Several ministers stared at Xiao Qing, stunned, at a loss for words.
Xiao Qing's words had undoubtedly overturned their existing understanding!
Princess Ningshuang had ascended the throne?
After a long pause, Gu Hong trembled and asked, "Then, what about the former Crown Prince..."
"Imperial brother contracted smallpox and caught a chill, passing away unexpectedly at the age of ten," Xiao Qing replied with a sorrowful expression.
Gu Hong and the others were dumbfounded again.
But they soon noticed Wang Canghai's calm demeanor, clearly already privy to the truth.
Xiao Qing then solemnly ordered Ding Wuyi to retrieve the three imperial decrees from the late Emperor and present them for reading.
"Minister Gu, Minister Mu, Minister Huang, you recognize the late Emperor's handwriting, don't you?" Xiao Qing asked.
Gu Hong, Mu Lingming, and Huang Xing repeatedly nodded, "The late Emperor's teachings still echo in our ears, let alone his handwriting, of course, we recognize it!"
The three men, leading the way in reading the decrees, were also astonished and speechless for a long time.
The first decree stated that Crown Prince Xiao Qing had fallen ill and died, but as the royal family had no other princes, and to maintain stability, it was decided to secretly withhold the announcement of his death. Princess Ningshuang would then act as Crown Prince Xiao Qing and be appointed as the heir apparent, to be publicly announced when the time was ripe.
The second decree designated Princess Ningshuang, Xiao Shuang, who had replaced Xiao Qing, as the heir apparent, to inherit the throne, and appointed four Grand Marshals to assist her with utmost diligence.
The third decree, having long foreseen the gravity of the situation, stipulated that if the identity were to be accidentally exposed, both this decree and the preceding two should be simultaneously declared to all officials and announced to the world, confirming the legitimacy of Xiao Shuang's imperial position and demanding that the officials and people of Great Gan support Xiao Shuang and refrain from rebellion.
"His Majesty suddenly informing us of this matter..."
Before Gu Hong could inquire, Xiao Qing began to experience morning sickness again.
The crowd watched, instantly comprehending, and glanced at Liang Xiao.
After recovering, Xiao Qing said, "Because I am with child by Minister Liang, but the matter of a female emperor should not be announced to the world for the time being. After all, the promotion of land reclamation and the repurchase of land, benefiting the people, has offended too many vested interest groups. While I am not afraid of losing the empire, the current turmoil will only cause suffering to the common people."
Gu Hong and the others felt a warmth in their hearts, gazing at Xiao Qing with deep respect.
It turned out it was all for the sake of the people.
The emperor before them, both in appearance and voice, was indeed the sovereign they knew.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Huang Xing exclaimed.
The others nodded, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
"Minister Liang is about to go to Yanzhou to train troops and support various regions. With the Prime Minister alone, this matter will be difficult to keep secret. I need the assistance of all you ministers," Xiao Qing stated calmly, yet with an undeniable authority.
The ministers understood, and each expressed their commitment: "We will undoubtedly fulfill our duties diligently and cooperate with Your Majesty!"
Xiao Qing finally looked satisfied and declared, "As long as all of you ministers remain loyal to me, I can guarantee that in the future, no matter the rise or fall of your families, each family will have at least one person holding an official position of rank four or above in the imperial court, even if it is merely an honorary title, and will be enfeoffed with two thousand households, with hereditary succession!"
Gu Hong was the first to pledge, "We are loyal to our sovereign, and we are willing to undergo talent selection, with the capable taking precedence. We no longer wish to be a noble clan, but merely a family, serving the nation and the people!"
The others also declared their loyalty with firm resolve.
Xiao Qing exchanged a glance with Liang Xiao and the others, his face full of relief.
"I will keep my word. This is future honor for your families, not a monopoly of positions. However, until I can safely announce this to the world, your families need to voluntarily accept supervision by the Shadow Guards. Do all of you understand my meaning?"
The ministers' hearts tightened, and they nodded in unison, "We understand. In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken! If any of us leaks this secret, Your Majesty may execute our entire clans!"
Seeing the ministers' unwavering loyalty, Xiao Qing finally felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and began to make arrangements...
From then on, a group of guards, disguised as Shadow Guards, were assigned to these families as overseers.
The next day at court, as the civil and military officials entered the hall, they found the dragon throne empty.
As they wondered, Xiao Qing, supported by Mu Xueqin and the imperial physician Yuan Jin, walked towards the dragon throne.
Upon seeing Xiao Qing's appearance, everyone was greatly shocked.
Several conspicuous rashes and patches had appeared on Xiao Qing's face!
"What has happened to His Majesty?!" Some ministers asked with concern on the spot.
Xiao Qing then covered his face and sighed, "I have accidentally contracted leprosy and require a period of recuperation, which will take anywhere from several months to three years."
As soon as these words were spoken, all the officials felt a chill down their spines.
Leprosy!
"Do not worry, esteemed officials, this old woman will surely be able to cure His Majesty," Mu Xueqin finally spoke.
"The Divine Physician!" Officials who had seen Mu Xueqin before exclaimed with joy.
"With the Divine Physician's intervention, His Majesty will be safe!" Gu Hong declared loudly.
The civil and military officials echoed his sentiment.
Xiao Qing waved his hand and sighed, "But you know how dangerous leprosy is. How dare I infect you all, considering your advanced age?"
The crowd below suddenly remembered that leprosy was a contagious disease and was startled. He Wanli and others instinctively took a step back.
Would they have to face an emperor with leprosy at every court session from now on...
Xiao Qing saw their reactions and chuckled inwardly, "There is no need for alarm. I have already devised a plan to temporarily cancel the daily court sessions. Firstly, to protect all of you esteemed ministers, and secondly, I also need to recuperate and am not fit to be seen."
Gu Shaoyan stepped forward, feigning ignorance, "Your Majesty, in this way, how should state affairs be handled..."
"I will review memorials daily between the deep palace and the imperial study. Officials of rank three and above will be received by me, led by the Prime Minister. Which ministers are willing to meet with me daily?"
Xiao Qing said, looking down at the assembled officials.
He Wanli, Dugu Qun, Ouyang Ping, and others turned ashen, swallowing hard, desperately hoping Xiao Qing wouldn't choose them.
This was a good opportunity to seize power, but it came with the risk of infection. Leprosy caused lifelong suffering, and disfigurement was the least of it...
The ministers who had been summoned by Xiao Qing earlier quickly stepped forward.
"We will undoubtedly fulfill our duties diligently!"
Lin Yan, the Minister of Justice, and the newly appointed Vice Minister of Justice, Gu Hai, hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to support them.
Xiao Qing smiled and said, "The affairs of the Ministry of Justice will be reviewed by the Prime Minister, and I will only be responsible for the final approval. We cannot let too many trusted officials bear the risk."
Lin Yan and Gu Hai's hearts were filled with mixed emotions, and they could only agree.
Dozens of officials, led by Dugu Qun and He Wanli, cupped their hands and praised, "Esteemed ministers, we are truly impressed!"
But in their hearts, they were gloating.
For the sake of more power, these individuals dared to risk infection. One wrong step, and they would be afflicted, potentially spreading it to their entire families upon returning home...
"Your Majesty, perhaps Vice Minister Mu and Vice Ministers Gu and Zhang are not necessary. I request to substitute for them, as I am also a Vice Minister of one of the Six Ministries..." the Vice Minister of Justice, Gu Hai, said nervously.
In his opinion, Gu Shaoyan, Mu Hong, and Zhang Yang were still young and were all recognized as talented advisors by Qin Feng. It would be a significant loss if they were to fall ill!
Facing his unwitting uncle, Gu Shaoyan seized the opportunity to say, "Our duties are crucial. How can we seek advantage and avoid peril at this time, thus failing His Majesty's grace!"
Zhang Yang and Mu Hong echoed his sentiments.
He Wanli and Dugu Qun were inwardly overjoyed, only praying in their hearts that more of these attention-seeking political rivals would perish.
Xiao Qing went along with the flow, sighing, "The three ministers are indeed pillars of the nation! I should indeed express my approval and bestow upon you further promotions!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Dugu Qun and others almost choked. Dugu Xiao and Ouyang Ping wore complex expressions, filled with anger.