The Emperor sat half-upright on the dragon bed, leaning against thick cushions, his face flushed with color. He looked energetic and spirited, just like many years ago during court sessions.
The officials present, seeing the Emperor like this, felt the past surge into their hearts. For a moment, their feelings were mixed. Those who had been crying falsely began to cry truly, and those crying truly wept even more sorrowfully.
“Enough, stop crying,” the Emperor stopped the officials. “I don’t have time. There are some matters I must instruct you on.”
Everyone in the room knelt down.
What the Emperor wanted to instruct was also simple. He pointed at Xiao Yu and said the Crown Prince should ascend the throne immediately. He pointed at Chu Zhao and said the Emperor and Empress’s wedding should proceed simultaneously. Then he pointed at Deng Yi—the Grand Tutor would protect the nation and provide assistance.
“I know you have many dissatisfactions, many subjects have memorials to present, but today I speak with absolute authority and will not tolerate objections,” the Emperor said word by word. “I will be a foolish ruler one last time.”
The officials knelt on the ground crying, “Your Majesty is wise and sagacious.”
The Emperor laughed heartily. As he laughed, he slid down. The eunuchs and imperial physicians cried out in alarm and surged forward, laying the Emperor properly on the bed. In just this brief instant, the Emperor no longer had his previous energy. He visibly withered before their eyes.
“All of you, withdraw,” the Emperor said in a hoarse, gasping voice. “I don’t want you watching—”
The officials cried and couldn’t rise. It was Deng Yi who had everyone withdraw.
“Your Majesty, let His Highness the Crown Prince remain here—” Deng Yi said again.
The Emperor seemed to lack the strength to speak and shook his head.
Deng Yi immediately said no more and asked Chu Zhao and Xiao Yu to also withdraw.
The Emperor suddenly raised his hand: “Come, come—”
Deng Yi quickly stepped forward.
“Zhong, Zhong—” the Emperor said. Whether from lack of strength or not knowing the person’s name, he spoke with some difficulty.
Deng Yi didn’t quite understand for a moment.
Chu Zhao was startled and blurted out, “Does Your Majesty want to see Vice General Zhong?”
The Emperor slowly nodded, a trace of a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
The officials were somewhat puzzled. Who was Vice General Zhong?
Deng Yi didn’t hesitate in the slightest. He turned and instructed a eunuch: “Summon Vice General Zhong.”
……
……
Those who had withdrawn to outside the hall watched an unfamiliar military officer with a scarred face walk inside. Their expressions were puzzled as they looked at each other.
Most people didn’t know who this person was.
No matter who he was, on His Majesty’s deathbed, he wouldn’t even let the Young Highness remain by his side, wouldn’t even look at him one more time, but instead wanted to see this person.
It was truly strange.
Chu Zhao watched Vice General Zhong’s figure. She roughly understood why—what His Majesty wanted to see was her father.
……
……
Vice General Zhong stood dazed before the dragon bed. He seemed to have many thoughts, yet also had none at all. He had no idea what he should do or say here.
The Emperor looked at him and said, “I won’t be able to see Chu Ling one last time.”
Looking at the Emperor’s scattered expression, Vice General Zhong’s eyes stung. He knelt on one knee, his voice choked: “Your Majesty, don’t be anxious. The General will soon follow Your Majesty.”
The Emperor laughed: “That’s right. He’s also going to die.”
The Emperor’s gaze passed over the kneeling Vice General Zhong, through the spacious and deep great hall, toward the outside.
“I want to see the Flame Command once.”
The Flame Command?
Vice General Zhong raised his head, moved his lips, and blurted out: “Your Majesty, the General said the Flame Command is not for playing.”
The Emperor laughed again. Because of the laughter, he became even more breathless.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “When he dies and I see him, I won’t let him punish you. If he wants to scold, let him scold me.”