Chapter 0239: Words End Here with Cao Qingran, Emperor Jian Who Wishes to Bestow a Marriage Decree
Xie Chengze looked at Cao Qingran, unsure what misunderstanding she was referring to.
He didn’t want to dwell on it either. His only concern now was Emperor Jian’s health, wanting to know the true nature of his illness and whether he was just trying to scare him.
Cao Qingran had no intention of elaborating. “I’ve said all I need to say. You should return now.”
Xie Chengze shook his head. “I told you, I’m waiting for Father to wake up.”
“When he wakes, I can send someone to fetch you.” Cao Qingran reached out to grab his arm, attempting to forcibly drag him away. “For now, you must leave.”
How could Cao Qingran not understand? Xie Chengze wanted to stay in the Hall of Mental Cultivation precisely to inquire about the whereabouts of the Imperial Jade Seal.
Regardless of whether its contents were genuine or not, any edict would become legitimate once stamped with the Imperial Jade Seal.
She would never allow that to happen.
Frowning, Xie Chengze tried to pull his sleeve back. Amid their struggle, a cough sounded from behind. Xie Chengze’s eyes lit up, and he quickly turned toward the bed. Sure enough, the cough had come from Emperor Jian.
“Father! You’re awake!”
With a forceful tug, Xie Chengze freed his arm and rushed to the bedside, grasping Emperor Jian’s outstretched hand. His eyes reddened slightly. “Father! What happened? Why did you suddenly fall so gravely ill?”
Weren’t you supposed to work hard to provide for the family and prepare delicacies and beauties for me?
What kind of effort is lying here unconscious?!
“Cough, cough… Don’t be afraid, Ze’er.” Beneath aged, wrinkled eyelids, Emperor Jian’s gaze remained tender. With effort, he raised his hand to pat Xie Chengze’s head, smiling weakly. “Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural order. Your father is old—isn’t it normal to fall ill?”
“Is this a normal illness?!” Xie Chengze grew agitated. “You coughed up blood! And you shouldn’t have—”
Shouldn’t have become this severely ill at this time.
The original book never mentioned such a thing.
So Xie Chengze couldn’t comprehend what had gone wrong.
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Emperor Jian coughed a few more times, as if trying to expel his lungs, his gaze momentarily dazed. Noticing Cao Qingran behind Xie Chengze, he seemed about to say something but ultimately held back. Stroking Xie Chengze’s hand, he said, “Your father doesn’t have much time left. Go summon Shen Yuan. I have words for him.”
Xie Chengze hesitated briefly before rising and dashing toward the door. “Wuji, go bring Shen Yuan here!”
Cao Qingran looked down at the ailing Emperor Jian on the bed, her expression inscrutable. “Are you preparing to issue the edict?”
“Are you afraid?” Emperor Jian patted his chest to catch his breath. “Afraid I will pass the throne to Ze’er?”
Cao Qingran let out a light scoff. “Why should I fear? Even if you make him emperor, could he hold onto the position?”
Everyone in the inner palace knew he wasn’t of royal blood.
And even with Wuhen and Wuji by his side, they couldn’t withstand thousands of troops.
Emperor Jian looked at her deeply. “Ze’er has never desired the throne.”
Cao Qingran’s posture stiffened slightly.
It had always been the Second Prince who wanted the throne, not Xie Chengze.
Yet, there were those who wished to see Xie Chengze become emperor.
Cao Qingran didn’t care about Xie Chengze’s reputation among the common people, nor did she care whether he was truly fit to be emperor. She only wanted Xie Jinyu to ascend the throne smoothly. Once Xie Jinyu was firmly established, she would be free.
She wanted to see the snow in Liaozhou.
…
Shen Yuan hurried to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, exchanged a glance with Xie Chengze, and approached Emperor Jian.
Emperor Jian looked at Cao Qingran and Xie Chengze, “You may leave now.”
Cao Qingran slightly furrowed her brows, her gaze shifting between Emperor Jian and Shen Yuan. She wanted to stay, but Emperor Jian still commanded a troop of Imperial Guards who obeyed only the emperor’s orders. If she forced her presence, Emperor Jian might deploy this military force.
Cao Qingran did not wish to provoke armed conflict at this moment, especially since the Imperial Guards served the emperor alone. She still hoped these guards would someday pledge allegiance to Xie Jinyu.
After a moment of hesitation, Cao Qingran ultimately chose to withdraw.
As she had stated, she wasn’t afraid Emperor Jian would choose Xie Chengze either.
After the doors of the Hall of Mental Cultivation closed, Shen Yuan knelt down. “Your Majesty.”
Leaning against his pillow, Emperor Jian didn’t permit Shen Yuan to rise. His gaze was profound as he studied him. “You’ve witnessed the Empress’s actions. They have greatly angered me. I never expected she would commit such treason, attempting to confine me in this Hall of Mental Cultivation.”
Shen Yuan lowered his eyes. “The Prince Regent’s reputation has soared recently. The Empress’s concerns are understandable. Even the ministers are deeply worried. Perhaps Your Majesty should issue an imperial decree soon to reassure the officials.”
Emperor Jian let out a soft scoff. “But I intend to have Ze’er ascend the throne.”
“Absolutely not!” Shen Yuan immediately responded, clasping his hands solemnly. “The Prince Regent possesses no political cunning. If he were to ascend, the court would become unstable, and the Prince Regent himself would face mortal danger!”
Seeing how quickly Shen Yuan answered, Emperor Jian’s eyes flickered. “Minister Shen excels in statecraft. You could assist Ze’er.”
Shen Yuan shook his head. “No plan is foolproof. I cannot remain by the Prince Regent’s side forever. The Cao family and other ministers will not spare him. For the Prince Regent’s safety, I implore Your Majesty to abandon this intention!”
Having spoken, Shen Yuan prostrated himself, his forehead striking the ground firmly.
He knew Emperor Jian was testing him.
How could he not understand what Emperor Jian truly cared about? The emperor only wanted the Crown Prince to inherit the throne, only wanted Xie Chengze to live a long and carefree life.
Therefore, he must not reveal even a hint of desire to support Xie Chengze’s ascension.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation remained silent for a long time before Emperor Jian finally spoke. “Very well, let it be so.”
He waved his hand. “Come closer. I shall tell you the location of the Imperial Jade Seal. After my passing, I hope Minister Shen will properly assist the Crown Prince…”
After a pause, he added, “Should I write another imperial decree for your marriage arrangement?”
Shen Yuan’s heart tightened, thinking Emperor Jian wanted to control him through an arranged marriage. Just as he prepared to refuse, he heard Emperor Jian continue, “That child Ze’er is emotionally obtuse. Who knows how long it will take for him to understand his feelings? I could arrange your marriage with him…”
Shen Yuan abruptly looked up, clearly not expecting the proposed marriage partner to be Xie Chengze.
But the young man cherished freedom, always disliked being forced, and held no romantic feelings for him. How could he use a marriage contract to bind his entire life?
Shen Yuan too had selfish desires—he wished to remain by Xie Chengze’s side forever, to uphold justice and protect the nation together. But Xie Chengze had said he wanted to travel through Jian’an’s mountains and rivers after Xie Jinyu ascended the throne. Of course Shen Yuan wanted to accompany him, but he had important duties to fulfill—he needed to help Xie Jinyu secure his reign.
Only when Xie Jinyu firmly held the throne could Jian’an enjoy peace.
He and Xie Chengze were destined never to walk side by side forever.
Nor could he bear to see the young man sacrifice himself for him.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great favor, but this humble subject…” Shen Yuan clenched his hands, his voice hoarse as he said, “is unworthy to remain by Your Highness’s side.”
“Oh.” Emperor Jian responded indifferently, “I am informing you, not asking you.”
Shen Yuan: …
Shen Yuan: ???