"Not possible for the moment!" the Emperor refused.
Imperial Physician Li looked regretful. "Understood, Your Majesty. This minister obeys the decree."
The Emperor waved his hand, not wanting Imperial Physician Li to continue his chatter.
Imperial Physician Li bowed. "This minister will take his leave now. Your Majesty, please rest more."
After Imperial Physician Li left, the Emperor signaled Eunuch Li to bring him the memorials for review.
Eunuch Li bent his waist. "Your Majesty, would you like to rest for a day? Review them tomorrow?"
The Emperor’s face showed displeasure.
"Xiao Lizi, you are growing bolder by the day!"
"What? Do you intend to defy my decree?"
Eunuch Li’s legs went weak, and he knelt down, prostrating himself on the ground.
"Your Majesty, spare my life! This servant dares not!"
The Emperor looked exasperated. "Enough, bring me the memorials!"
Eunuch Li scrambled to his feet and hurried over to bring the memorials from the dragon desk to the Emperor.
The Emperor opened the first memorial and began to review it.
Eunuch Li prepared the brush and inkstone, setting everything in order.
After finishing these tasks, Eunuch Li stood with his hands at his sides, waiting.
Whether it was because he had slept well the previous night, the Emperor’s efficiency that day was exceptionally high.
He quickly finished reviewing all the memorials.
"Xiao Lizi, immediately distribute these memorials!"
Eunuch Li acknowledged the order, picked up the memorials, and walked out.
News that the Emperor had awakened quickly spread throughout the palace.
Imperial consorts immediately flooded the Taiji Palace, all requesting an audience with the Emperor.
Eunuch Li dared not make a decision on his own. He entered the Taiji Hall to report to the Emperor.
The Emperor was lying on the bed, reading a book, enjoying the rare leisure time to indulge in some light reading.
When he heard Eunuch Li’s report, his interest instantly vanished.
He closed the book and waved his hand at Eunuch Li.
Eunuch Li understood and walked out.
"His Majesty has said, please return, all ladies."
"His Majesty has received your kind intentions."
"However, His Majesty’s health is still very weak, and he needs quiet rest."
The concubines all showed disappointed expressions.
In the end, they had no choice but to leave.
However, soon a rumor began circulating in the palace:
The Emperor was gravely ill. He had only seen Consort Li and Prince Ling, without receiving any other consorts or princes.
What’s more, the Emperor had even allowed Prince Ling to help review memorials!
This was something only the Crown Prince was permitted to do.
Was this a hint that the Emperor intended to appoint Prince Ling as the Crown Prince?
The winds within the palace immediately began to shift.
Some low-ranking consorts, as well as those without sons, started to visit Consort Li’s palace.
They tried to build a good relationship, hoping that when Prince Ling ascended the throne, they would have favorable placements.
Consort Li accepted all the gifts, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then sent the visitors away.
Her excuse for dismissal was one word: busy.
At Prince Ling’s residence, Song Shuyu soon learned of the events in the palace.
The reason was that Princess Consort Ling was so delighted she had given the household staff an extra month’s salary.
Consequently, everyone in Prince Ling’s residence knew that Prince Ling was about to become the future Crown Prince.
And they, too, would rise in status with him!
The entire Prince Ling residence was filled with joy and excitement.
Chunxiao had also received the extra silver.
She excitedly ran into the room.
"Your Highness, let me tell you some great news!"
Ever since Song Shuyu had been sent back, Prince Ling had given her a severe scolding.
She was not allowed to leave the residence, and she was already feeling quite depressed.
Now, seeing Chunxiao in such high spirits ignited a fire in her heart.
Staring darkly at Chunxiao, she looked as if she could bite her.
Chunxiao was too focused on sharing the joy to notice Song Shuyu’s expression.
"Your Highness, listen! The Prince is going to become the Crown Prince!"
Song Shuyu was stunned. She looked at Chunxiao.
"What did you say? Say that again!"
Chunxiao said excitedly, "The Princess Consort gave us a month’s extra salary today."
"The Princess Consort said that the Prince is about to become the future Crown Prince!"
"Your Highness, if the Prince ascends the throne, you will become a princess!"
"Your servant congratulates Your Highness!"
Chunxiao happily offered her congratulations.
Song Shuyu was taken aback, but soon a look of joy spread across her face.
"Really? I will become a princess from now on?"
Chunxiao nodded happily. "Of course! A princess is much higher in status than a commandery princess!"
"I heard that princesses receive fiefs and stipends!"
Song Shuyu immediately sat up, ignoring her dizziness, and grabbed Chunxiao’s hand.
"Really? You’re not lying to me?" she asked repeatedly.
"Really! Your servant would never dare speak falsely!" Chunxiao was ready to swear an oath.
This was about the Prince’s future—how could a little maid spread false rumors?
"Wonderful!" Song Shuyu released Chunxiao, her brows and eyes relaxing.
If she became a princess, her rank would be higher than that of that jinx.
From now on, when that jinx met her, she would have to bow in greeting.
Song Shuyu imagined Duoduo kneeling on the ground and prostrating before her, and she couldn’t help laughing out loud.
And her father, grandmother, and uncles too.
They would definitely be proud of her!
Song Shuyu prepared to get out of bed. "Has Father returned? I want to go and congratulate him!"
Chunxiao quickly stopped her. "Your Highness, the Emperor is ill. The Prince is in the palace helping His Majesty handle state affairs!"
Song Shuyu felt a bit puzzled. "Grandfather is sick?"
Chunxiao looked around, then leaned close to Song Shuyu.
"Your servant overheard the Princess Consort saying that the Emperor fell ill because someone cursed him."
Curiosity gleamed in Song Shuyu’s eyes. "Who would be so bold?"
Chunxiao covered her mouth and whispered in response.
"Your servant heard it was Princess Changle."
Song Shuyu’s eyes widened in shock.
Seeing Song Shuyu’s reaction, Chunxiao couldn’t resist gossiping further.
"Your servant heard that Princess Changle has been locked up in the dungeon."
"There’s probably no way she’ll come out alive. The cook said that the palace dungeons have only one way in and no way out."
"She also said that His Majesty detests witchcraft the most. That Princess Changle’s fate will be absolutely miserable!"
Chunxiao finished speaking and shook her head sympathetically.
"Alright, say no more!" Song Shuyu was shocked to hear that Duoduo had been thrown into the dungeon, but a thrill soon followed.
However, hearing Chunxiao describe Duoduo’s tragic situation, she felt a moment of unease.
In the next second, Song Shuyu felt smug again.
She was the one with good fortune!
Song Duoduo was just a jinx!
How stupid—how could she dare to commit such an audacious crime?
At the Prince of Pingyang’s residence, Xiao Yi also received the news.
"Prince Rui is in the dungeon? Instead, Father has entrusted Prince Ling with important tasks?"
Xiao Yi frowned.
Yunxiao cautiously glanced at Xiao Yi, not daring to speak.
"Are you sure no one saw you when you dropped that note?" Xiao Yi looked thoughtfully at Yunxiao.
Yunxiao thought for a moment and nodded with certainty.
"Your subordinate specifically checked. There was no one else around."
Xiao Yi stroked his chin.
"Then how did Prince Ling get the information?"
