He ordered, “The Empress has fainted from grief. Quickly send her back to the palace to rest.”
Wei Shu gritted his teeth in frustration but was held back by Qin Zhi, who whispered, “Focus on the important matters first.”
Prominent court officials and high-ranking royal relatives had gathered in the mourning hall. The Crown Prince’s tutor spoke: “…The emperor has just passed away, and the country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The Crown Prince possesses both virtue and talent and should ascend to the throne as soon as possible.”
Wei Shu suppressed his joy, knowing that the only person who could disrupt his succession, the Prince of Jin, had been eliminated. His inheritance of the throne now seemed proper.
Several ministers and relatives voiced their agreement. Suddenly, a cold voice rang out: “Wait, the Crown Prince has committed patricide and regicide and cannot ascend to the throne.”
It was Gu Lianchang.
Everyone was shocked. They had just dealt with the Virtuous Consort’s poisoning incident, and now the Crown Prince was accused of the same crime?
Qin Zhi’s heart skipped a beat. She gripped the imperial seal in her sleeve, knowing Gu Lianchang would not let the matter rest. Fortunately, she had arranged her people and was prepared to take the throne by force if the situation became critical.
Wei Shu felt guilty, but with the throne so close, he couldn’t hesitate. He coldly said, “Gu Lianchang, I see you are with the Virtuous Consort’s faction, trying to confuse the truth and avenge your master.”
“Bring the witnesses,” Gu Lianchang said to Zhang Jing, ignoring Wei Shu.
One by one, people were brought forward: imperial physicians, palace eunuchs, palace officials, and some unfamiliar faces. The Crown Prince’s tutor asked, “Chief Gu, what is the meaning of this?”
Gu Lianchang explained the poisoning details, the symptoms, and presented witnesses who testified to the Crown Prince’s involvement in the emperor’s death.
The narrative continues with intense political intrigue, accusations of poisoning, and a dramatic scene where the empress tests the emperor’s hair to prove the presence of a rare poison, casting suspicion on the Crown Prince.
The passage ends with the Crown Prince and his wife confined to the Eastern Palace, while Qin Zhi urges an immediate rebellion, and Wei Shu appears confused about their next move.
