Chapter Seventy-Four

The emperor collapsed.

The palace was in chaos, the emperor was unconscious after someone saw the emperor spat out blood and the emperors consorts and princes were forbidden to enter the emperors chamber.

The court officials feared if the emperor didnt wake up in a few days then there would be a bloody war in the palace since the crown prince position was vacant.

Luckily two days later the emperor woke up.

Inside Consort Mus chamber Pei Zhang interrogated a eunuch.

Did you say inside imperial fathers hidden edict, he wants ninth prince to be the crown prince? Pei Zhang asked the eunuch.

Seventh prince, I saw it while the emperor showed it to Gentleman Yang, the eunuch said on his knees. Then I secretly came here to report to seventh prince.

What did Gentleman Yang say? Pei Zhang asked.

Gentleman Yang said the emperors body is weak and he feared the emperors medicine couldnt prolong the emperors life for much longer, the eunuch said. Then the emperor said if in the future he becomes unconscious for more than a few days then Gentleman Yang should euthanized him.

Consort Mu panicked. What would happen if Gentleman Yang granted the emperors request?

Pei Zhang dismissed the eunuch.

Mother, what should we do? Pei Zhang asked. Mother, didnt you say imperial father wouldnt give the crown prince position to ninth brother?

Your imperial fathers heart is hard to see, Consort Mu said. Besides, I said that before Dian This incident! You dont have an heir and your imperial father doesnt love you. Its reasonable your imperial father would choose your ninth brother.

Are we going to wait to witness ninth brother sit on the throne? Pei Zhang asked.

Your imperial father hid the edict and hasnt announced it because hes still indecisive, Consort Mu said.

If imperial father wrote the edict it shows who he chose, Pei Zhang said. He hasnt announced it but it doesnt mean it wont be announced later. If that happens then ninth princes boat is built!

What do you want to do? Consort Mu asked. Go to your imperial fathers chamber and tear the edict? If you do that then prepare to give up everything.

Mother! Pei Zhang said.

Consort Mu frowned.

Mother, youre right, Pei Zhang said.

What are you planning to do? Consort Mu asked.

I should steal the edict before its announced, Pei Zhang said.

Reckless fool! Consort Mu said.

What reckless fool? Pei Zhang said. Weve built our power over many years and many court officials support us. Its easy for us to sneak into imperial fathers chamber in the middle of the night. We can force imperial father to change the edict.

If your imperial father refuses do you intend to kill your imperial father and steal the throne? Consort Mu asked.

If imperial father rather dies than change it then Ill grant his request, Pei Zhang said.

Consort Mus whole body was cold like ice.

Mother, if ninth brother sits on the throne you know he wont spare our lives, Pei Zhang said. Its better if I steal the throne before the edict is announced. Otherwise if I wait to steal the throne after ninth brother is the emperor, well become traitors in the eyes of citizens and theyll rebel.

Consort Mu thought about Pei Zhangs logic and she fisted her hands.

Mother Pei Zhang said.

Wait, Consort Mu said. Dont do anything reckless. Let me confirm something and we can discuss what to do afterward.

Confirm what? Pei Zhang asked.

I want to see Gentleman Tao, Consort Mu said.

That evening Consort Mu secretly met Gentleman Tao and they spoke through a door hole.

I want to ask you something, Consort Mu said.

Yes, Tao Ping said.

How is the emperor? Consort Mu asked.

His majesty has two years, Tao Ping said.

Truly? Consort Mu asked.

Before the crown prince and the empress died, his majesty had four to five years, Tao Ping said.

What about the rumor the emperor only has a few days to live? Consort Mu asked.

Consort Mu was anxious why Gentleman Tao didnt answer her. She looked through the hole and only saw the nights darkness.

Why arent you saying anything? Consort Mu asked.

His majesty is manoeuvring a chess piece, Tao Ping said. The emperor ordered if anyone exposes his plan then theyll be killed immediately.

What is the emperors purpose? Consort Mu asked.

His majesty wants to see wholl support seventh prince and wholl support ninth prince, Tao Ping said. Whoever acts recklessly first then the emperor wont spare them. Consort Mu, I hope youll patiently wait to see what happens.

Alright, Consort Mu said. Why didnt you find me earlier to report to me about something this important?

Consort Mu, you were born intelligent, Tao Ping praised. Of course youll see through his majestys plan.

Consort Mu farewell Gentleman Tao and left.

In the emperors chamber Wang Fu Mu stayed by the emperors bedside, he didnt dare leave the chamber to warn Pei Jin. He hoped Pei Jin would see through the emperors plan.

***

End of Chapter Seventy-Four