Chapter 600
Chapter 600: The Emperor Awakens
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“Two days had pa.s.sed since the incident at the Fragrant Teahouse.
In the past two days, the commoners had never stopped denouncing the old prince for imprisoning innocent women. The scholars have also begun to criticize him.
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News of his crimes was pasted on the streets and alleys, implying that he could not be forgiven simply because of his status.
There were even people who secretly threw stones and feces into the old prince’s residence.
As long as they came out of his residence, regardless of whether they were masters or servants, they would become street rats that everyone hated.
If not for the fact that the n.o.ble families had the habit of storing food, everyone in his residence would have starved to death before the higher-ups could reach a verdict.
The old princess consort was already in poor health. Now, she collapsed and was in a precarious situation.
However, was she really innocent? After all, it was possible that she was not completely unaware of what happened within the Fragrant Teahouse.
The most innocent person was Princess Leyang’s in-laws. Because of this matter, they were targeted by the commoners. In the end, her in-laws could not take it anymore and could only send Princess Leyang, her son, and her daughter back to the old prince’s residence.
The old prince, who was locked up in the Clan Residence, became the safest one.
Of course, the premise was that Shangguan Pu didn’t want him to commit suicide at all times.
At the same time, there was a new dispute in the royal court because the emperor had been unconscious.
As the saying went, a country could not go without a ruler for a day. The emperor showed no signs of waking up. The ministers, who had originally wanted to wait for him to wake up and make a decision, could not sit still anymore.
They began to argue about who should supervise the country.
Among them, Shangguan Pu, also known as Lord Jing, naturally had the most supporters. Without a crown prince, he was the eldest son and the one who had the most contact with the government. More than half of the officials felt that he was the most suitable.
Next was Lord Rui, Shangguan Heng, who had just returned to the capital today.
Of course, there were also people who supported Shangguan Yu, but there were very few of them. After a few words, they were drowned out by the voices of the other two factions.
After fighting like this for two days, when no one was giving in, Eunuch Li suddenly appeared in the royal court.
“His Majesty is awake?” The ministers surrounded him like a swarm of bees.
Eunuch Li nodded. “Sirs, calm down. I’m here to pa.s.s on His Majesty’s verbal orders.”
The ministers had different expressions, but they fell silent.
As expected, as soon as Eunuch Li finished speaking, the responsibility of supervising the country fell on Lord Jing.
Eunuch Li was the emperor’s most trusted person. No one would suspect that he was lying.
As soon as he left, the ministers went forward to congratulate Shangguan Pu.
With the power of overseeing the country in his hands, was the position of Crown Prince still far away?
Shangguan Pu was flattered. After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, he said that he wanted to see the emperor left with Shangguan Yao.
The ministers could only disperse.
Shangguan Heng said that he was out of the capital on an errand, but he was actually having fun outside. If not for his grandfather, Count Xuan Ping, and Consort Shu urging him repeatedly, he would not have wanted to come back at all.
He heaved a sigh of relief when the role of Overseer fell on Lord Jing.
Seeing him like this, Shangguan Yu said in amus.e.m.e.nt, “You’re so obvious. Aren’t you afraid that the ministers who support you will be disappointed?”
On his behalf, they almost rolled up their sleeves and fought with others. However, he looked like he was avoiding them.
Shangguan Heng glanced at the minister walking behind him and rolled his eyes. “They’re just doing this for their own benefit.”
They did not even think about whether he was up to the task, let alone his wishes. Why did he care if they were disappointed or not?
It was all because he was kind that he did not jump out and undermine them. Wouldn’t he secretly be happy?
“You were born into an emperor’s family. Some things are not a matter of whether you want to or not.” Shangguan Yu said seriously, “You have to know that too many people’s lives are at stake.”
Shangguan Heng’s face turned bitter. “Second Brother, please spare me.”
Consort Shu and Count Xuan Ping had said these words to him hundreds of times, and he was tired of hearing it.
“Sometimes, I really envy Second Brother for not…” Shangguan Heng paused halfway and said awkwardly, “Second Brother, I don’t know how to speak. You didn’t hear anything.”
Shangguan Yu chuckled. “I’ll let you off this time.”
What was he envious of him for? Was he envious of his mother’s early death and the fact that he had no other family?
“Second Brother is the best.” Shangguan Heng scratched his head and thought for a moment before saying seriously, “Actually, I’ve already thought about it. If they really win, I’ll turn around and throw this matter of overseeing the country to you.”
“If…” He looked around. Seeing that there was no one around, he lowered his voice and continued, “If that position really falls to me, I’ll pa.s.s it to you. At that time, Second Brother, just protect me..”