Chapter 206.1 |
Yaoniang did not think much when Emperor Jin’an said it was nothing important.
Xiao Shunzi returned from Qianqing Palace and said that the Emperor Emeritus enjoyed his dinner. However, the food had been a bit greasy these past two days, so His Majesty wanted to have something refreshing for breakfast the next day.
Yaoniang nodded repeatedly, already pondering what refreshing dishes to prepare for breakfast.
Emperor Jin’an was somewhat dissatisfied and said, “Let the kitchen handle these things. You don’t need to fuss about it.”
Yaoniang strongly disagreed and said, “How can this be considered fussing? It’s rare for the Emperor Emeritus to want to eat something. Doctor Liu also said that food is better for nourishing one’s health than medicine. When you eat happily and are comfortable, your health naturally improves.”
Erbao, who was oblivious to the situation, immediately made his demands, “Mother, I want to eat sweet potato bread tomorrow, and I also want green bean rolls and eight treasures lotus seed soup.”
“The eight treasure lotus seed soup is too sweet for your grandfather to eat. Let’s make shrimp and vegetable porridge for him. If you want the eight treasures lotus seed soup, I’ll have Mother Xue make it for you.”
“No, I want to eat what you make, Mother. Your cooking is the most delicious.” The chubby little child leaned over, looking as if he would cry if his request was denied. Although Erbao rarely cried now, he had a hundred ways to make one cater to his every whim.
Just like now, he nestled into Yaoniang’s arms, tugging at her clothes with a childish voice, pleading. He was adorable and exasperating at the same time, making it impossible for anyone to refuse him. One would even want to give him their heart and soul.
“What’s the matter?”
“Mother, you don’t have to go. Just let Aunt Yu Chan handle it.”
Yaoniang finally realized what was going on. Emperor Jin’an’s face had already turned dark. She pretended not to know and acted as if her son had just reminded her. She turned her head to instruct Yu Chan.
When it was time to rest, Erbao and Xiaobao went to the East Side Hall. Emperor Jin’an read through memorials for a while and then went to wash up and rest with Yaoniang.
That night, Emperor Jin’an was particularly ruthless, as if he wanted to exert all his strength on her. When he reached the climax, he whispered in her ear, “Since you have so much free time, give me a princess.”
The new emperor was determined, and the ministers below dared not confront him openly.
The only person who could stop the new emperor now was the Emperor Emeritus.
Although the Emperor Emeritus had abdicated and was no longer involved in court affairs, he had been living in Qianqing Palace and had not moved to another palace. The official explanation was that the new emperor was filial and reluctant to move the Emperor Emeritus from the residence he had lived in for many years. Rumours were circulating that the Emperor Emeritus planned to move to Xiyuan Palace. Xiyuan Palace had been renovated precisely because the Emperor Emeritus intended to spend his retirement years there.
But no matter what was said, the Emperor Emeritus still resided in Qianqing Palace. Given the Emperor Emeritus’s previous behaviour, there were still those who doubted his intention to abdicate. He was not someone who would easily let go of power, even after passing it on to his son. Now that the new emperor had just ascended the throne and everything was in chaos, although the court officials chanted praises and blessings, they were actually observing from a distance, quietly waiting for what would happen next.
After some deliberation, several court officials went to Qianqing Palace to see the Emperor Emeritus.
These were all long-time officials, advanced in age, and tears welled up before they even spoke a word.
The Emperor Emeritus pretended not to know and looked surprised as Li Dequan helped the elderly officials up.
The officials earnestly pleaded for the sake of the court and the nation. But in reality, how could the Emperor Emeritus, who had spent his life battling and outwitting these officials, not understand what they were thinking?
What he really couldn’t figure out was what the people behind these officials were thinking.
These elderly officials truly were loyal and devoted, dedicated to the imperial court and the country. The only common trait among them was their pedantic and stubborn nature. Given the current situation, they were most likely encouraged to make a move by others. In fact, the influential families who sought power behind the scenes did not dare come forward.
“Since Zhen has abdicated and handed over the throne to the new emperor, Zhen has no intention of interfering in court affairs. It is up to the new emperor to decide who will be the successor. Zhen doesn’t want to meddle.”
“But…”
Before these officials could say much, Li Dequan stepped forward, gently escorting them out, and softly said, “This servant hopes all the ministers can consider His Majesty’s situation. The Emperor Emeritus’s health is already frail, and he is currently recuperating. The imperial physician has repeatedly warned against overexertion. This servant hopes the ministers can understand.”
These officials dared not be labelled as inconsiderate. They could not help but feel disheartened as they thanked Li Dequan and hastily left. Afterwards, several court officials entered the palace to see the Emperor Emeritus, but they were all rejected before they even saw his face.
At this point, it was clear that the Emperor Emeritus did not want to oppose the new emperor.
For the time being, no one had the time to speculate on the reasons behind it. Some even began to think about the Grand Princess. Grand Princess Anqing was currently the highest-ranking member of the imperial family in the capital and also the great-aunt of the present emperor. While she might not be suitable to intervene in other matters, she could have a say in the selection of the empress.
Unfortunately, to everyone’s disappointment, Grand Princess Anqing caught a cold and secluded herself, refusing to see anyone.
