The figure in the distance slowly approached, and Eunuch Shu had his usual exaggerated fake smile on his face. However, for today's ministers, they had never been so happy to see Shu Liang at this time.
Unlike Huai En, Shu Liang's loyalty to the emperor has been verified countless times. Everyone in the court knew that this Dongchang Dajuan was a mad dog that only the emperor could restrain.
In fact, these days, a large part of the reason why people in the government and the public are in panic is because Shu Liang has disappeared inexplicably. Some people have gone to Dongchang to inquire. However, the relationship between Dongchang and the courtiers is not good, and even more so
What's more, when it comes to Shu Liang's whereabouts, Dongchang can't give a clear answer quickly and clearly, so everyone who comes to the door has been turned away. This situation has aroused more and more doubts among the courtiers...
The emperor is ill, no ministers are seen, Shu Liang disappears inexplicably, the emperor frequently enters the palace, and there is only Huai En, a high eunuch, delivering orders inside and outside the palace... It would be really strange if these signs do not cause rumors to spread.
.
And now, Shu Liang's appearance here at least proves one thing, that is, Shu Liang's personal freedom is not restricted. Then, it can be further speculated that nothing major happened in the palace. After all, if something really happened
If something happened, then Shu Liang must have taken action immediately, and this master is a character who is really not afraid of anyone. Now he can still leave the palace as usual, so it should be nothing serious.
.
Of course, those who had the same idea were Yu Qian and others at the forefront. However, this matter was closely related and they did not dare to let go of their doubts based on just guessing. Therefore, after seeing clearly that the person coming was Shu Liang, several people
They looked at each other and quickly stepped forward to greet them.
"I have met all of you adults..."
Shu Liang's expression was calm, as if nothing had happened, and he greeted everyone present with a smile.
Afterwards, Yu Qian and others were busy returning gifts. After straightening up, Yu Qian couldn't wait to ask.
"Eunuch Shu, how is your Majesty doing? Are you willing to summon us?"
Compared with his strong tone just now, Yu Qian's tone at this time was more worried.
The appearance of Shu Liang can at least prove that nothing happened in the palace. In other words, there is a high probability that Huai En did not falsely pass on the oracle.
This news did make people feel relieved, but at the same time, it also caused them to worry.
If it is said that the oral instructions refusing to meet the ministers these days are true, then what does this mean?
You know, it is impossible for the emperor not to know that he is ill in bed and does not see his ministers, which will cause all kinds of rumors in the government and the public.
Under this situation, the emperor still didn't see his ministers, so maybe... he was so ill that he really couldn't see his ministers?
With this thought, not only Yu Qian, but also other ministers could not help but feel a wave of deep worry in their eyes.
Facing the worries of the ministers, Shu Liang stood upright and said.
"It's not appropriate for us to say more about this issue. Don't you gentlemen want to see your Majesty? We are here to deliver a message. Your Majesty has spoken and summoned a few people to come to the palace to see you. You will know what is going on in the palace now. You will know after entering.
."
As soon as these words came out, a lot of doubts in the minds of the ministers below were dispelled. No matter what, if they could see the emperor, all their doubts would naturally be solved.
Therefore, several important ministers present, including Yu Qian, Yu Shiyue, Wang Wen, and several cabinet ministers such as Zhang Min, Xiao Yan, Sun Yuanzhen, etc., followed Shu Liang into the palace gate.
On the way, everyone looked at each other and seemed hesitant to speak. Finally, Zhang Min, who was now the most familiar with the palace, asked.
"Eunuch Shu, before that it was Eunuch Huaien who came to deliver the message, why this time..."
After confirming that nothing happened in the palace, although everyone was still worried about the emperor's physical condition, since he had been summoned, it meant that the emperor was still sane. If this was the case, then there was no need for everyone to behave like they had just done at the palace gate.
They were just as anxious as before, so of course they began to consider what impact their actions outside the palace would have.
And the first thing to bear the brunt is...
"Your Majesty originally asked Eunuch Huai to come. However, Eunuch Huai said that he had sent orders many times before, but you all refused to believe them. If he came to summon you again, I'm afraid it would make you feel uneasy. Therefore, I specifically ask your majesty to send you the order.
Come out of our house."
really……
Everyone looked at each other and saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.
Just outside the palace gate, although it could not be called a conflict, their persuasive attitude was undoubtedly revealed. Under this situation, Wynn, who was the subject of questioning, would definitely have a grudge, but... alas, the matter is over.
At this point, we can only slowly repair the relationship in the future.
After a moment of silence, Wang Wen on the side asked again.
"These days, it is rare for Eunuch Shu to appear in the capital. Eunuch Shu is also not seen in the East Factory. It is indeed a rare thing."
What was different from the past was that this time Shu Liang knew everything. When he heard Wang Wen's words, he immediately understood the other party's question, so he spoke.
"Lord Lao Tianguan is worried. Your Majesty has been ill these days, and Eunuch Huai'en is too busy. Therefore, Your Majesty summoned our family to the palace to attend to his illness. Therefore, our family has been serving in front of the emperor these days, and we have not gone out much."
I see……
After Shu Liang's explanation, another mystery in everyone's mind was solved, and the only thing left was the emperor's condition.
So, they did not continue to ask questions, but followed Shu Liang all the way to the outside of Qianqing Palace.
After leading the ministers to the corridor, Shu Liang bowed his hands and left them waiting here while he went in to report.
Everyone stood outside the hall, looking at the closed door, and looked around, all looking thoughtful.
The security of Qianqing Palace was much stronger, but it was still in good order. No matter the guards or palace people on duty, their appearance was not special, which showed that everything in the palace was indeed as usual.
After a while, the small side door on the side was opened, and Shu Liang walked out, cupping his hands.
"My lords, please follow me."
So, everyone followed Shu Liang in from the side door, but they were not led into the main hall as before. Instead, they walked all the way inside, passed through multiple doors, and arrived at the emperor's living room.
Standing outside the door, Shu Liang bowed and spoke carefully.
"Your Majesty, your lords have arrived."
"come in……"
A voice came from the door, mixed with a few coughs. It was not as energetic as usual and seemed very soft.
So, the two palace men opened the door from the inside. Yu Qian and others looked at each other, and then, with a slight bow, they walked in carefully according to the order of official positions.
Qianqing Palace is the emperor's palace, but after His Majesty ascended the throne, he sometimes summons ministers here. Therefore, for the ministers present, it is not their first time to come to Qianqing Palace, but even for daily political discussions, they At most it's in the front hall.
But now, what they entered was the emperor's daily living and sleeping place. This place, even in their capacity, had basically never set foot in it.
The room was not big. There was a stove in the middle, which kept the whole room warm. The window next to it was slightly opened a small gap, but even so, there was still a slight bitter medicinal smell in the room.
Looking forward, there are two small tables next to the innermost bed. There is still half a bowl of medicinal soup left on them. They have obviously just finished drinking it. Leaning on the couch is a young man wearing only middle clothes. No. The other person was His Majesty the Emperor whom they had not seen for more than half a month.
"I will bow to Your Majesty and wish you His Majesty's greetings."
Everyone stepped forward and arrived a few steps away from the emperor's bed. They did not dare to show any slightest care. They immediately knelt down to salute and spoke one after another.
"Sit down...ahem..."
The emperor leaned on the thick soft quilt, his face a little pale, and when he saw the ministers below, a smile appeared on his face and he said.
"I have been bedridden these days, and I have entrusted all the government affairs to you gentlemen. Thank you for your hard work."
"I don't dare."
Standing up, when everyone heard these words, they did not dare to show any confidence. Wang Wen cupped his hands and said.
"Your Majesty's holy body is the foundation of the country. Since you have a minor illness, you should rest and rest. As officials of the imperial court, you should fulfill your duties loyally and dare not mention hard work."
Zhu Qiyu looked at Wang Wen who was obviously relieved, but he didn't say much, but turned his head to focus on Yu Qian and said.
"Yu Shaobao is back. It's been a hard trip. I originally wanted to summon you when I feel better, but I never thought that my condition would relapse, so I had to summon you here."
"I am frightened. I am discourteous and have disturbed His Majesty's recovery. Please forgive me."
Like Wang Wen, when he saw that the emperor was safe and sound, Yu Qian also put down his worries, raised his hands and said.
After hearing this, Zhu Qiyu nodded, but he didn't say anything more and just said.
"Huaien came to report just now. He said that Yu Shaobao came here to report the surrender of all the people. Can you give a detailed report?"
Ah, this, as soon as these words came out, the ministers present were immediately embarrassed.
Even if they were not really involved in what happened today, they had more or less guessed it by now. Yu Qian most likely rushed over non-stop as soon as he entered the capital. Under such circumstances, how could he have any time? Write a detailed memorial?
However, they soon became a little confused. You know, the emperor has always been considerate of his subordinates, how could he suddenly be like this?
So, after thinking for a while, many people couldn't help but look at Wynn, who was standing next to the emperor with an expressionless face...
Although they already had speculations in their minds, they couldn't say much in this situation. After all, this was the reason for entering the palace this time. If they denied it at this time, they would undoubtedly be slapping themselves in the face. However,
Yu Qian's side...
Everyone felt a little guilty for a moment, but what they didn't expect was that when the emperor asked, Yu Qian actually took out a memorial from his sleeve, handed it over, and then said.
"Your Majesty, this was written on the way back to the capital. There are many details in it. Please Rong Chen write it down in another copy later."
Seeing this situation, the ministers present were relieved. It has to be said that although Yu Qian is stubborn, it does not mean that he is reckless. Come to think of it, he had prepared this memorial in advance to prepare for emergencies. No wonder he is like this
It was so straightforward this time.
Everyone had different thoughts. A chamberlain had already sent the memorial to the emperor. Zhu Qiyu took the memorial, opened it and looked at it briefly, then closed it and put it on the table next to him, saying.
"This errand was done very well. I'll leave the memorial here. I'll look back at it later."
Normally, as soon as such words come out, everyone below should retire. In fact, they don't want to stay here any longer. For them, as long as they are sure that there is nothing going on in the palace, that's fine. As for the rest,
, it doesn’t matter.
However, what they didn't expect was that the emperor had no intention of letting them leave. Instead, he pondered for a moment and spoke.
"I can't pay attention to things these days. There must be a lot of rumors in the government and the public, right?"
Well……
Hearing the emperor's plain voice, everyone felt embarrassed. Some things didn't seem to matter when they were tacitly understood, but once the window paper was punctured, they felt it was hard to say anything.
This is the case now. Although the emperor is telling the truth, the emperor can say these words, but they cannot accept them. They cannot be allowed to say, Your Majesty, you are right. You have not seen the ministers these days. Everyone is guessing that you are
It's not that he's seriously ill. This doesn't sound like a good thing, so naturally no one dares to say it.
After looking at each other for a while, Wang Wen finally stepped forward and said.
"Back to Your Majesty, Your Majesty said that he was a little tired during the morning court. After returning to the palace, he did not see the foreign ministers. In the past few days, everyone in the government and the public has been worried about the Holy Eucharist. We hope that Your Majesty can recover as soon as possible."
The words were spoken more tactfully, but I did not deny the meaning...
Zhu Qiyu glanced at Wang Wen, but did not embarrass him, but continued.
"I know that you are loyal to the country. However, since you have not visited the court these days, the cabinet must have a backlog of government affairs, right?"
Since we are talking about the cabinet, it is obviously inappropriate for Wang Wen to answer again, so Zhang Min stepped forward and spoke.
"Back to Your Majesty, there are indeed some government affairs that have not been dealt with. However, please rest assured, Your Majesty, they are not urgent matters, nor are they many, and they will not affect the normal operation of the court."
This is true, but it is also mixed with some lies. After all, the emperor has been ill for less than half a month, so the backlog of government affairs is not particularly large, and there is indeed no urgent matter. However, if you want to say no
It affects the operation of the imperial court in a somewhat comforting manner.
Even if it is not an urgent matter, if it is piled there and not dealt with, it will definitely have an impact. The only difference is the impact...
However, his words obviously could not deceive Zhu Qiyu. He quickly understood the real situation, or in other words, he had always known this situation, so he pondered for a moment and said something to let
Something no one thought of.
"I have been ill for a long time, and I don't know when I will recover and return to the court. Although the prince is kind, virtuous and intelligent, he is still young, and the government has many affairs, so he cannot stay for a long time. You might as well ask the emperor to return to the palace and supervise the country on my behalf. What do you think?"
