The Emperor Made His Move (Part Two)
"So, that's my child?" Upon receiving the answer from Illusionary Nether King, Zhuge Xiang was completely stunned.
Although Zhuge Xiang had a feeling that the child in Wu Zhao's womb should be his after his visit to the King Fenghe's Mansion and learning that there was no relationship between Wu Zhao and Li Zhi, he had never been able to confirm it.
But now, having received confirmation from Illusionary Nether King that the child in Wu Zhao's womb was his, Zhuge Xiang was at a loss for how to face the situation.
Although he had experienced ten years of married life in the Illusionary Realm, Zhuge Xiang had no idea about children. Suddenly, he had a child, Zhuge Xiang really didn't know how to face it. He just felt as if he had an extra burden on his shoulders.
Having no experience whatsoever, Zhuge Xiang even felt like he was still a child himself. Could he possibly be a qualified father?
Having never experienced fatherly love himself, could he possibly give his child fatherly love? Thinking about this, Zhuge Xiang even felt a sense of helplessness and fear.
"Excuse me, Zhuge Consecrated here?" After Die Wu and Illusionary Nether King left one after another, Zhuge Xiang was still immersed in the news of his child when suddenly, another voice rang out outside the Courtyard. It was a sharp voice, obviously another Eunuch, but it could not possibly be Eunuch Lin.
"Zhuge Consecrated, I have been ordered by His Your Majesty to deliver two 5,000-year-old Ginseng, one 3,000-year-old Snow Lotus, and one Healing Pill prepared by the Imperial Physician. I hope that Zhuge Consecrated illness soon..."
After Zhuge Xiang welcomed the people in, a new Eunuch, accompanied by several Imperial Palace attendants, presented Zhuge Xiang with some rare medicinal herbs: 5,000-year-old Ginseng and 3,000-year-old Snow Lotus, each a rare and exceptional herb.
"Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty," Zhuge Xiang said, struggling to sit up from the bed as he looked at the rare medicinal herbs laid out before him. At the same time, he instructed Mo Lingna to take the gifts bestowed by the emperor.
"In addition, I also have a copy of His Your Majesty's Imperial Edict here. Please read and open it yourself." After Zhuge Xiang had put away all the medicinal herbs and Healing Pill, the Eunuch solemnly took out a golden letter and presented it to Zhuge Xiang with both hands.
Zhuge Xiang also solemnly accepted the Imperial Edict with both hands and carefully put it away.
"I have completed the matters Your Majesty instructed, so I will not disturb your rest any longer..." Having finished his business, the Eunuch had no intention of staying. After bidding farewell, he left the Hall of Honored Guests with a few attendants.
After the Eunuch left, Zhuge Xiang opened the emperor's Imperial Edict. The Imperial Edict was quite simple: the first half was a greeting to Zhuge Xiang, the middle half was a verbal expression of dissatisfaction with the Human Heart of King Fenghe, intended to win over Zhuge Xiang, and finally, it told Zhuge Xiang he could attend the Morning Court session three days later, once he had recovered from his injuries.
"Deliberation on politics?" This last sentence was the most meaningful part of the Imperial Edict, causing Zhuge Xiang to frown slightly.
I am merely a servant in the Hall of Honored Guests. Although I enjoy honor, I hold no official position and would never participate in court affairs or political discussions. Yet the Emperor has actually asked me to participate in these discussions?
Although Zhuge Xiang was secretly surprised, since it was an imperial Imperial Edict personally issued by the emperor, Zhuge Xiang naturally would not be absent. The Pill prepared by the Imperial Physician was indeed remarkably effective. Combined with Zhuge Xiang's own Pill Refining Technique, three days were enough for Zhuge Xiang to recover from his injuries, and his more than 30,000 HP were quickly replenished.
Three days later, just as dawn was breaking in the east, Zhuge Xiang was already standing at the entrance of the Imperial Palace Council Hall. One by one, the civil and Civil and Military Officials entered and took their places. Upon hearing of Zhuge Xiang's appearance, these Civil and Military Officials discussed amongst themselves.
Although many had heard of Zhuge Xiang, the official in charge of the palace, very few had actually seen him. Most of the Civil and Military Officials were speculating about Zhuge Xiang's identity.
You must understand that this Council Hall is where everyone discusses matters of national importance, affecting tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of subjects. It is the central hub of the entire dynasty, and not just anyone is qualified to stand here.
"Zhuge Consecrated, you look quite well..." Fortunately, someone recognized Zhuge Xiang. Niu Dali, Three Great Imperial Preceptors, was the first to arrive at the hall and greeted Zhuge Xiang, saying, "Although I have heard about Zhuge Consecrated and wished to visit him, I have been extremely busy these past few days. Please forgive me."
Niu Dali, with his cheerful and straightforward personality, spoke without a doubt. Zhuge Xiang smiled and greeted him, saying, "Imperial Preceptor Niu, you are too kind. Your kindness is enough. I am fortunate to have received Your Majesty's grace in bestowing upon me Pill, which allowed me to recover so quickly."
"Hmph, that King Fenghe's Mansion is truly all-powerful. Not only did they steal your love, but they even dared to try to kill you. They are so arrogant. If Zhuge Consecrated wants to deal with them, I will certainly not stand idly by," Niu Dali said with righteous indignation. His words made all the civil and military officials turn their heads.
Originally, upon hearing Niu Dali call out Zhuge Xiang's name, the entire court realized that this young man was none other than Zhuge Xiang, the courtier who had recently caused such a stir and gained such fame in Chang'an City.
However, upon hearing Niu Dali's words, these people immediately turned their heads away, pretending not to hear, and refrained from making any further comments.
Ultimately, King Fenghe is a prince, a direct descendant of the Imperial Clan family. How could he dare to speak recklessly in court? Even if he harbored resentment, no one would dare to utter a word. Yet this Niu Dali showed no regard whatsoever, even going so far as to boast that he was willing to take action against King Fenghe? Wasn't he afraid of the prince's retaliation?
"I appreciate the Imperial Preceptor's kindness, and I am deeply grateful..." Upon hearing Niu Dali dare to utter such words in the Great Hall, Zhuge Xiang was secretly startled, but he remained expressionless and spoke gratefully, while pondering to himself.
Others might think that Niu Dali is reckless by nature, so much so that he doesn't have many considerations and speaks recklessly, but Zhuge Xiang doesn't think so.
Even Zombie, once they reach the level of Zombie King, possess their own intelligence. As Niu Dali, how could Niu Demon Monster be lacking in intelligence? Even if it's a bull-type Demon Monster, once it reaches the level of Demon Monster, it can't be stupid. Niu Dali couldn't possibly be unaware of the consequences of making such remarks in the Great Hall.
But even so, how dare he speak out in the Great Hall? Could it be that he knows some inside information? Or perhaps he knows His Your Majesty's thoughts and plans to propose a decision on dealing with King Fenghe during today's court meeting? Otherwise, how could he dare to make such remarks in the Great Hall?
"Hmph..." Zhuge Xiang's mind raced, many thoughts flashing through his mind, while Niu Dali, with his bull-like eyes, glanced at the civil and military officials, seeing them all sitting upright, seemingly oblivious and protecting themselves, and let out a soft, cold snort.
These guys are really good at the ways of officialdom, but in Niu Dali's opinion, they're a bit too slick, which isn't a good thing.
"Your Majesty has arrived!" At that moment, a shrill, duck-like voice rang out, silencing the entire Great Hall. Then, the emperor entered the Great Hall.
The golden Dragon Robe, trimmed with noble Purple-Gold and gold patterns, depicted a dragon and a tiger. It did not exude any particularly powerful aura, but it gave people an imposing presence that made them afraid to look directly at him. The emperor's physical stature was not particularly tall, but when he entered the Great Hall, he gave the impression of a giant, making people look up to him in awe.
Like a beast king surveying his territory, the emperor walked directly across the Great Hall. Civil and Military Officials bowed their heads to greet him as he ascended the steps, making his height seem infinitely magnified. Finally, he stopped beside the Imperial Throne, turned and sat down, his voice calm, yet seemingly ringing clearly in everyone's ears. "Rise, my beloved ministers."
After the emperor and his ministers exchanged greetings, the ministers, one by one, presented their prepared memorials to the emperor and began to discuss important matters concerning the Great Tang Dynasty, requesting the emperor's decision.
All sorts of important matters, such as farmland, construction, industry and agriculture, trade, and the army, required the emperor's personal decision. This Morning Court session lasted for a full two hours before gradually coming to an end.
"Alright, my esteemed ministers, is there anything else?" After all the matters requiring immediate decision-making had been dealt with, the emperor finally spoke, glancing around at the Civil and Military Officials below.
"Very well, since all my ministers have nothing more to report, I have something I need to discuss with you all," the emperor said, seeing that none of the civil and Civil and Military Officials in the Great Hall had anything to report.
"We are all ears..." Upon hearing the emperor's words, the Civil and Military Officials replied in unison. Although the emperor said he had something to discuss with them, everyone knew that this was the emperor, and he had something to announce.
"A few days ago, I believe many of my ministers received invitations from the King Fenghe's Mansion's residence regarding the Wedding between Offering Wu Zhao, and Li Zhi, the son of the King Fenghe," the Emperor said calmly, seated on his Imperial Throne.
Upon hearing this, Civil and Military Officials and military officials were secretly startled. Recalling what had happened to Zhuge Xiang at the King Fenghe's Mansion a few days ago, they finally understood why Zhuge Consecrated was present in the Council Hall today. It seemed to be related to what His Your Majesty was about to announce. (To be continued...)
P. S.: I'll update another chapter after 11 PM tonight, making up for yesterday's update, as usual~