maids to bring all the birds she kept in the back corridor.

Then she sat down at the desk and wrote a few lines. The palace maids brought her four birdcages containing the dozen or so birds she kept.

"That's good, you can all leave now."

After the palace maids took their leave, Yuan Chun immediately turned her gaze to the black "parrot" in one of the birdcages.

This was given to her by Jia Lian.

Calling it a parrot is actually inappropriate, because Jia Lian said that although this bird looks like a parrot, it is actually a rare type of pigeon.

They also have the ability to return to their nests.

While it can't compare to the incredible talent of carrier pigeons, it can still easily deliver messages over short distances.

It seems like it's time to use it.

Yuan Chun carefully tied the secret letter to the wing of a black dove, then carried it to the window and released it.

Watching it flap its wings and fly westward, disappearing as a black dot, Yuan Chun finally felt a little relieved.

……

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was noisy and bustling.

Since the emperor fell critically ill, he has entrusted the affairs of state to three prime ministers.

However, these three officials have vastly different ideas and political views.

Many government affairs are often bogged down in disputes because of differing opinions.

At first, it was just the three of them arguing with each other.

Later on, no one would submit to anyone else, and they each started to curry favor with their own little courts!
Often, one person would call a small meeting, and another would order everyone to go to another place for a small meeting.

Some were alright, discussing how to find common ground while reserving differences and properly resolve political issues.

Yes, some are simply trying to make those who obey them prosper and those who oppose them perish, openly engaging in factional strife.

It's only been half a month.

I can't even imagine what the imperial court will become if things continue like this.

Therefore, many insightful people guessed that the emperor was definitely incapacitated.

Otherwise, with the emperor suppressing them, these three wouldn't have caused such a commotion.

They wouldn't dare to make such a scene.

Today's small court assembly was initiated by King Chungsun.

Unexpectedly, the other two also showed up.

Moreover, today King Chungshun was speaking extremely politely, a stark contrast to his previous domineering manner.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty is currently seriously ill, but the position of Crown Prince remains undecided."

If this continues, it will surely lead to disaster.

What do you all think we should do?

"Yes. We will not be able to see His Majesty either. We will have to trouble the three regents to make a decision on this matter."

The discussion revolved around the same old issues.

Establish a successor.

This topic was brought up not long after the emperor fell ill.

However, no definite response was ever received.

Zhao Dongsheng said, "The three of us have advised His Majesty on this matter, but His Majesty said that he is also considering it and told us to handle the affairs of state properly."

We are concerned for Your Majesty's health and dare not press you too hard.

Zhao Dongsheng's tone also sounded somewhat helpless.

Clearly, Ning Kangdi's attitude toward this matter was something he couldn't quite understand.

Is it possible that all wise and powerful emperors cannot escape the curse of old age and illness?

Once you get involved, your behavior will become very confusing.

Emperor Ningkang probably thought it was just a minor illness and that he would recover soon.

Zhao Dongsheng also knew that the current political situation was very unstable.

It wasn't that the three of them lacked common sense, but rather that with the emperor critically ill and no crown prince yet appointed, everyone was on edge and didn't know whose advice to follow.

Emperor Ningkang did not assign any hierarchy to the three of them.

It would be strange if everyone didn't act independently.

"In my opinion, there is absolutely no need to discuss this matter."

The principle of primogeniture and the establishment of the eldest son as heir has been followed since ancient times.

Prince Yun is His Majesty's eldest son and is known for his virtue.

The position of Crown Prince naturally belongs to Prince Yun!

A minister from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward and spoke loudly.

Everyone glanced at him and immediately understood.

The Third Master Party.

They didn't even need to guess; they knew someone would immediately refute him.

"Heh, the name of virtue?"

Is betraying one's father and killing one's brother considered virtuous? Is secretly ruining one's siblings' reputation considered honorable?

"What evidence do you have for all this?" the Minister of Rites roared.

"This is something everyone knows perfectly well; do we really need evidence?"
Otherwise, why do you think His Majesty has been so slow in making him the Crown Prince?

By the way, I remember His Highness Prince Yun is still just a Prince of the County, right?

"Ha! A mere prince dares to covet the position of crown prince!"

Back when Emperor Ningkang was alive, people didn't dare to openly discuss the former crown prince's affairs.

But now that Emperor Ningkang is no longer capable, what's there to be afraid of?

The Third Prince's faction and the Fourth Prince's faction are now locked in a bitter struggle; it's a fight to the death.

The greater the risks and effort you are willing to take, the greater the benefits you will receive after victory.

These are all unspoken rules.

So now is the time to place your bets.

As expected, the moment the title "Prince" was mentioned, the Third Prince's faction immediately lost ground.

Even they themselves were unsure.

The third prince was confined to his quarters and demoted by Emperor Ningkang for arbitrarily killing General Tian Qu (on the surface).

After the Third Prince was released, despite his various attempts to gain favor, he repeatedly instructed his cronies to submit petitions to Emperor Ningkang, requesting that Emperor Ningkang restore his title of Prince.

However, Emperor Ningkang ignored them all.

It seemed that his anger had not yet subsided.

That is precisely why those who remain neutral dare not place bets casually.

Otherwise, the fact that the third prince was older and that his mother's rank was higher than the fourth prince's would have been enough to gain him the support of many conservatives and diehards.

Just as everyone was arguing about this topic again, the sound of a large number of soldiers running outside the palace rang out.

The officials in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment.

A guard ran in and said, "Something bad has happened! Someone has led troops to surround the main hall."

The whole hall was in an uproar.

Seeing that the time was ripe, King Chungshun stepped forward and said with a smile, "Alright, everyone, there's no need to panic."

As for who should be made crown prince, I think we don't need to discuss it anymore.

This matter is for someone to decide. (End of Chapter)