Chapter 1772: Chapter 1710: Strangeness

Ah Jiu concealed the emotions in his eyes and began discussing matters within the court, including the issue of succession.

"Those ministers are pestering you?" Emperor Yan squinted his eyes.

Ah Jiu replied, "This time, with you falling into a coma, it has unsettled the court greatly. After all, the Crown Prince has not been established, and it’s understandable they’re worried."

A hint of coldness appeared in Emperor Yan’s eyes as he said, "Rather than saying they are worried, it would be more accurate to say they’re impatient. I’m only forty this year."

The court’s ministers, with their complex and intertwined backgrounds, naturally fight fiercely for personal gain and family honor.

Ah Jiu remained silent.

"Who has the highest support?" Emperor Yan asked again.

"Mingyuan is the eldest son, which gives him precedence, and his birth mother is the foremost of the four concubines. Mingdong is also formidable; he is known for his virtue and benevolence among scholars, and his birth mother is a virtuous concubine. These two have the highest support and are contending fiercely. As for Mingzhong, his birth mother has passed, leaving him with little support, nearly none," Ah Jiu mentioned three of Emperor Yan’s four sons, as the youngest is only three years old.

Emperor Yan said, "They have yet to come of age; discussing the establishment of a Crown Prince is premature. For now, I have it in mind."

Upon hearing this, Ah Jiu said no more, knowing he had conveyed the message; whether or not the decision is made is not up to him.

After exchanging a few more words, he exited, intending to pay respects at Cining Palace.

Emperor Yan, listening, slightly pressed his thin lips together and said, "Royal Mother is getting on in years. She was greatly alarmed during the recent assassination attempt; do not disturb her for too long. Better to let her rest more, as filial piety is not limited to a single moment."

Ah Jiu felt a sinking in his heart, a spark of fire igniting within his chest, yet his face revealed nothing. He smiled and said, "Understood. I truly am not as considerate towards Royal Mother as my Imperial Brother."

"Indeed," Emperor Yan smirked, pointing at him, "I see you’ve forgotten your mother since you got a wife."

Ah Jiu chuckled twice, bowed, turned, and as he walked out of the grand hall, his expression turned serious, still feeling Emperor Yan’s gaze prickling his back like needles.

"It’s Prince Jin, isn’t it?"

Facing him was Empress Song, wearing a Phoenix Robe and adorned with a Phoenix Hairpin, exuding grace and nobility. She smiled at Ah Jiu and said, "Did you just finish discussing state affairs with His Majesty?"

Ah Jiu bowed: "Imperial Sister-in-law," then straightened up and said, "Imperial Brother is inside reviewing memorials to the throne, so I won’t disturb you, Imperial Sister-in-law."

"It’s not much of a disturbance; your Imperial Brother’s health is just improving, so I brought some supplements for him." Empress Song moved aside, revealing an attendant holding a food box behind her. She looked up at him and asked, "Ninth Imperial Brother, you seem in low spirits. Did you quarrel with His Majesty?"

Ah Jiu was startled, shook his head: "Why would you say that, Imperial Sister-in-law? There’s nothing of the sort, just some matters in my heart."

"It’s best if that’s the case. You brothers, both being the Empress Dowager’s favorites and most important people, mustn’t let feelings grow distant. Otherwise, who knows how sad Royal Mother would be," Empress Song said with a gentle smile.

Hearing this, Ah Jiu felt a slight unease, carefully observing Empress Song, and seeing her expression gentle and graceful, he said, "I understand, I take my leave."

Empress Song gave a slight curtsy, watching Ah Jiu turn to leave, her eyes flickering with faint light until he disappeared from view, then instructed someone to report.

Meanwhile, after she entered, Ah Jiu re-emerged from the corner, glanced at the hall door, and felt a slight suspicion—could it be that he was being overly paranoid?

He turned, touched a hard object in the purse at his waist, thought of Emperor Yan’s words, pressed his lips together, and changed direction.

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