Beijing
Jin Moning had been ill for quite so ti. Initially, everyone noticed only his gradual weight loss and aging appearance, but did not realize his health was deteriorating.
Yet on this day, he could no longer attend the morning court.
The Eunuch Wan was extrely anxious and said, "Your Majesty, we ought to summon the Imperial Physician to examine you. If you continue like this, I’m afraid unforeseen events might occur. If anything happens to you at this ti, only Prince Qin will be by your side!"
"Cough cough, Wan Decheng, you don’t understand, cough cough..." The Emperor took a sip of water and gestured for the Eunuch Wan to co closer, placing a cushion behind him.
He said, "Because there is only right now, I cannot fall ill. If I were to beco unwell, who would be able to keep them in check?"
"Ah, then why do you not send a ssage to the eldest Prince? As long as the eldest Prince returns, the realm will not fall into chaos."
"No, no ssage is absolutely secure. Not only can I not send one, but I must also ensure that no one sees my urgency in recalling Zijin to the palace. They see my dwindling energy and are just waiting for news that I’m unwell to spread. Once it spreads... cough cough cough..."
The Eunuch Wan hurriedly patted the Emperor’s back to help him breathe more easily, and gave him so water, anxiously saying, "But Your Majesty, you are already so gravely ill. What if you cannot endure... Ah, no, that’s not right, the old servant deserves death, deserves death..."
"Enough!" The Emperor halted him from speaking further, saying, "You make a valid point as well. I won’t attend tomorrow’s morning court. Find so reason to silence them!"
The Eunuch Wan was instantly rooted in place.
Since the Emperor ascended the throne, he had never missed a morning court session. What possible reason could allow him to miss without arousing suspicion?
Wasn’t the Emperor asking too much of him?
"Your Majesty..." The Eunuch Wan thought long and hard but couldn’t co up with a suitable excuse. He called out to the Emperor, only to find him already asleep, leaned against the bed.
"This... oh dear, what can be done now?" The Eunuch Wan was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but dared not disturb the Emperor’s sleep. After pacing nervously, he helped the Emperor sleep well, tucked him in properly, and then left Qianqing Palace.
He quickly ran to the Renshou Palace to seek help from the Empress Dowager. If there was anyone in this world who could persuade the Emperor, it was the Empress Dowager.
"Eunuch Wan, it’s so late. What urgent matter do you have to see the Empress Dowager?" asked Li Mama, who was beside the Empress Dowager.
The Eunuch Wan replied anxiously, "Li Mama, this matter is significant and I cannot speak of it. You see, I am close to the Emperor; without an urgent matter, would I dare disturb the Empress Dowager at night? Please convey my ssage to the Empress Dowager that Wan Decheng urgently needs to see her."
"Why can’t you say what the urgent matter is? Ah, never mind. Hopefully, it really is an urgent matter, or else we’ll be in trouble, and the Empress Dowager won’t forgive you."
"I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare. How could I deceive the Empress Dowager, burden Li Mama. I truly have an urgent matter..."
Li Mama went inside to inform the Empress Dowager, while the Eunuch Wan waited in the outer hall.
Before long, Li Mama helped the Empress Dowager out. The Empress Dowager was still wearing fine silk pajamas, with just a cape draped over her shoulders.
Seeing the Empress Dowager erge, the Eunuch Wan knelt down with a thud and urgently said, "Empress Dowager, the old servant has a significant matter to report, risking execution to bring it to your attention..."
He glanced at the people around them, and the Empress Dowager understood instantly.
The Empress Dowager dismissed everyone, leaving only the close servant Li Mama.
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