At that shout, everyone present straightened, and even the four princes rose.
Palace attendants cleared the way ahead, followed by a file of armored soldiers. As the figure entered, the princes and ministers in the great hall all knelt to welcome him.
Su Ziji naturally knelt with them. Even after two years in the capital, he still disliked having to drop to his knees at every turn, but beneath another man's eaves, one had no choice but to bow one's head. Besides, he was a prince and the emperor's grandson, after all. The figure walking past was nominally his grandfather, so a grandson kneeling to his grandfather was reasonable enough.
Raising his head slightly, he could see that the figure who had already passed him was walking with a slight stagger.
After a single glance, Su Ziji lowered his head again and thought, It seems today's events dealt the emperor quite a blow. Even after taking a Lesser Restoration Elixir, he still lacks the strength?
It seems the emperor suffered a considerable loss of vitality this time.
For young people, great sorrow and great joy were no great matter, but for the elderly or the sick, they could often shave years off their lives. As Su Ziji pondered this, he saw Eunuch Zhao following close behind the emperor with small steps. Two eunuchs stood to either side, ready to obey any command, while the armored soldiers stationed themselves on both sides of the hall doors.
The emperor was breathing somewhat heavily. He sat down and steadied his breathing before looking down at the ministers and princes prostrate on the floor. "My beloved ministers, rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The princes and ministers thanked him for his grace before rising.
Su Ziji did not take his seat. Instead, as he rose,