CHAPTER 1466: CHAPTER 1466: HOW TO WIN?

The Emperor changed his clothes, washed his face, and appeared energized after being dressed up by the palace maidens as he left Renshou Palace.

When he was assisted to the palace gates, he pushed everyone aside and walked by himself towards the dark mass of people kneeling together.

Against the sunlight, the crowd couldn’t see his face clearly, only felt a familiar figure standing there, making the ones who believed the Emperor was finished slightly change their expressions.

The Emperor stood before the gates of Renshou Palace and calmly said, "Dear ministers, I’ve heard you have urgent matters regarding the Empress Dowager to report to me?"

The Emperor had always been calm, speaking clearly and steadily, without haste or agitation; such composure is beyond ordinary people’s learning. With just this one sentence, everyone knew it was truly the Emperor who had come out.

But wasn’t he so ill he couldn’t get out of bed? Wasn’t he about to die? How did he manage to come out?

Everyone looked up to find the Emperor standing against the light, facing them.

Though his expression was unclear, they could see he stood firmly, without anyone supporting him.

This...

The crowd looked towards Minister Cheng, who pulled this matter forward.

Minister Cheng was not afraid because the Emperor hadn’t been managing affairs lately, and they had already made all necessary preparations, only waiting for the right moment.

Minister Cheng raised his hand and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, there’s drought in the north and floods in the south..."

The Emperor interrupted him, saying, "I know all about it, the documents have already been approved."

Minister Cheng paused for a moment and continued, "Then what about the bandits in Xining?"

"Those bandits are remnants of the defeated soldiers from Xining, these matters have been handed over to the Grand Tutor, there’s no need for you all to worry."

Cold sweat appeared on Minister Cheng’s forehead as he gritted his teeth, saying, "We... We ministers have recently heard about the strange death of the Protector of the State in prison. It is said that the deaths of hundreds from the Ducal Residence were wrongly accused, because the Emperor feared the Protector of the State overshadowing him and now public resentment is rising, everyone is waiting for the Emperor to offer an explanation."

The people before him were silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"An explanation? Do you intend to bring out the complaint document for everyone to see again? That is a matter for the Ministry of Justice. Well then, Lord Cheng will be responsible for suppressing these widespread rumors. Someone, pass on my edict to have the Vice Minister of Punishments fully collaborate... Minister Cheng!"

The Emperor’s actions left Minister Cheng speechless, and once he gathered his thoughts, the Emperor had already left, leaving behind a mysterious and unfathomable silhouette.

Is the Emperor ill or not? Or was he ill before and is now well?

Minister Cheng fell to the ground, the official nearby urgently said, "Minister Cheng, what do you think is actually going on with the Emperor?"

Minister Cheng turned his face towards the official, sighing softly, "Perhaps we were too hasty, maybe we should wait a little longer?"

Someone disagreed, saying, "Wait? What if we wait until the Emperor is well?"

"Exactly, I’ve received news that the Crown Prince is also about to return."

"Now is the perfect opportunity, I think the Emperor is just holding on, we should inform the Great General now, and seize the chance..." He made an inconceivable gesture.

Regicide?

It startled everyone.

The official eagerly slapped his thigh, saying, "Oh my, how should we act, everyone ought to give a conclusion. This dragging things out doesn’t seem right, don’t forget how the Crown Prince won his victory initially, was he indecisive like us?"

The Crown Prince swiftly and decisively killed, exiled the family, catching everyone off guard, winning that battle purely on speed.

The official’s words led everyone to make up their minds.