The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 987 - 224: The Eyeball Fell Out

Chapter 987: Chapter 224: The Eyeball Fell Out

Jinhua, the legitimate daughter of the Mansion Shilang of the Ministry of Rites, who, thanks to the double-cropping rice, had been granted the title of County Magistrate by the Emperor, was deeply loved by the Old Empress Dowager. When the Emperor went on his southern hunting expedition, she remained at the Old Empress Dowager’s side, serving her devotedly.

In Xiao Guangbi’s eyes, she was a resourceful and pure beauty, with an unfortunately poor background. Otherwise, he would have been able to replace his Princess with her right now.

"Seeing the Prince in such a good mood, I presume the matter has been handled," Jinhua said, turning around.

Dressed in plain white, embroidered with subtle orchid patterns, her black hair put up in a cloud-shaped bun, adorned only with two White Jade Hairpins, her skin like jade, delicate and beautiful features, her eyes lightly flashing a faint smile, she radiated an air of valor from within, graceful and distinguished.

Xiao Guangbi laughed heartily, "All thanks to the talent you helped me find!" He shared Mo Heng’s idea with her.

"The Prince should not rejoice too soon," Jinhua said indifferently.

Xiao Guangbi arched an eyebrow, "Are you worried about Prince Yong’an?"

Jinhua handed him the piece of paper she was holding.

Xiao Guangbi accepted it with confusion, finding it to be a medical prescription; he was even more puzzled.

"This is the medicine the Emperor uses," Jinhua informed him.

Xiao Guangbi was shaken, "Is Father seriously ill?" Yet none of them knew, nor could they see any signs.

Jinhua had also exerted a lot of effort to obtain this prescription. So much in this life had strayed from the original path. Because of Pei Qin, the Wa Ci had breached the borders, but unexpectedly, she had created the Thunder Cannon and mortar, becoming the Deity General that repelled the enemy forces. All his plans were now in disarray. The current situation was no longer under his complete control.

The Emperor’s serious illness was a matter of great significance to the entire court. Yet he concealed it from everyone, keeping it tightly under wraps, not letting anyone know. What was he planning? If he were to suddenly pass away, the only successor would be the Crown Prince. Even though he had been confined to the Eastern Palace, he was still the Crown Prince.

Xiao Guangbi’s expression darkened. He could not afford to follow Mo Heng’s advice to take his time. He had to speed up. Not only the Crown Prince but also Prince Yong’an and Prince Yongle were lying in wait, eyeing him covetously. He had to make his move! As soon as he had military power in his hands, he would strike immediately!

After a brief conversation, Xiao Guangbi hurried away to consult with his advisors about the next course of action.

Watching his departing figure, Jinhua’s eyes grew dark, and a murderous intent emerged, "Xiao Guangbi, your time is up."

Xiao Guangbi also doubted the authenticity of the prescription, but recently, the Imperial Hospital indeed summoned the Imperial Physicians quite frequently. After careful investigation, while expressing concern to Emperor Chu Wen, he also bribed Shi Rui, the Great Eunuch who served the Emperor closely. Many things unknown to others were within his grasp.

Emperor Chu Wen, already unwell, felt increasingly feeble with age, doubting he had much time left, perhaps unable to overcome this obstacle. If not for the Wa Ci breach or the southern hunt, his condition wouldn’t have worsened so much. He resented the chancellors who had proposed the hunt, relieved that two old schemers had either died or retired. Now, learning that the southern expedition might have been orchestrated by the Crown Prince, his anger and resentment amplified. If his reign as Emperor was over, certainly it would be the Crown Prince who ascended. No wonder he personally inspected troops reinforcements to Nanjing.

Just as Emperor Chu Wen considered deposing the Crown Prince, considering his own old age,

A message arrived from the Eastern Palace: the Crown Prince had been assassinated, the sword was poisoned, his entire arm invaded by the toxin.

A majority of the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Hospital were mobilized to save him. Although they saved the Crown Prince’s life, his arm had lost all sensation and couldn’t be lifted anymore.

An imperial edict was posted, seeking famous doctors and talented individuals from all over to treat the Crown Prince’s arm.

The entire Imperial Hospital said it was fortunate enough that the Crown Prince’s life was spared, for the poison contained cobra venom.

Among the chancellors, discussions began about deposing the Crown Prince. Not only did they accuse him of enriching himself at the expense of the state, but his disabled arm also precluded him from ascending the throne; no dynasty ever had a disabled Emperor.

News quickly spread to Daxing, where Pei Qin was busy refining gunpowder.

"The Crown Prince is disabled, and he has been under house arrest in the Eastern Palace. The chancellors are submitting memorials to depose the Crown Prince and replace the heir. There has never been a disabled Emperor," Zhang Gengshan relayed everything he had heard to her.

"Bullshit! There have been disabled Emperors all the same!" Pei Qin could list a bunch of them: the lame, the intellectually disabled, the one-eyed, and even the sterile. Those Princes still became Emperors. History is not the same, not the same at all; they just couldn’t understand it, she could only secretly delight in her heart.