The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 756 - 718: Die Once, As He Wishes (Part 2)

Emperor Guangxi was directly escorted back to Qianqing Palace by the Imperial Guard.

During this period, apart from Mr. Cui, who served near him, and two Imperial Eunuchs, no one had seen what the awakened Emperor Guangxi was like, nor did they know the Emperor’s attitude towards this "assassination" incident.

After the imperial carriage entered the palace, the heavy vermillion gates of Qianqing Palace were tightly shut. No one, not even the always-favored Princess Consort Duan who wanted to visit, could enter. Only the designated Imperial Physician was allowed to enter daily at the appointed hour to check the Emperor’s pulse.

Upon leaving, they kept their lips sealed and would not utter even half a word.

The entire Imperial City was overshadowed by dense clouds.

The Zhao Family’s days, at last, were about to change.

Some were anxious, while others were restless.

The concubines, who had not yet conceived, thought of the Emperor’s passing and their own fate of being sent to the Imperial Temple, lost all spirit for fighting and cried in unison.

With no one in court overseeing affairs, the Crown Prince Faction almost wore down the threshold of the Song family, urging Song Wei every day to find a solution.

The faction of the Second Prince, meanwhile, sat back to watch the show, though their ambitions did not stop there.

When Chief Minister Yang returned home, his advisers suggested he take action while there was still time. Otherwise, once Emperor Guangxi regained consciousness and the Crown Prince was released from the Imperial Clan Court, it would only become more challenging to deal with them.

Chief Minister Yang, recalling the rash and underhanded scheme he had previously conspired on with Su Yi, rubbed his forehead, "The Crown Prince is deeply loved by the people; eliminating one Song Wei would not cause much of a stir. This time, use a different approach."

——

With the Emperor not attending court and the Crown Prince banned, the entire court was leaderless. At this time of unease, a group called the Tongji Association emerged in the capital, claiming to be an organization of the Crown Prince in Jianghu. They incited riots under the banner of claiming justice for the Crown Prince, committing all sorts of atrocities en route to the capital, causing panic among the populace. Lately, voices criticizing the Crown Prince have been growing louder everywhere.

The calls for the "deposition of the Crown Prince" grew stronger day by day in the streets.

The evil deeds of the Tongji Association spread throughout the capital, turning the people’s faces to fear upon hearing their name.

It was another day without court attendance, and the ministers stood in the Political Discussion Hall, all with grim expressions.

"The matter of the Tongji Association cannot be delayed any longer," an infuriated minister said: "As the head of the Cabinet, Chief Minister Yang should step forward at such a time to say something, to ensure that all departments can function properly. Otherwise, with the Emperor avoiding court every day and the Tongji Association becoming arrogant and domineering, if they truly reach the capital, it won’t just be the court that descends into chaos, but the entire world that will be thrown into disorder."

Chief Minister Yang was a low-key person. If the Emperor hadn’t spoken out, how could he? With a deft maneuver, he deflected the minister’s words, saying that although he was in a high position, he still had two masters above him, and without their instruction, he could hardly make decisions on his own.

His ambition was never displayed openly, usually leaving others with the impression of modesty. Thus, after his explanation, the ministers didn’t press any further.

It was then that Mr. Cui, who had not appeared for some time, arrived.

The ministers’ eyes brightened, as if seeing a savior. They hurried over to ask about Emperor Guangxi’s condition.

Mr. Cui, as usual, said not a word about Emperor Guangxi’s illness, "I am here to deliver the Emperor’s verbal decree."

As soon as he spoke, the ministers immediately fell into line, stood up straight, clenched their jade scepters, and listened attentively.

The Political Discussion Hall instantly fell into a silence where even the drop of a needle could be heard.

Mr. Cui cleared his throat and began to relay the message.

Emperor Guangxi’s instruction was simple: he was too seriously injured to handle state affairs, so in the coming days, the Prime Minister would preside over the court, assisted by the Chiefs of Staff of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites.

With the Emperor’s verbal command, Chief Minister Yang could not refuse, so the ministers finally found their leader.

The first topic for discussion was how to deal with the Tongji Association.

A cult had risen in the streets, and it was natural for the court to send someone to suppress it.

But whom to send became a problem.

The reason was simple. The Tongji Association claimed to be the Crown Prince’s organization in Jianghu. Now that the Crown Prince was imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court, they wanted to demand justice for him.

Emperor Guangxi hadn’t expressed his attitude to date, so could anyone directly say the Crown Prince was guilty?

No.

Since the Crown Prince might be innocent, the organization couldn’t be directly eradicated by force. Whoever was sent to suppress it had to have strong persuasive power, ideally to convince them to withdraw peacefully.

As for how to convict the Tongji Association, that would be decided after the Crown Prince’s charges were established.

Chief Minister Yang chose carefully and selected Song Wei.

Song Wei’s eloquence was notable; he had experience in suppressing bandits, making him more suitable than those old officials who only engaged in paper strategies in the Political Discussion Hall, as he understood better how to deal with external bandits and robbers.

As soon as Chief Minister Yang made his proposal, it received unanimous approval from the ministers.

Though Song Wei held a not insignificant official rank, in front of Chief Minister Yang, it was still inadequate. In such a time, he wasn’t in a position to refuse and could ultimately only nod in agreement.

This matter gave Wen Wan a premonition, and she was utterly opposed to Song Wei going, "It’s obvious Chief Minister Yang intends to use the Tongji Association to eliminate you. This journey is perilous, my husband, I don’t want you to go to your death."

Seeing the worried little face of his wife, Song Wei gently stroked it, saying solemnly: "The Emperor avoids court, the Empress is seriously ill, and the Crown Prince is already driven to a corner. In such times, I have only one path—fully commit; otherwise, I cannot save him."

With those words, Wen Wan’s eyes reddened, "But if you go, you will die."

A cold glimmer passed through Song Wei’s eyes, "Since the other party wants me dead, then I will die once, as they wish."