Chapter Eleven: Thoughts of the Heart

  Innumerable eyes, seemingly intentionally or unintentionally, always swept towards Yang Lian, but this Mr. Yang remained expressionless and unflappable, as if these concerns had nothing to do with him.

  When Liu Yiyuan saw Yang Lin in the Imperial Academy, he couldn't help but nod his head slightly, with a look of approval on his face. In his heart, he thought: "He's really good, with upright conduct and unafraid of power, even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him, his expression wouldn't change."

  As soon as the voice "The Emperor has arrived" sounded, everyone in the great hall quickly stood up, and the original noisy discussion also immediately ceased.

  As soon as the voice fell, Taichang Emperor was supported by someone and walked out slowly to that seat which countless people yearned for. At this time, Taichang Emperor's face looked very bad, pale, his body was slightly trembling, and he kept panting heavily.

  After the crowd finished paying their respects, they only then discovered that the one supporting Emperor Taichang was a fifteen or sixteen year old youth. The youth had clear and bright eyes, an expression of calmness, his gaze met with others, revealing a warm smile. Upon seeing the Crown Prince, the people in the grand hall suddenly fell silent, everyone thinking the same thing: could it be that the Emperor felt he wouldn't make it, wanting to settle his affairs?

  Such thoughts have been lingering in everyone's mind, but most people's hearts are filled with a sense of unease. What's going on with the Great Ming Dynasty? Just as one emperor has passed away, another is about to die, what will happen to this world?!

  With a glance at the group of officials below, Emperor Taichang's heart felt somewhat desolate. His own thirty-plus years of waiting had finally led him to this position. Gently stroking the golden dragon head, he was truly reluctant to let go. How could it be like this? Heaven is unfair to me!

  The Emperor Taichang suppressed his emotions and said, "I have summoned you all today to discuss a matter with me. I would like to hear your opinions." After finishing speaking, the Emperor Taichang looked down slightly.

  The ministers heard this and immediately became even more certain of their suspicions, the emperor was indeed arranging his affairs, and they all knelt down on the ground, saying loudly: "Your subjects listen to your sacred teachings." Some other ministers covered their faces with their hands, and even shed tears.

  Tai Chang Emperor was delighted at this time and felt relieved. In such a short period of ascending to the throne, he already had so many central ministers who were willing to follow him. It seemed that he was still an emperor who was well-liked by his people!

  Taichang Emperor smiled and continued: "I know the intentions of all of you, my dear officials. You may rise now!"

  Everyone stood up, and Emperor Taichang said: "What I want to say today is related to one person." Before he finished speaking, Emperor Taichang suddenly started coughing violently, his voice hoarse and weak, as if he wanted to cough out his lungs. The eunuchs around him immediately cried out in alarm, some rushed to find the imperial physician, and the officials below were eager to try.

  At this moment, Ye Xiang was staring at the expressions of the officials below, some were sad, some were shocked, and many people even cast their eyes on Ye Xiang, it seemed that they had misunderstood Emperor Taichang's meaning. Gently patting Emperor Taichang's back until he waved his hand to indicate that he should leave, Ye Xiang returned to his original position and stood up straight again.

  The emperor looked at the crown prince with a hint of relief and said, "My body is not feeling well, which has worried all of you. I am fine."

  Looking at the seemingly carefree Emperor Taichang, Ye Xiang's heart couldn't help but sneer coldly, yet his face revealed a very sorrowful expression. As for Emperor Taichang, Ye Xiang didn't have any good feelings towards him; after his father had just passed away and he took over as emperor, the first thing he did was to indulge in beauties. Moreover, it was multiple women in one night - at such an old age, not knowing any self-restraint, this is what's called seeking death. Since you want to go yourself, Yan Wang naturally won't mind having more people down there. The housing prices there aren't expensive either; building a palace for you wouldn't cost much money. At this moment, Ye Xiang was constantly ridiculing in his heart.

  He let out a soft sigh, and Emperor Taichang continued: "My imperial concubine Li has been serving by my side for many years. Although she didn't give birth to a son, she did bear me a daughter."

  The conversation had reached this point, and the grand hall suddenly fell silent, so quiet that a falling needle could be heard. All the ministers were stunned. Weren't they supposed to discuss the aftermath? How did Li Xuan come out of nowhere? She served you well, what does she have to do with us ministers? And she's not even my woman.

  At this time, all the ministers looked at Emperor Taichang in confusion. Were we too rash or was the world changing too fast? How could he just now be talking about entrusting his last wishes and now suddenly mention a woman?

  The officials below couldn't help but think that the emperor's body was ruined by women and he was about to die, yet he still thought of women. Now let's talk about posthumous affairs, we can still have a meritorious achievement in supporting you, if you like Li Xuan, then let her follow you in death!

  Of course, these words can only be thought of in one's heart and no one dares to say them out loud. Although the Ming dynasty officials liked to get a name for being straightforward, if such words were spoken out loud, they would definitely be punished by having their families ruined. Those officials who got a name for being straightforward were mostly very clever, they knew what should be done and what shouldn't be done.

  Tai Changdi seemed to have not noticed the expressions on the ministers' faces, and said in a self-absorbed tone: "You all should know that Li Xuan is my beloved, I want to make him the Imperial Noble Consort. What are your opinions, esteemed ministers?"

  Contrary to Emperor Taichang's expectations, the grand hall was eerily quiet, with no one speaking. The ministers' expressions were strange, all of them lowering their heads. Liu Yijun, the Grand Secretary, was furious and about to stand up, but was pulled back by Han Kuang behind him.

  Looking at Han Kuang's provocative gaze, Liu Yiyu suddenly sighed and shook his head, his expression very downcast.

  And so, this imperial court session came to an end without any result. Although the ministers were discussing heatedly, Emperor Taichang was deeply grieved in his heart, but this imperial court session ended with a whimper.

  That night, the heavy rain arrived on schedule, with large raindrops pounding on the roof and water splashing everywhere.

  At this time, Ye Xiang was lying on a rocking chair, which was made by Ye Xiang himself. It was very comfortable to sit up. Apparently, he still knew his own heart best. By my side, there were only two people, one was Li Jinzhong and the other was Li Lan, who was becoming more and more charming.

  Looking at the dripping water droplets outside, eating the grapes peeled by Li Ran, this life is really enjoyable. Although it's only April, the fruits and vegetables planted by the hot spring can be delivered to the palace in time, so that the prince who loves to eat fruit can enjoy fresh fruit every day.

  "What do you think about today's events?" I turned around and glanced at Li Jinzhong behind me, Ye Xiang asked intentionally or unintentionally.

  "This, Your Highness, is not something that slaves should be discussing, slaves don't have any ideas." Li Jinzhong now felt more and more that this master of his was different from before, deeper and more unfathomable, so when he spoke, he also became more and more cautious.

  There is still one in the evening.

  ;