Taiji Hall
The Sage had the Imperial Hospital conceal his illness, but he knew himself that his body could not hold on much longer.
It was natural for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, yet with that child around, his imperial seat would never be truly legitimate.
Xie Jiayan represented the court in promoting the imperial examination system, and in the hearts of the scholars, his status surpassed even that of the Sage.
The future ministers would all come from these scholars. If he were allowed to continue serving in the court, the entire Great Wei dynasty would become his domain.
Although the Five Great Clans were no longer as prosperous as they once were, due to his covert machinations, they had not been completely eradicated. These were the hidden dangers left behind by his momentary soft-heartedness.
He could not leave these hidden dangers for Che'er; he wanted to hand over a cohesive and flourishing Great Wei to him.
As an emperor, he had to do this.
It had been a long time since he had attended court due to his illness, with the Crown Prince overseeing state affairs. In recent days, the Zhongshu Province had petitioned the Son of Heaven to ascend the throne more than once.
This was precisely what he desired, yet it was not enough.
He wanted the Crown Prince's enthronement to be universally supported and eagerly anticipated by all the people. Only then could his imperial seat be secure.
After finishing his breakfast, the Sage had been waiting for someone. He knew that person had returned to the capital, and upon their return, they would surely come to see him.
...
It was not until daybreak that Xie Jiayan managed to doze off on his bed. He slept for just over half an hour before waking.
He had always been a light sleeper, and that was enough.
After waking, Liaokong had prepared breakfast, but Hua Zhaofei was not present during the meal.
Liaokong said that Hua Zhaofei had left a quarter of an hour ago, stating that he had missed the capital's breakfast delicacies and asked that Xie Jiayan not wait for him.
Hua Zhaofei had always been of this disposition, so Xie Jiayan did not inquire further. He had to go to the palace today, and he presumed the Sage was already waiting for him.
Xie Jiayan did not have many clothes, and they were all made of ordinary fabric. Liaokong had folded them neatly, and among them was his official robe from when he first entered the Hanlin Academy.
Xie Jiayan's gaze lingered on the clothes for a moment. He picked out the cyan robe; this robe was made for him by his mother and held great significance. It was the first time he was wearing it.
Liaokong tied his jade belt and fetched a gauze hat. He only escorted him to the entrance of the mansion. The somewhat dim sky made the cyan robe on his young master appear somewhat faded.
It was the first time Liaokong had lied to Xie Jiayan, because Hua Zhaofei had not gone to eat any capital breakfast delicacies but had entered the palace ahead of his young master.
His martial arts had reached a divine level, making it too easy to sneak into the palace.
He had wanted to go too, but Hua Zhaofei said that he alone was enough. As long as he had a breath left, he would naturally ensure his young master's safe return.
Hua Zhaofei had also said that if he did not return, he would be the master of Fengming Tower.
What was the point of him becoming the master of Fengming Tower? Liaokong hoped they would both return safely.
Only after Xie Jiayan's figure had completely disappeared did Liaokong turn and enter the main gate. He would wait here for his young master's return.
Hua Zhaofei had already entered the palace, wearing the ordinary uniform of a Qianniu Guard. For the dignified master of Fengming Tower, sneaking into the palace was effortless.
Hua Zhaofei lowered his head and followed the patrolling guards. Whether the old emperor could live until tomorrow depended on whether he could behave himself. If not, he would immediately send him to see the King of Hell.
What did the peace of the realm have to do with him? He was a great villain.
He saw Xie Jiayan, dressed in a cyan robe, like a sprig of green bamboo in a misty rain, walking up the high steps. Above those steps was Taiji Hall.
That old bastard lived in Taiji Hall. Hua Zhaofei spat out the twig he held in his mouth, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.