Dark clouds fell over the city, and the entire imperial capital entered the highest level of martial law overnight. Not only were all markets, shops, and trade clubs closed, but all hotels, inns, and restaurants were closed. All outsiders must re-register at the local police station. , even people in the imperial capital are not allowed to go to the streets and must stay at home. The four gates have been closed, and the Imperial Guards have entered a state of combat readiness. The Habayashi Army and the military police appeared on the street outside the palace, cooperating with the police and spies under the Ministry of Internal Affairs to search door to door. The people peeking inside were in a state of confusion. This was something new that had never happened in the past. The Yulin Army was protecting the palace. How could they leave the palace and go on duty in the streets
The troops rushing back and forth on the streets made the citizens feel even more panic. Even when the Taiping rebels approached the imperial capital two years ago, they had never been in such a state. Some well-informed people vaguely felt that they might be related to the head. It is related to the fire in the palace at night, but does the fire in the palace warrant the deployment of martial law by the army? The gentry and nobles inquired about the news through various channels, but they couldn't even leave the house. How could they get the news
There is a side hall dozens of meters outside Anfu Palace - Jixian Hall. It was originally a resting place for foreign ministers waiting for His Majesty the Emperor to receive them, but over time, it gradually became a place for ministers to rest before reporting to His Majesty the Emperor. to discuss government affairs.
Today's Jixian Hall looks particularly solemn and solemn, which can be seen only from the number of soldiers on duty outside the hall. The Yulin Army has three steps, one sentry, five steps and one post. Even many officers of the Yulin Army are standing around from a distance.
No one is allowed to stand ten meters outside the hall. Even soldiers on duty are not allowed to enter within ten meters. If something happens, they can only report it in advance.
There were a lot of people sitting in the hall, and the atmosphere was so gloomy that it felt like it was crushing the house. Everyone was sitting there blankly, but no one spoke, they just stared at the ground or the beams and remained silent.
"My lords, please don't be silent like this. We can't delay this matter any longer. If we delay it any longer, there will really be trouble. Someone set fire to the west gate of the palace yesterday. This matter cannot be hidden from anyone, and now it has happened again. It's such a big mess, now it's time for you to make a decision. Master Chen and I cannot bear this responsibility." The speaker was a strong man, wearing an apricot-yellow military general's robe, showing that he has royal blood status, he is an imperial feather Situ Mingzhao, the commander of the Lin Army, was of the same generation as His Majesty the Emperor, but was separated by blood. However, he had no problem with Situ Mingyue in terms of loyalty. The Master Chen he spoke of was Chen Zifang, the chief guard of the inner court. The two are responsible for all security matters in the palace.
Although they have won the trust of His Majesty the Emperor, this national matter is beyond their control. As soon as they found out that His Majesty the Emperor was still dead, they sealed off the scene and carefully inspected the situation. They discovered that His Majesty was still alive. He did not die from an assassination, so the two of them agreed on the same approach after some discussion. The Royal Forest Army and the inner court guards killed the assassin, but His Majesty suffered a heart attack and died silently. However, they did not dare to conceal such a major matter, and immediately reported it to Ning Yuanwang, the First Deputy Minister of the Imperial Administration, and Lu Wenfu, the Minister of the Interior. One was the first person under His Majesty the Emperor in name only, and the other One person is the chief assistant in charge of the internal affairs of the empire. In name, both the inner court guards and the Habayashi Army are under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Internal Affairs.
After learning the news, the two people, who had not even had time to wear court clothes, immediately went to Anfu Palace, personally inspected the scene, and carefully questioned the situation at that time. Lu Wenfu's sophistication put Situ Mingzhao and Chen Zifang into trouble for a while. Fortunately, God came to the rescue. Several imperial doctors invited from the Imperial Hospital unanimously determined that His Majesty the Emperor died suddenly due to mental and physical exhaustion and overwork. This made the chief guard of the inner court and The commander of the Habayashi Army was relieved. When they confirmed that no one on either side was working as an imperial physician in the imperial hospital, both of them couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. After all, carrying such a burden was really unbearable.
But a small bottle of medicine found from the dead little eunuch changed things a little bit. Although this medicine had nothing to do with His Majesty's death, how could the little eunuch who was His Majesty's attendant stay at home with such medicine? It is undoubtedly strange to plant poisons used in suicides in Jianghu, but this is not the time to delve into the matter. What is before us is the issue of the throne. This is the real big deal. If you are not careful, it will lead to shocking things. Big changes.
"Master Ning, what do you think we should do now? Your Majesty has passed away. I'm afraid this matter can't be hidden for long, and we can't keep it secret any longer. If the outside world knows about it, and we haven't come up with countermeasures, there will be trouble. You are the Minister of Administration, and all the ministers look up to you." Even the flattering words could not make the First Deputy Minister of Administration relax at this time. By now, everyone knew that I was the First Deputy Minister of Administration. You want me to stand out, but other good things don't come to my mind? Ning Yuanwang didn't want to support this from the bottom of his heart, but the position was there. He was in charge of the administrative affairs of the empire. Although Tian Yi was cunning, what he said was unreasonable. He couldn't decide who would sit on the throne and finance it. Let the minister make the decision.
"Everyone, His Majesty passed away due to overwork and exhaustion. I think we are all somewhat mentally prepared. After all, His Majesty has been seriously ill and critically ill several times. This is nothing new. I just regret that as ministers, I cannot share your worries. We are really ashamed that your Majesty has worked so hard." After clearing his throat, Ning Yuanwang pondered his words with a wooden face: "It's just that the current situation in the empire does not allow us to grieve, and your majesty's funeral arrangements must be arranged with the new emperor. The enthronement was handled together, and knighthood is the same thing. Maybe everyone knows that the first thing now is to select the new emperor."
"Yes." "Master Ning is right." "This is the first priority, but it must be resolved immediately."
All the ministers echoed Ning Yuanwang's words, but no one dared to mention who should take on this important position.
"It's just that His Majesty passed away suddenly without leaving a will. This matter of establishing multiple princes has always been a private matter of the royal family. As foreign ministers, it is really difficult for us to get involved." Ning Yuanwang gently pushed away the responsibility, "Master Situ Since we are members of the royal family and have always been with His Majesty, why don’t we listen to Lord Situ’s opinion first.”
Situ Mingzhao suddenly sweated on his back. He cursed Ning Yuanwang in his mind for this old fox who actually put a fire under his butt. When will it be his turn to speak about the throne? Moreover, if he is not careful, he will be doomed. , as a member of the royal family, it is impossible for me to have any ideas, so why bother to wade into this muddy water
"Lord Ning, you are joking. Situ Mingzhao is just a commander of the Yulin Army. How can he talk about such important matters based on his qualifications? Although the matter of the throne is a private matter of the royal family, His Majesty once said that the royal family is a selfless matter. Please discuss this matter. I'll just wait and listen." Situ Mingzha pushed the topic aside in a few words.
"Master Ning, this is not the time to shirk responsibility. Your Majesty has gone. The country cannot be without a king for a day. We should discuss a way as soon as possible." Foreign Minister Saliden is also a veteran of the empire, but his stance is neutral , by no means involving others, but quite popular in the imperial court.
"But everyone, Your Majesty has not left a will, nor has he established a prince, nor has he even stated clearly which highness should inherit the great treasure. How can we make a decision? Is this the matter of establishing a prince immediately? Could it be that you and I are enough to decide on such a major matter? Once the court officials criticize me, how can I respond?" The Vice Minister of Administration rolled his eyelids and said coldly: "Several princes are in the imperial capital right now. If you are careful, it will lead to disaster, so it is better to be cautious according to your own wishes."
"Master Ning, what do you mean, it seems that you have to wait for His Majesty's funeral affairs to be settled before deciding on the candidate for the new emperor?" Lu Wenfu's heart sank secretly. He did not expect that at this juncture, this leader of the ministers would be the number one leader. The chief assistant would actually have such a ridiculous idea. If so, I'm afraid it would immediately cause huge waves. Didn't His Majesty reveal any of his intentions to him in the past two days, or did he really not know the stakes involved
"That's not a bad idea. Your Majesty can't delay the funeral. Of course, the issue of selecting the new emperor is a matter of great importance to the rise and fall of the empire. Even your Majesty has never made up his mind about appointing a prince. At this time, it has to be decided in just a few words between the few of us. It is decided that this is too childish. In my opinion, it is better to discuss and seek opinions from many parties before making a decision. In addition, although the royal family has no private affairs, the opinions of His Majesty and the Queen Mother are not solicited. Just rely on you and me. A foreign minister can't decide without permission?" Ning Yuanwang stared at the other party indifferently, feeling secretly proud in his heart, but on the surface he spoke righteously and acted like the world is for the public.
"Master Ning, have you considered that if the candidate for the new emperor cannot be decided immediately, how much unpredictable chaos will be caused by the news of His Majesty's death? Foreign enemies are watching. The internal enemies are lying on their sides, haven't you considered this? Are you waiting for the consequences in your eyes?" Lu Wenfu has completely given up on this person's public-spirited thoughts at this time. This person clearly has an ulterior plan, and he just said this, but this guy is worthy of having been trained in the General Administration of Administration for decades. He is an old thief, but on the surface he is always public-minded, and his words are impeccable.
"Lu Wenfu, as the Minister of the Interior, you don't care about stabilizing the crisis, but you are talking alarmist here. Do you really think that you can do whatever you want with His Majesty gone? I had to report the day before yesterday that you and He Zhiqiu Gou, who has been reprimanded by His Majesty, Do you think we are all blind for hooking up and doing evil things?" Ning Yuanwang smiled sinisterly, but his eyes quickly glanced at Ji Lin, the Minister of Military Affairs next to him who had not said a word.