The events of the past were about to unfold again, and the Empress Dowager was the most worried. Her actions today were the result of careful consideration.
Formally establishing a Crown Prince in this manner would have the least impact on Dong Chu.
Given Dong Chu's current strength, there was no opportunity to endure another struggle for succession.
"I am very worried. Should we inform Chu Chenyi about this first? What if he... what if he didn't understand my meaning just now and wasted the opportunity? Wouldn't that be a pity? Otherwise..."
"Don't worry, Chu Chenyi is not an idiot. He's a capable person and wouldn't do something so foolish."
Ling Mo Han couldn't help but admire Feng Jin's anxious nature, always needing to clarify everything. She should trust Chu Chenyi at least once.
"I am also... I am also worried."
She truly was concerned, and there's a saying that worry can cloud judgment. Besides, Chu Chenyi was someone unreliable, so anyone would be equally worried.
"You just stay home and look after the children. I will handle everything else."
The current situation was indeed dire. If the Emperor were to pass away, it would certainly cause an uproar, and preparations for battle would need to be made quickly.
After pacifying Feng Jin, Ling Mo Han hurried to the military camp. He gathered a team of elite soldiers and quietly infiltrated the palace, ready to control the situation in case of unrest.
...
"Second Brother, do you think... do you think when Father Emperor will wake up?"
"We don't need to know too much about Father Emperor's condition. We can enter when he requires our service."
Chu Chenyi's expression was cold, appearing unapproachable. Not only did he not know the Emperor's current condition, but even if he did, he would absolutely not act against the rules. Without the Emperor's summons, he would not enter.
"Second Brother... with Father Emperor like this, it's not a long-term solution for us siblings to wait outside. There's no news at all. Why don't... why don't we go in and see?"
"No, if Father Emperor does not summon us, no one is allowed to enter without permission."
Chu Chenyi remained steadfast in his principles, forbidding anyone from entering.
Though everyone appeared calm and indifferent on the surface, one could never be sure if some harbored ulterior motives. It was still necessary to be vigilant.
Everyone was aware of Ling Mo Han's temperament. With someone as difficult to communicate with present, it was hard for anyone to get in, and over time, many gave up.
"Cough... cough..."
Emperor Xuanwen slowly opened his eyes and coughed a couple of times. He felt his body was stronger than before, and much of his fatigue had disappeared. It was truly miraculous.
"You're awake?"
"To Mother Empress..."
"It's just you and I, Mother and Son, no need for such formalities. Lie down first."
The Empress Dowager helped Emperor Xuanwen lie back down, her eyes filled with concern.
"Mother Empress, I have been lying here for quite some time. Now that I finally have some strength, let me get up and walk around."
Realizing this was the "deathbed resurgence" that Feng Jin had spoken of, the Empress Dowager felt an unbearable heartache. She turned away to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Emperor, your body is failing. You cannot hold on much longer. It was I who asked Feng Jin to buy you a few more days."
At this point, there was no need to keep it from Emperor Xuanwen.
"This is also... also good..."
Unable to accept that he only had a few days left, Emperor Xuanwen's expression became somewhat frantic.
"Emperor... it is my fault, all my fault..."
Tears streamed uncontrollably from the Empress Dowager's eyes. She wished she could trade her own life for Emperor Xuanwen's.
As a mother, how could she bear to send her son away before herself? It was like taking her own life.
"Mother Empress, this is fate, heavenly mandate... cough... cough..."
Under the emotional strain, Emperor Xuanwen spat out a mouthful of blood, followed by a violent coughing fit.
"Emperor... quickly... quickly summon the Imperial Physician..."
"Mother Empress... Mother Empress, no need... Mother Empress, let your son have a good talk with you."
Summoning the Imperial Physician would be useless. Emperor Xuanwen tightly gripped the Empress Dowager's hand, wanting to spend his remaining time talking with her and settling his affairs.
"Mother Empress, after I pass on, the throne will be passed to Chenyi. He is still young and lacks experience. I implore Mother Empress to labor and teach him well."
Considering all his sons, only Chu Chenyi was truly capable of handling the throne, and it should only be passed to him.
"Good... I promise you."
"Mother Empress... Mother Empress, the conflicts between Xi Liang and Dong Chu have been ongoing for years. If war breaks out, it will be the common people who suffer. The marriage alliance with Xi Liang must be expedited. Tomorrow... tomorrow, let them have the wedding early."
While he still had a breath left, they had to ensure the marriage took place. Otherwise, once he passed away, the entire nation would observe a three-year mourning period, and the wedding would be indefinitely postponed.
"I will arrange it..."
The Empress Dowager said, suppressing her grief. She had not expected to bid farewell to her son so soon after many years.
Why was Heaven letting her live so long? Was it a punishment? To leave her to live alone and lonely in this world?
"Mother Empress... also... also..."
The Empress Dowager sighed slightly, knowing what Emperor Xuanwen was asking: "Don't worry, Madam Liu... I will ensure her safety. She will have food and clothing and live out her days peacefully."
"Thank you... Mother Empress..."
"Rest now. The Imperial Consort and all the princes and princesses are outside. Should we let them in?"
"Let them all in."
The Empress Dowager signaled Eunuch Fu, who was standing by, to make arrangements.
A moment later, led by the Imperial Consort, a retinue of consorts, princes, and princesses knelt in the hall.
"Consort, rise. The ground is cold. Your leg is not good, so do not kneel."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Imperial Consort suppressed her grief and stood up, her gaze fixed on Emperor Xuanwen.
Emperor Xuanwen supported himself to sit up. His face was still ruddy, and he appeared to be in good spirits, all thanks to Feng Jin's silver needle technique for prolonging his life.
"I just had a dream where I met the former Emperor, and we spoke at length. It made me realize how brief life is, and some matters should be attended to sooner..."
"Issue a decree: Prince Chu Chenyi, with his exemplary character and outstanding abilities, is hereby established as the Crown Prince, in accordance with the benevolent decree of the Empress Dowager. He shall be invested with the imperial seal and formally ascend to the Eastern Palace."