Of course, the courtiers were not completely unaware of such a big commotion in the palace.
Starting at night, soldiers and horses roared past the streets from time to time, revealing an unusual atmosphere of tension. The ministers in the political hall felt something was wrong and tried to inquire about the news, but found that the palace door was locked.
If they still don't realize what's going on at this point, then they're sitting in court in vain.
After some discussion, the princes decided to move reinforcements and find a familiar commander of the Forbidden Army.
But they soon discovered that this road was blocked. All the thirteen guards of the Forbidden Army had been transferred out by Yan Cheng, and they had no idea where to look. Some people had an idea and went to the Duke of Chu's Mansion. Unexpectedly, the manor was empty except for the master.
Not here either.
At this time, their hearts were completely cold.
"The Duke of Chu has run away! He must have received the news in advance."
"East Palace, an hour ago, someone saw a large number of guards dispatched from the East Palace."
"Is it the prince? Why?"
The princes were puzzled. Emperor Mingde only had two sons. Although the King of Jin was powerful, none of the others had come back yet, and there was no trace of the legitimate son, so why did the prince do this?
Furthermore, no one with eyes can see how much His Majesty values the Prince. There is no reason at all!
"Is there a misunderstanding? Maybe the prince went to rescue the driver. Who knows why the Duke of Chu ran away?"
The princes were silent. Although King Jin has not returned yet, who doesn't know that Princess Jin has also been in charge of the army? She has always been in charge of the Forbidden Army.
But when it comes to what the King of Jin did, we have the same problem. The fight hasn't even started yet, so how come it has come to this point? Is it okay to go through the process of seizing the heir apparent?
Regardless of whether they think it through or not, it is a fact that there is something going on in the palace, so they still have to face a problem.
What will they do when the palace gate opens? What if His Majesty fails to hold on and the situation changes? Should they surrender or give in to the throne?
In my wild thoughts, time passed little by little. At Chou hour, the rain subsided a little, and the palace gate finally opened.
"Your Majesty has a decree for you all to come to see him." The eunuch who delivered the message was someone close to Emperor Mingde. This made the ministers very happy, and they gathered around and asked various questions.
"Father, is your Majesty okay?"
"Is everything okay in the palace?"
There was no joy on the eunuch's face and he sighed: "You will find out when you go."
These words made everyone worried again, and they braved the wind and rain and followed him into the inner court.
The lights in Zichen Palace were brightly lit, and the unusual solemn atmosphere made everyone realize what had happened before. Fortunately, there was no such extreme situation as corpses lying on the ground, which eased their emotions a little.
However, the sudden cry of pain made them tremble. Following the sound, they saw that the side palace was in chaos, with palace people carrying things in and out. From time to time, women's low voices and voices could be heard, and there were people on standby outside.
Imperial physician.
"What's going on?" they couldn't help but ask, "Who is injured?"
"That's not true," the eunuch replied calmly, "it's Princess Jin who is giving birth."
The ministers looked at each other with surprise and doubt on their faces. They knew that Princess Jin lived in the palace, but this was the Zichen Palace, and it was impossible to arrange the delivery room here, so...
Before they could think too much, the queen came out of the side hall.
"I have met your empress." All the princes saluted.
The Queen's expression was not very good, and she nodded: "My lords, Your Majesty is inside, please."
The faces of the ministers became subtle. I heard that His Majesty was ill a few days ago, but now he can't get out of bed?
They entered the bedroom quietly, and the palace attendant lifted up the bead curtain in front of the bed, allowing them to clearly see what was going on inside.
Fortunately, Emperor Mingde was awake, leaning on the bedside and drinking medicine, but his face was really ugly and his lips were blue, and he was not as heroic as before.
All the ministers bowed down and said, "See Your Majesty."
"Get up." Emperor Mingde waved his hand.
When they stood up, he raised his chin to the side, and the chamberlain told what happened tonight - erasing the part about his life experience.
This is really surprising, and some people can't help but wonder why the prince would do such a thing.
Emperor Mingde said calmly: "I suspected that he had done something wrong with the military supplies earlier. He thought I was going to destroy him." At this point, he became impatient and said, "I have a severe headache. I will keep this treacherous son in the front hall. I will follow-up."
How to deal with it will be decided by the Prime Minister."
The Queen wept and said: "Your Majesty drank that bowl of medicine, and it took the imperial doctor half an hour to save her. You must not work any more."
All the ministers were horrified. It was actually so serious. Your Majesty has been fighting for many years. His body has always been strong. If he didn't get treatment in time, wouldn't he even be dead?
The prince usually looks gentle and diligent, how could he do such a treasonous thing? Killing his father and killing the king is unforgivable!
The head chamberlain added: "Princess Jin noticed something strange and rushed to rescue her. Then she developed fetal distress and had to give birth on the spot. I hope that with the blessing of Bodhisattva, the little emperor will be born safely."
After saying this, the ministers had no doubts. Look at the appearance of the emperor and the empress, and then look at the situation of Princess Jin. If the prince really gets things done tonight, he will be blamed. Prince Jin is on his way back to the court.
I'm afraid I won't even be able to enter the capital.
Prince... I really can't tell.
After Emperor Mingde finished explaining the important matters, he waved his hand: "I am helpless, so I will leave the rest to you."
All the ministers bowed in response and bowed before leaving.
Before leaving, the Queen stopped the Prime Minister: "Your Majesty has already told him to go back to Tongyang to repair his ancestral tomb. You... don't humiliate him."
After talking about it, she shed tears again, and all the ministers felt sad.
After all, it was his own child who did such a thing and still showed mercy. Prince, alas...
However, tonight's ending is already the best result. If His Majesty is still there, the situation will not be unstable. Although the Crown Prince is deposed, there is still King Jin. If Princess Jin gives birth smoothly, the Yan family will have a new generation of heirs.
hope.
Perhaps God heard their prayers and a baby cried.
The queen stopped and Emperor Mingde looked up.
Under the gaze of many eyes, the door of the side hall opened, and Po Wen came out to announce the good news: "Give birth, the princess has given birth! It's a little grandson, mother and son are safe!"
With these words, Zichen Palace, which had been dull for a night, came to life again, the haze receded, and smiles returned to everyone's faces.
I don't know when, the night rain stopped, a glimmer of light appeared in the sky, and it was dawn.
"Let's call him Tianming." Emperor Mingde looked out the window and said, "The name is Qi."
Kai, Kai, the beginning of a day.
The ministers all understood what he meant, and no one raised any objection.
If the crown prince fails, the King of Jin will take the throne. There is no doubt about it.
Furthermore, Princess Jin came to the rescue even though she had such a big belly, which shows her loyalty and filial piety. The fact that the child was born safely is a symbol of good luck, so why not let the emperor prefer it?
"Congratulations to Your Majesty, the lin toe is auspicious."
"Congratulations to the empress, your children and grandchildren surround you."
"Congratulations, Princess, on the birth of your son."