PNB Chapter 448 The situation had already been reversed.
Chapter 448 The situation had already been reversed.
The unexpected turn of events at the palace banquet, like a silent snowstorm, spread quietly yet rapidly throughout the capital.
Although Lu Jiangnian did not enter the palace, he received the news immediately.
In the candlelight, his handsome face flickered between light and shadow.
"The Crown Prince's counterattack was indeed precise and ruthless."
His voice was calm, without much emotion, as if he were talking about something insignificant.
Yuan Wanru sat in a chair by the window and looked back at him: "Didn't you expect this all along?"
Lu Jiangnian walked to her side, hugged her, and then sat down.
The night was cool and still, and the pale moonlight bathed the courtyard.
He held her close, his gaze fixed on the solitary bright moon hanging in the sky: "The Crown Prince probably never imagined that the Emperor would be so angry that he would vomit blood and faint on the spot."
The moonlight illuminated Yuan Wanru's clear eyes: "It seems to be the effect of that medicine."
The Emperor has been using the Soul-Soothing Incense for some time now, and it is said that he and Lady Zhaohua are in "great interest" and are quite enthusiastic about "nightly revelry".
I'm not young anymore, and this kind of consumption has accelerated the rate at which I'm depleted.
As a result, the emperor's body was already just an empty shell.
He looks healthy on the surface, but he's already rotten inside.
"It's all thanks to my wife's strategic planning."
"Tonight's unexpected spectacle has caused the Emperor to be so shocked and enraged that his emotions have erupted too violently, and his body will surely not be able to withstand it."
Yuan Wanru relaxed and leaned against him, feeling his heartbeat and warmth. It was late at night, and the wind was a bit chilly, but his embrace was quite warm.
"So, the timing of the Crown Prince's attack at this time was... a lucky accident."
Lu Jiangnian chuckled softly, gently resting his chin on the top of her head.
“I’ve known him for many years, and I’ve always known that he’s not the kind of person who lets others bully him.”
"Your Majesty has misjudged him. Does he really think the Crown Prince would obediently hand over all the resources he has accumulated over the years?"
"Murong Jun's skills are nothing compared to his, he's not even worthy of carrying Murong Jun's shoes."
After a moment of silence, Lu Jiangnian's voice deepened, carrying a hint of solemnity.
"My lady, I'm afraid things won't be peaceful in the capital. To ensure everything goes smoothly, I've already advised the Crown Prince to make plans as soon as possible."
"I suspect he might secretly summon Father back to the capital."
Yuan Wanru suddenly sat up from his embrace, turned around, and met his gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly: "Are you worried about a palace coup?"
"Have to guard against it."
Lu Jiangnian nodded, his eyes sharp. "In the past few months, His Majesty has used various pretexts to remove many officials from their positions, especially the Fifth Prince's faction. Their influence in and around the capital is now not to be underestimated."
"The Crown Prince's move caught them completely off guard, but the Emperor ultimately hasn't..."
His expression was very cold and stern: "The Fifth Prince will not be willing to surrender, and besides, the Third Prince may not let go of the opportunity to fish in troubled waters."
"The more chaotic the situation, the better the chances of winning; anyone can fight back with all their might."
"Therefore, in such situations, only absolute power can ensure absolute safety."
After hearing this, Yuan Wanru understood the gravity of the situation.
"But the Crown Prince's summons is ultimately illegitimate and questionable. Will it implicate Father?"
Unable to see the emperor's complexion or take his pulse, she never had a precise understanding of the extent to which the Soul-Condensing Incense had affected the emperor's health.
"What if he can hold on longer?"
"Wouldn't the Crown Prince be accused of 'forging an imperial edict' and 'unauthorized mobilization of troops'? If the Emperor finds out, he won't let him off the hook."
Lu Jiangnian looked at her quietly for a while, then smiled happily.
Yuan Wanru was puzzled. They were talking about serious matters, so why was he laughing?
"What are you laughing at?"
She always felt that he was mocking her a little.
Lu Jiangnian raised his hand, with a mixture of doting and helplessness, and gently tapped the tip of her nose: "My wife is usually so clever, but she can be so confused sometimes."
Or rather, sometimes, the wife still retains a touch of naiveté.
Yuan Wanru retorted, "How could I have made a mistake?"
Lu Jiangnian's smile vanished, his eyes turning sharp: "What do you think?"
His voice was deep and slow, "With His Highness the Crown Prince's shrewdness and composure, would he make such a mistake?"
Lu Jiangnian cast his gaze out the window at the deep night: "The situation is no longer one where the one on the dragon throne has the final say. The tide has turned tonight."
"With the Emperor fainting, his unusual physical condition will surely become apparent."
"His Majesty is in very poor health now, his body is frail and he may pass away at any time. Those who serve him will probably be scrambling to find a way out for themselves."
"At this critical juncture, with the Fifth Prince in such a predicament and the Crown Prince being the rightful heir apparent, isn't it obvious who the next emperor will be?"
He looked at Yuan Wanru with affection, "I'm afraid that right now, all the servants serving the emperor are trying their best to curry favor with the future emperor."
"If the Crown Prince wants to usurp the Emperor's power, it won't be difficult."
"Therefore, the charges you are worried about could never fall on the Crown Prince's head."
Anyone in the court with a modicum of insight could see the winds of change, so why would anyone court death by opposing the Crown Prince?
Even worse, if the emperor hesitates to believe it, some people might kneel and beg the crown prince to oversee the country and exercise the emperor's power on his behalf.
Yuan Wanru understood instantly.
She was indeed deluded.
She was never a politician, and her understanding of some things was not as profound as Lu Jiangnian's.
An old emperor on his deathbed, nearing the end of his life, and a new crown prince about to rule the world...
There's no need to choose at all!
Even if the emperor wakes up, it will probably be too late to save the situation.
Another point is that the Fifth Prince's shocking scandal has not only caused him to lose face, but also disgraced the Mohe envoys. It's a terrible situation.
Apart from those die-hard loyalists who are stuck on the wrong path, who among the court officials would want to see such a living disgrace ascend the throne?
"The Crown Prince is truly something else. He doesn't make a move unless he's absolutely sure of it, but once he does, he crushes the Fifth Prince to death."
Yuan Wanru sighed softly, her tone carrying a complex mix of emotions.
Then, her curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but ask Lu Jiangnian, "Do you know why that Consort Liu is willing to take such a big risk?"
Seven months pregnant, and risking her reputation—that's incredibly daring.
Lu Jiangnian shook his head this time, a hint of helplessness on his face: "The Crown Prince is very secretive, he can't possibly tell me everything."
"My wife, I cannot answer your question this time."
That's true, how could the Crown Prince possibly explain everything to Lu Jiangnian?
She didn't dwell on the issue: "It's better not to know. In fact, sometimes knowing too many secrets isn't a good thing."