The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 256 Transforming into a Shadow, Resurrecting a Corpse
As Mingzhu emerged from Suo'etu's residence, her brows furrowed.

The eldest prince, Yunshi, who was standing beside him, had a smile on his face that he couldn't hide.

Soetu!
The man who had once been like a mountain before him, whom he both feared and hated to the point of gritting his teeth, was now lying motionless on his bed.

He's practically a living dead!

Not only do they not recognize Mingzhu, they're probably even confused about who they are!
His gaze was vacant, his eyes were fixed, and his movements... seemed completely inactive.

Even when the imperial physicians used gold needles to prick the acupoints, there was no reaction whatsoever!
"Imperial Physician Chen, tell me the truth, has Lord Suo'etu really suffered a stroke?" Mingzhu called the three imperial physicians who had come with her to her side and asked them one by one.

This is where Mingzhu's brilliance lies; he knows that he is not as skilled in medicine as the imperial physicians.

Therefore, for professional questions, you should ask professionals.

Imperial physicians are always cautious in their speech and dare not draw conclusions on their own, let alone when they are with several colleagues.

However, now that they are being questioned separately, they have no choice but to give their own judgments.

"Mingxiang, Suoxiang's condition is indeed a stroke, caused by phlegm obstructing the meridians, qi deficiency, and blood stasis!" Physician Chen replied respectfully.

Mingzhu asked, "Then... is it possible that this is only temporary?"

"Will it get better after a while?"

Physician Chen immediately shook his head vigorously, as if it were a rattle: "Prime Minister, what you're saying is simply impossible."

"At the very least, I have never encountered this before."

Mingzhu not only asked three imperial physicians, but also the doctor she brought with her, but the conclusions were basically the same.

Stroke!

Soetu really did have a stroke!

Although he still had some doubts, the facts were right in front of him, and he had seen it with his own eyes, leaving him with no reason to doubt.

For a moment, Mingzhu felt a mix of secret joy and a sense of desolation, like a rabbit mourning the death of a fox.

He and Songgotu fought for most of their lives. It can be said that the two of them were not only lifelong rivals, but also the people who understood each other best.

At this moment, Songgotu collapsed with a thud. Although he felt a sense of relief, he felt even more sorrow for his own kind.

After all, they used to be friends.

Just as Mingzhu was feeling a mix of emotions, the eldest prince, Yunshi, came over and said with a smile, "Uncle, you don't need to be so suspicious anymore!"

"Judging from Suo'etu's condition, it's obvious he'll never recover!"

"Hahaha, I really want to see what kind of expression the Crown Prince will have after hearing about Suo'etu's stroke."

"That was so satisfying!"

Seeing the Crown Prince's smug and overconfident appearance, Mingzhu felt a surge of displeasure.

He had always known that while the eldest prince had many strengths, he also had quite a few flaws overall.

For example, getting carried away when you're successful!
He coughed lightly and then whispered a reminder: "Your Highness, even if Suo'etu has a thousand faults and ten thousand shortcomings, he was still His Majesty's former chief Grand Secretary."

“He is still a first-class duke. If you get too complacent at this time, you will easily be impeached by the censors, which is not worth it.”

"You'd better take care of yourself."

Upon hearing this, the eldest prince's expression changed slightly.

Although he didn't like people dampening his spirits, he still held a certain reverence for Mingzhu, so he quickly suppressed his smile.

"Uncle's words of advice are right, I will definitely pay attention."

"I was just happy and couldn't help myself."

Mingzhu sighed inwardly as she watched the eldest prince put on a humble and cautious demeanor.

Some words were on the tip of my tongue, but after thinking about them, I swallowed them back.

After all, the eldest prince is getting old, while he himself has become an old minister. Given this disparity, it's better to say nothing.

But did Suo'etu really suffer a stroke?

Just when I felt his behavior was a bit abnormal, as if he was about to do something big, he suddenly stopped and collapsed.
This is too...

Mingzhu still found it hard to fully believe it.

But then I thought, just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too does life bring unpredictable changes. Who can say for sure what will happen tomorrow?

Let alone Suo'etu, even for themselves, there's no telling when they'll face all sorts of unpredictable futures.

"Let's go, let's finish our business with His Majesty first."

With the return of Mingzhu and the eldest prince to the palace, news of Suo'etu's stroke spread rapidly throughout the court.

This event has elicited reactions from various quarters: some are delighted, some are sighing, some are furious, and others...

After hearing Mingzhu confirm that Suo'etu had suffered a stroke, Shen Ye felt increasingly uneasy.

Like Mingzhu, he did not believe that Suo'etu would suffer a stroke at this critical juncture.

He was more convinced that Suo'etu's so-called "stroke" was just an excuse for him to hide and cause trouble.

And once Songgotu comes out, it seems that he, as the crown prince, will also be implicated.

I just want to live a peaceful life. You, Suo'etu, can't become emperor, so why are you pressing me so hard?

Just as Shen Ye was pondering how to test whether Suo'etu had truly suffered a stroke, Liang Jiugong arrived at Yuqing Palace.

Liang Jiugong maintained his respect for Shen Ye as always.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence."

Shen Ye said calmly, "I'll change my clothes and go over there now. Zhou Bao, serve Steward Liang some good tea."

"By the way, the two stewards like Biluochun tea."

Upon hearing this, Liang Jiugong's smile broadened even further.

"Your Highness, you actually remembered this humble servant's preferences! You flatter me!"

As Liang Jiugong spoke, his voice unconsciously lowered by three fen, saying, "Ever since His Majesty met with Prime Minister Ming, his mood has not been very good." "The matter of Prime Minister Suo, alas, is truly a pity."

Seeing Liang Jiugong's emotional expression, Shen Ye immediately understood and nodded to him. He knew that Liang Jiugong was actually telling him about Emperor Qianxi's emotions.

After changing into the prince's robes, Shen Ye arrived at the Qianqing Palace.

Emperor Qianxi was reading a book when he saw Shen Ye approaching. He said calmly, "I didn't originally want you to go over the matter of Suo'etu."

"After all, he has been infected by evil spirits and is seriously ill."

“But you just met him. He has supported you for many years and is also your mother’s elder. If you don’t visit him, outsiders will say you are cold-hearted and ungrateful!”

"Later, you should also take a few imperial physicians to visit Suo'etu."

Seeing Emperor Qianxi's regretful expression, Shen Ye couldn't help but think of the plans he and Suo'etu had made before.

Right now, the person who most wants Songgotu dead is probably the Qianxi Emperor right in front of us.

Shen Ye respectfully agreed and prepared to leave.

Emperor Qianxi then spoke up, saying, "Song'etu is already in such a state, and your uncle has just passed away."

"For the Emperor's birthday celebration this year, why don't you stay in the capital?"

"It's a good time to relax and unwind, so I don't let it fester inside and cause any more illness."

Upon hearing Emperor Qianxi's words, Shen Ye immediately became alert.

When Emperor Qianxi offered to stay in the capital, it was clear that his words were a test.

Shen Ye hesitated for a moment before cautiously replying, "Father, I still wish to go to the Rehe Palace with you."

"This is your first birthday celebration as the Supreme Khan, and your son cannot fail to attend."

"Besides, I also want to take this opportunity to go out and relax with Father."

"Let the other brothers handle the task of staying in the capital."

Hearing Shen Ye's words, Emperor Qianxi did not insist any further, but said calmly, "Since that's what you think, let's talk about it later."

"Go to Suo'etu's residence in a little while."

Shen Ye nodded and replied, "Yes!"

Although it was just a visit to the sick, Shen Ye still arranged the full regalia of the Crown Prince to show his respect for Suo'etu.

The Crown Prince's ceremonial procession was only one level lower than that of Emperor Qianxi. This grand display was personally designed by Suo'etu.

His original purpose was to highlight the Crown Prince's nobility and to distinguish him from the other princes.

His idea itself is not wrong.

When the crown prince was young, he could not threaten Emperor Qianxi's imperial power.

Emperor Qianxi felt that his son should receive such ceremonial treatment as the crown prince.

However, as the crown prince grew older, whenever the ceremonial procession was set up, it looked like a second emperor on an inspection tour, which made Emperor Qianxi increasingly displeased.

Ever since Shen Ye transmigrated, he has disliked this kind of empty pomp and circumstance—it's utterly useless and only invites hatred.

But this time, he came on orders.

And since the person he was visiting was Suo'etu, who had suffered a stroke, if he were too low-key, it would make people feel that he did not respect Suo'etu enough.

Regardless of what he truly thought of Songgotu, he still had to maintain appearances.

Just as Shen Ye led a large group of people toward the Suo'etu residence, someone quickly informed Algishan, who was at home taking care of his father.

Arjishan sat in Soetu's bedroom, looking at Soetu, who was lying motionless on the bed with a pale face, without any sadness on his face.

It's like the person lying in bed isn't his father.

Upon hearing that the Crown Prince was coming, he instructed the attendant beside him, "Take good care of the master. I'm going to change my clothes."

As they were talking, Algishan left Songgotu's room.

In his own residence, Algishan usually strode about, but now he walked slowly, glancing around from time to time.

They were afraid that someone would notice them.

Before long, he arrived at a secret room in the backyard, where he saw an old man who looked exactly like "Song'etu" lying on the bed, leisurely flipping through a book.

Seeing Algishan approach, he glared at him and said, "Didn't I tell you? Don't come to see me during the day if you have nothing to do."

"What are you doing here again?"

Algishan was clearly terrified of this man. Upon hearing the reprimand, he respectfully replied, "Father, it is the Crown Prince who has come to visit me."

"I came here to ask you whether the Crown Prince should know the truth about this matter."

Upon hearing this, Suo'etu pondered for a moment and then said, "Let the Crown Prince visit the sick."

"He's a bit different from before..."

At this point, Suo'etu suddenly stopped talking and said in a deep voice, "I did all this for his own good."

"He may not understand it now, but he will in the future."

"Go and treat the Crown Prince well. Also, don't come here unless it's absolutely necessary."

"Food and drinks can be delivered once a day."

"Also, you need to act convincingly in front of the Crown Prince, otherwise, even though I've fallen ill, you won't show the slightest sign of distress!"

Argishan was startled when he heard Songgotu say this.

He didn't argue, just agreed and left quickly.

He still had to rush to greet the Crown Prince!
As he watched Algishan leave, a hint of smugness flashed in Soetu's eyes.

Everything was under his control!

　The first update of the day is here! Please support me, everyone!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)