Chapter Five, the palace tower is closed

Cao Chun'ang smiled and said: "The timing is just right; I had just finalized the title, and shortly after the official document was read, he woke up."

Cao Chun'ang said: "I was just about to ask my godfather for guidance! The Cabinet's decision on the fixed quota cannot be changed. Since the insignia has already been issued, I must request that the talent die once more."

He murmured, "Is the cabinet checking before waking or after waking?"

Sun Taiqing has been taking care of Prince Rong since childhood, and he is probably the only one among the eunuchs who is wholeheartedly loyal to the prince. But where is he now? Perhaps he has already drifted to some corner of Taiye Pool

Upon hearing this, Consort Shao was taken aback, "What do you mean by that? Does the Empress intend to emulate Empress Lu? It is a pity that Lu Zhi had a son, while Empress Zhao has no children; what does she have to compare with me?" As she spoke, she scrutinized him, and suddenly smiled, "I originally thought that someone like you could be easily bought off with some wealth and power, but it seems I underestimated you. Indeed, your relationship with the Empress is unmatched by others. I have heard that you walk in the Empress's palace as if it were an uninhabited realm. Other eunuchs seek out their meals, and among the palace maids, they pick and choose, perhaps managing to get close to a few consorts. You are indeed different from those servants; you have leaped directly onto the Empress's embroidered bed, what great power you possess!"

He has always been confident; as long as it is something he has promised, there is nothing he cannot accomplish. The queen nodded in satisfaction, then lowered her eyes to scrutinize Prince Rong, her gaze complex, as if she were assessing a stray puppy. After all, this child still has some value, she forced a smile at him, took his hand, and slowly led him forward.

He tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Mourning? The noble consort truly has deep feelings for the late Emperor." As he spoke, he circled around the shadow wall

Chengqian Palace is a two-courtyard structure, historically serving as the sleeping quarters for imperial concubines, with high architectural standards. The roof is adorned with yellow glazed tiles and features dragon and phoenix motifs beneath the eaves. This palace is distinct from other sleeping quarters, particularly renowned for its pear blossoms, and it is likely that one cannot find another place in the entire Forbidden City that can rival it.

Xiao Duo's expression did not change much. He stood up and said: "The Emperor has passed away, and the Empress is in deep sorrow; I am aware of this. However, my own humiliation is of little consequence, yet the reputation of Her Majesty the Empress cannot be tarnished lightly"

He disdainfully brushed his hands and smiled at Yan Sunlang: "Now the number of heavenly maidens is just right, and there is no need to worry about how to deal with the one who has come back to life. The noble consort has a heart full of loyalty, fearing that the great Emperor's journey to immortality would be lonely, and insists on accompanying him to serve the master. This sentiment and devotion are truly admirable! Arrange for someone to dress the consort and prepare her for the final rites, and tomorrow we will send the coffin into the Hall of Respectful Care, fulfilling the noble consort's last wish, and that will be the end of it." He glanced again at the palace maids and eunuchs who were already terrified, sighed with infinite melancholy, "Since they have seen it, we cannot leave any witnesses alive. Send them all down to serve the noble consort!"

This year, the rain has fallen for too long, causing the flowering period to be delayed. He stood under the tree for a while, observing the numerous flower buds on the branches. If it warms up for another three to five days, they should all bloom! It would be good if they bloom; the overly rigid palace will have a gentle embellishment, preventing it from appearing desolate

Prince Rong bit his lip and pondered for a moment, "I have a great companion, Sun Taiqing will accompany me"

Prince Rong blinked his large eyes at him and said, "I want to find my mother."

He gave her a smile and said, "In response to Your Highness, everything has been arranged according to Your Highness's instructions."

"It is indeed a blessing to have such a great fate." He turned his head and asked, "So what does the cabinet plan to do about this now?"

Yan Sunlang should say, "The imperial concubine is crying and making a fuss, insisting on going to the Jinshen Hall to wear the mourning attire of the late Emperor."

A country cannot be without a ruler for even a day. The late emperor did not leave behind a will, so whoever becomes emperor must still engage in careful deliberation. He is an internal supervisor, and while he handles major state affairs, at such a time, he must prioritize the late emperor's funeral arrangements. The mourning, bathing, meals, burial, and the procession must all be meticulously organized by him. As for the chaos that ensues, he is too indifferent to manage it; it will ultimately be either Prince Rong or Prince Fu. Prince Rong is still young and is no match for Prince Fu; let alone becoming emperor, it would be fortunate for him to preserve his own life. As for the chaos that ensues, he is too indifferent to manage it; it will ultimately be either Prince Rong or Prince Fu. Prince Rong is still young and is no match for Prince Fu; let alone becoming emperor, it would be fortunate for him to preserve his own life. As for Prince Fu, he is the late emperor's brother, who day and night yearns for the throne, harboring considerable ambition but limited capability. Given that Prince Fu once showed him kindness, assisting him to ascend to the throne is not surprising. Regardless of who ascends to the throne, his position will remain unshaken. The roots of the Eastern Depot have long been deeply embedded in the lifeblood of Daye; those who 'sit on the throne' cannot be separated from him, the one who 'establishes the emperor.' Regardless of who ascends to the throne, his position will remain unshaken. The roots of the Eastern Depot have long been deeply embedded in the lifeblood of Daye; those who 'sit on the throne' cannot be separated from him, the one who 'establishes the emperor.'

He walked over, half-squatting to bow to him, "Your Highness, please allow me to lead you into the Kun Ning Palace, the Empress is waiting for you."

Whose orders do you serve? The Empress commands you to restrict my movements; on what basis does she do so? In the past, she relied on her status as Empress, but now, who is afraid of whom?" Lady Shao puffed out her chest, looking disdainfully at the powerful official before her. "Xiao Changchen, I have always regarded you as a wise person, but I did not expect your cleverness to lead you to your own downfall. His Royal Highness, the Prince Rong, is my son, yet you stand with the Empress, clearly disregarding me. I advise you to see the current situation clearly and lend me your support; it will be beneficial for you in the future. If you take advantage of this chaos to bully us, the orphaned and widowed, once His Highness ascends to the throne, this account will surely be settled with you!"

She only vented her frustrations, and Xiao Duo quietly waited for her to finish before responding, "I am acting on orders, and I ask for your forgiveness, Your Highness."

"Can you hear me?" He lowered his head to look at him. This child had just lost his father and mother, and was indeed quite pitiable. He softened his voice a little, "Your Highness, will you be afraid living alone in the Yangxin Palace in the future?"

Her half-threatening words had no effect on Xiao Duo at all; perhaps a softer approach would allow her to leave more smoothly, but that was unnecessary and only led Xiao Duo to completely underestimate her. Shao Guifei's intelligence is not remarkable among women; all her thoughts are focused on the Emperor, and she fails to gather support when the time and circumstances are right, believing that a mere edict grants her control over the world. The fence is tightly built, preventing wild dogs from getting in. But does she have anyone to support her? Shao Guifei's intelligence is not remarkable among women; all her thoughts are focused on the Emperor, and she fails to gather support when the time and circumstances are right, believing that a mere edict grants her control over the world. The fence is tightly built, preventing wild dogs from getting in. But does she have anyone to support her? Fighting a tiger with a single fist, even if she were given an imperial throne, it would still require the command of the Prince of Rong to sit upon it.

Xiao Duo held his hand as they walked out of the Chengqian Gate, the red walls reflecting two figures, one tall and one short, creating a harmonious scene. He said: "Tomorrow will be the last time we meet. If Your Highness has anything to say to the Emperor, you must go to the Grand Ancestral Hall and pay homage to the deities."

As he entered the gate, Cao Chun'ang came over to greet him and said softly, "Godfather, that talented lady has awakened."

He left a remark and then walked out, leaving the subsequent matters to be handled by the Jinyiwei and the Si Li Jian. However, he felt a bit uncomfortable about getting his hands dirty, so he casually wiped them on the fragrant cloud silk robe. When he turned his gaze, he saw Prince Rong standing under the flowering tree at the end of the corridor. The only bloodline of the late Emperor, not yet six years old this year, was dressed in deep mourning, with a face that was innocent and unaware.

Xiao Duo said, "The noble consort is getting ready, let us first pass through Kun Ning Palace, and later we will go to Jin Shen Hall to guard the spirit, the noble consort will arrive soon"

Yan Sunlang, who was standing nearby, was almost about to throw a fit. Shao Guifei was tired of the situation; as a woman residing in the palace, she had no opportunity to witness his prowess, but she must have heard of it! Such an open and aboveboard act made him uncomfortable, it seems that another coffin needs to be prepared.

As expected, Xiao Duo's usually amiable face turned gloomy. The triumphant expression on Concubine Shao's face had not yet faded when he suddenly reached out and grasped her neck. With a crack, it sounded like breaking a reed, and the beauty's sharp tongue was finally silenced forever. He released his grip, and the concubine collapsed softly to the ground, lying on her back, her eyes wide open, still filled with an incredulous panic.

If Sun Daban cannot accompany Your Highness? A strand of soft hair slipped out from beneath the small hairpin, and he used his little finger to tuck it back in. What should Your Highness do?

To be called an emperor is truly a grave accusation that cuts deep! He also admires the one who came up with that name; the censors indeed have sharp tongues, their intentions are not good, but their words are quite vivid. He removed the prayer beads from his wrist and walked along the corridor towards the Qinan Hall, pondering as he walked that once the affairs in the palace were settled, it would be time to deal with those who had impeached him. With a new emperor in place, it was even more necessary to make a strong start, so that the sycophants in the court could see that the Eastern Depot still shone brightly in the midday sun.

The queen was already waiting, only waiting for Prince Rong to arrive before leading the crowd in mourning. Upon seeing him enter, she quietly asked, "How did the matter go?"

He adjusted his appearance and stepped over the threshold, each step producing a sound like breaking ice. Looking down, he saw a blue and white porcelain plum vase shattered into pieces, with shards scattering from the floor lamp all the way to the front of the hall door. By the side of the golden silk curtain stood a person, dressed plainly, with red-rimmed eyes from crying. Taking a few steps forward, she questioned sharply: "The Emperor has passed away, why am I not allowed to see him even once? With the head of the household gone, there is no law left; how dare you confine me!"

In the Hall of Restraint, a tent was set up, and the sound of the sutras floated here with the wind. He led Prince Rong through the Jinghe Gate

He stepped onto the platform with a dragging sound, and after just two steps, he heard the noise of Shao Guifei smashing the decorations, along with her sharp voice, "Call Xiao Duo here!"

As he strolled to the front of the Chengqian Palace, the guards of the Jinyiwei stood outside the palace gate, clad in their flying fish attire, with spring knives embroidered at their waists, standing like nails on either side. Upon seeing him approach, they clasped their waists and offered a salute. Yan Sunlang, who had been wandering on the steps outside the main hall, hurriedly came forward with a dust brush to greet him.

Can Father Emperor hear it?

Imperial Concubine Shao mocked and ridiculed, naturally feeling pleased within herself, while those nearby broke into a cold sweat. Some matters are best left unsaid; her barrage of veiled insults and sharp remarks makes it easy to foresee the outcome that will follow.

Prince Rong pondered for a moment and nodded. He was afraid of falling, needing someone to hold him wherever he went. Upon seeing the slender fingers of Xiao Duo beneath the sleeves of his pipa, he instinctively reached out. He had a pair of warm hands, unbeknownst to Prince Rong, that had just strangled his mother. He felt at ease, always safe within the palace. Because of his father, the emperor, everyone had to bow and kneel respectfully before him. He looked up at the man's face and asked, "Xiao Changchen, they say my father has passed away, what does it mean to pass away?" Because of his father, the emperor, everyone had to bow and kneel respectfully before him. He looked up at the man's face and asked, "Xiao Changchen, they say my father has passed away, what does it mean to pass away?"

He glanced at the palace gate and could faintly hear the scolding and crying of Consort Shao, "Are you not going to calm down?"

He was too lazy to look at her, walked to a clean spot, and sat down on the throne. He stroked the Buddhist beads on his wrist and lowered his eyelashes, saying: "Your Highness, I dare not accept such words. With the passing of the Great Emperor, the defense of the palace is of utmost importance. As I receive the court's salary, I naturally must fulfill my duties well. As for the matter of His Royal Highness the Prince of Rong ascending the throne, I advise Your Highness to speak less of it... Previously, Lady Qi composed a poem titled 'Spring Song', which not only failed to bring her a son to save her but also led to the death of Prince Zhao Ru Yi." As for the matter of His Royal Highness the Prince of Rong ascending the throne, I advise Your Highness to speak less of it... Previously, Lady Qi composed a poem titled 'Spring Song', which not only failed to bring her a son to save her but also led to the death of Prince Zhao Ru Yi.

Heading south, one can see the sky filled with white banners in the distance, indicating that the funeral arrangements are underway. Those guarding both inside and outside the palace are all his people, and it is time to attend to serious matters.

Then I will no longer reside in the Yangxin Hall; I will go to find my mother and stay in her palace.

She coldly interrupted him, "A despicable servant, singing high praises to me! The Empress wishes to rely on you, to treat you as an esteemed guest, but I do not regard you at all! To be serious, you served in my palace for two months; what were you then? When you broke a bowl of soup, with just a glance from me, you crawled on the ground like a dog to lick it clean! So this is what a servant is; the moment the Emperor passed away, you came to restrict my actions. You have gone too far!" When you broke a bowl of soup, with just a glance from me, you crawled on the ground like a dog to lick it clean! So this is what a servant is; the moment the Emperor passed away, you came to restrict my actions. You have gone too far!

A gust of wind blew by, and the branches of the peach trees within the palace walls leaned out, their leaves rustling above his head. Xiao Duo was lost in thought, murmuring: "In this way... it is also good."