novel-bin Chapter 238 The Death of the Emperor
Chapter 238 The Death of the Emperor
When Xiao Xuantang saw Li Ziyan and others coming out, Su Tianang also happened to come out and said, "Your Highness, the King of Qin, His Majesty invites you to enter the palace."
After Xiao Xuantang entered the imperial study, he knelt down and saluted: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you, Father!"
Xiao Xuanjing nodded to signal him to stand up and speak, and then asked, "I heard that you have agreed to marry Miss Yuan. Is that true? Is it Miss Yuan Xinghui?"
Xiao Xuantang nodded and responded: "Reporting to the emperor, it is Xing Hui. This son has been fond of her for a long time, and this girl is the only one in this son's heart."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xuanjing's face lit up with joy, and he said repeatedly, "That's great! Since you have made up your minds, there is no need to wait until next month to get married. I have specially selected an auspicious day for you. The 28th of this month is a very auspicious day for you to get married. Xinghui is a really good child, and our Xiao family must prepare the betrothal gift carefully." After saying this, Xiao Xuanjing suddenly coughed lightly a few times.
Seeing this, Xiao Xuantang hurried forward and asked with concern: "Father, are you okay?"
Xiao Xuanjing waved his hand, indicating that it was no big deal, and then continued: "It's okay. As for the betrothal gifts, my father has already made arrangements. Why don't we go and propose tomorrow? What do you think?"
Hearing this, Xiao Xuantang's eyes flashed with excitement, and he kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness, father! I am grateful to you!"
After Xiao Xuanjing watched Xiao Xuantang leave, he suddenly started coughing violently again. He covered his mouth tightly with his hands, but when he removed his hands, he found that they were covered with blood.
At this moment, Empress Ci'an happened to walk into the room and saw this shocking scene. She was horrified and immediately ran to the emperor and asked anxiously, "Your Majesty! What's wrong with you?"
When Xiao Xuanjing saw the queen coming, he hurriedly washed his hands and tried to hide his illness. He said calmly, "It's nothing serious, just some old illnesses. Don't worry too much. By the way, is Qi'er asleep?"
The Queen nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. Qi'er has fallen asleep peacefully."
Then, the Queen suggested with concern: "Your Majesty, why not let Wen Yuanzheng take a look at this matter. Perhaps he can find a better treatment."
However, Xiao Xuanjing waved his hand to refuse. He comforted the queen and said, "It's okay. It's just an old problem. There's no need to be too nervous. I believe it will get better in a few days." Although his tone seemed relaxed, the queen could still feel the seriousness of the matter from his pale face and weak physical condition.
-
Not long after Li Ziyan returned to Pingliang, Zhao Junning also returned with him, but Xu Zhiwan still stayed in Jingzhou. The reason was to guard against possible changes or unexpected situations.
The Yuan residence was filled with joy. Yuan Xinghui was trying on her gorgeous wedding dress and asked Zhao Junning beside her with great joy, "Junning, do you think this looks good?" Zhao Junning smiled and nodded repeatedly, "Our Xinghui is naturally beautiful. No matter what she wears, she will be as beautiful as a fairy!"
Yuan Xinghui blushed upon hearing this, and Zhao Junning handed her an exquisite box. Yuan Xinghui curiously took it and opened the lid, only to see an exquisite phoenix veil embroidered with a Pisces pattern in gold thread. She asked in surprise, "What is this...?"
Zhao Junning explained, "According to custom, the bride's veil should be embroidered by the female elders of her family. But my aunt passed away too early, so as your good sister who grew up with you, I wanted to complete this task for you. Originally, my mother should have embroidered it for you, but unfortunately only half of it was embroidered... Oh, let's not talk about these sad things. Anyway, our Xing Hui must deserve the best of everything."
Yuan Xinghui was deeply moved. She gently picked up the veil, carefully looked at the exquisite embroidery on it, then hugged Zhao Junning tightly and thanked her sincerely: "Junning, thank you so much!" This deep friendship brought the two people closer together.
Zhao Junning smiled slightly and said softly: "With the relationship between us, do I need to say thank you? In my heart, you are not just my good sister, but more like my own sister! So, as a younger sister, when I see my sister getting married, I will definitely stand up and support you without hesitation!" Her tone was firm and sincere, which made people feel the deep friendship between them.
-
The wedding ceremony was just over. Red silk was hung high in the Qin Palace, firecrackers rang out, and guests entered the palace one after another. The time had come. Xiao Xuantang held Yuan Xinghui's hand and bowed to their parents together. Xiao Xuanjing was happy to see this.
After the wedding, the guests dispersed and the Qin Palace was decorated with lanterns. On the wedding night, Xiao Xuantang looked at Yuan Xinghui in front of him and said, "Xinghui, do you know that marrying you is the happiest thing for me. I will only treat you well and love you alone in this life."
Yuan Xinghui blocked Xiao Xuantang's mouth and said, "Don't say anything yet. I will just watch from now on."
The newlyweds were in love with each other, and their love was so sweet that it seemed as if they could squeeze out honey. However, not long after this happy event, a tragedy quietly struck.
In the heavily guarded palace, in the Taicheng Hall, a group of princes and princesses gathered closely together. The imperial doctors hurried in and out, taking turns to diagnose the patient in bed. The queen sat beside the bed with a serious expression, anxiously asking, "What's the situation?"
A doctor looked sad and bowed his head and replied, "Your Majesty, please accept my condolences."
Empress Ci'an's face changed drastically, and she said in disbelief: "This is impossible! Where is the Academy of Literature? Hurry up and ask him to come over and take a look!"
Wen Yongxing rushed over upon hearing the news. After carefully checking the patient's pulse, he knelt on the ground helplessly and said in a heavy voice, "My queen, please accept my condolences..."
At this moment, many officials outside the palace were waiting quietly, feeling heavy-hearted. Xiao Xuanjing looked at Su Tianang standing aside and said in a deep voice, "Go and invite Xu Gong here."
Not long after, Xu Gong followed Su Tianang into the hall. Xiao Xuanjing nodded slightly, and Xu Gong took out an imperial edict and read it aloud: "I am seriously ill and have reached a state where no medicine can cure me.
Life and death are determined by fate, this is the law of nature. But the imperial cause is difficult, the people live in hardship, and I am no longer able to govern the country. The prince is still young, has good character, is filial and friendly, and is deeply loved by the people. He is indeed a person who can take on great responsibilities. I hope that he can be diligent in governing the country and care for the people in the future. My dear ministers should also work together to assist the new monarch. "
After hearing this edict, Xiao Zhengshu, who had been lowering his head, suddenly raised his head and stared at Xiao Zhengchu. His eyes were filled with endless resentment and unwillingness, as if he could not accept this result.
At 3:30 in the afternoon, the funeral bells rang three times, white banners were hung, and officials wore white clothes. Since then, Emperor Yong'an passed away and the country's name was changed to Xuanping.