Chapter 100: One Wave Has Yet to Settle

The imperial physician’s face was filled with distress. Matters of life and death were beyond the control of a mere court doctor like himself, yet in this moment, he dared not object. He hurried to continue treating Zhao Huan; should anything untoward happen to the emperor, he would surely pay with his own life.

Li Gang finally arrived, having rushed anxiously to the palace upon hearing of the emperor’s attack. He was now consulting with the Empress Dowager.

“Your Majesty, I shall immediately order a thorough investigation. The culprits who assaulted His Majesty will be brought to justice,” Li Gang declared solemnly.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively, saying, “That is not urgent. The most pressing matter now is to stabilize the situation within the court.”

Li Gang was startled by her words and asked, “Your Majesty, may I inquire about the emperor’s current condition?”

“The emperor is unconscious. The imperial physician is tending to him now,” the Empress Dowager replied briefly, then turned to Li Gang, saying, “I require you to ensure that no unrest arises in the court before the emperor awakens.”

Upon hearing this, Li Gang quickly nodded in assent. “With me present, Your Majesty need not worry about court affairs.” He paused, his expression growing grave. “Your Majesty, the court is of lesser importance, but the matters within the palace are far more critical. I beg you to exercise caution.”

Li Gang’s meaning was clear—the realm ultimately belonged to the Zhao family. Even if someone in the court sought to stir trouble, they would need to collaborate with palace insiders; otherwise, they could not succeed. Under normal circumstances, it would not be so dire, but with the retired emperor still watching like a tiger eyeing its prey, no one could predict if the old monarch would seize this opportunity to reclaim power.

“Lord Li, with His Majesty unconscious, we are but women and do not understand palace affairs. What do you advise we should do?” Xi Ying interjected at this moment.

In truth, the Empress Dowager was at a loss herself but, being unable to ask Li Gang directly, Xi Ying’s inquiry was most timely.

Li Gang’s heart skipped a beat at her question, and he cautiously asked, “Your Highness, do you know when His Majesty might recover?”

Xi Ying glanced at the Empress Dowager, who nodded permission. Xi Ying then spoke softly, “Lord Li, you are the emperor’s most trusted minister. We will not hide the truth from you. His Majesty’s injuries are not grave, but he remains unconscious and will need time to regain clarity.”

The situation before them had grown delicate. Li Gang had initially thought Zhao Huan’s injuries were not severe, merely requiring rest. Now, it seemed the wounds were serious—could it be that the emperor would not survive this ordeal?

He dared not dwell on the thought. In truth, since Zhao Huan’s ascension, he had worked tirelessly; under his reign, the war between Song and Jin had at least halted its downward spiral. If Zhao Huan remained on the throne for decades, perhaps the Song could return to the glory of the Tang.

But if Zhao Huan were to die, what should Li Gang do? Should he advocate for Zhao Huan’s young son to ascend? That would be the ideal solution, but the challenge was immense, especially with the retired emperor still above them.

Li Gang needed to choose a side, and at present, Zhao Huan’s faction was clearly weaker.

Within moments, a torrent of thoughts flashed through Li Gang’s mind. He drew a deep breath and said, “A gentleman dies for the one who understands him. His Majesty has always been my benefactor. Now that he needs me, I will devote myself to his cause without reservation.”

Hearing this, Xi Ying exhaled a long breath. She had already prepared herself; if Li Gang refused, she would have to threaten him with his family’s safety, though she knew the outcome would be poor. Fortunately, that was unnecessary—Li Gang pledged his support.

“Your Majesty, the most urgent matter is to hasten His Majesty’s recovery. Additionally, we must formally declare Prince Zhao Chen as crown prince to the world. To prevent unrest within the palace, the Imperial Guards should be ordered to strengthen their vigilance,” Li Gang advised the Empress Dowager.

Before she could respond, a commotion erupted outside the hall, interrupting her. She frowned, and Xi Ying quickly said, “Mother, allow me to see what is happening.”

In the front hall, Zhao Yan was quarreling with Prince Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu said to Zhao Yan, “Sister, step aside. I’ve heard that our brother, the emperor, is ill. I am deeply concerned and wish to visit him. Why are you blocking my way?”

Zhao Yan’s eyes were swollen, making her look pitiable. Since returning to the palace, her tears had not ceased. She had accompanied Zhao Huan when he left the palace, and now that Zhao Huan was in this state, she was consumed by guilt. If she had not revealed her identity, perhaps none of this would have happened.

“The emperor brother is resting. No one is permitted to disturb him,” Zhao Yan said firmly, her face cold.

“What nonsense! You are his sister, and I am his brother. Why are you allowed to visit, but I am not? How absurd. Move aside.” With these words, Zhao Yu shoved Zhao Yan aside, attempting to force his way in.

Zhao Yan fell to the ground, disregarding the pain as she protested, “Brother, you are too cruel. I am here by the emperor’s command to guard this place. No one is allowed to enter.”

Zhao Yu showed no brotherly concern. He replied indifferently, “When His Majesty said that, he surely did not know I wished to see him. Even if he did, he would certainly permit it.”

Zhao Yan, incensed, replied, “I told you, the emperor brother forbids anyone from entering.”

“Nonsense. You said so? Who do you think you are? If His Majesty forbids entry, then let him issue an imperial decree,” Zhao Yu retorted coldly.

“No matter what, I will not let you in,” Zhao Yan said stubbornly, her lips pursed in determination.

“Hmph, will you move or not? If you don’t, don’t blame me for being harsh.” Zhao Yu’s face was unfriendly. “Do you even know your own status? You think being raised by the Empress Dowager makes you the emperor’s real sister? Let me tell you—you’re nothing but a low-born servant girl, the product of a fleeting night. Don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re a princess.”

His words struck Zhao Yan like a heavy blow, and tears streamed down her face. Her status was indeed awkward—she was the child of a moment’s indiscretion by Zhao Ji. But Zhao Huan had always doted on her, treating her as dearer than a true sister. Now, to be so humiliated by Zhao Yu, she nearly fainted from anger.