"It is indeed rare, Prince Wu has actually come to attend the early court."
Ever since Dugu Wu’s leg became disabled and he took charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he would occasionally cite his physical inconvenience as a reason to miss the early court.
His voluntary appearance today has indeed pleased Dongfang Cheng.
In front of Dugu Wu, he wanted to become the Crown Prince during this early court.
The origins of Dugu Wu were no secret among the princes.
Although he was also a prince, his mother was unfaithful, yet Emperor Yongye heavily favored him over the years, which was obvious to everyone.
All the princes were outshone by Dugu Wu, none could compare in literary or martial virtues.
"The Emperor has arrived."
Li Qing assisted Emperor Yongye in entering the court.
The court officials all knelt down and paid their respects, and Dugu Wu, because of his crutch, did not need to kneel but simply bowed.
Only to see the man on the Dragon Throne with sunken eyes, his gaze lowered and his hands resting on his knees.
"Present your matters; if there are none, court is dismissed."
Li Qing’s voice echoed in the hall.
Prince Mu stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"Reporting to the Emperor, the Crown Prince has been ill for a long time, and the Dragon Body is suffering. This old official and the others believe that a new Crown Prince should be established to revive the court."
On the Dragon Throne, Emperor Yongye coughed a few times.
"Prince Mu, you and the other senior officials care for Us, and We are very comforted. Us..."
Dongfang Cheng’s heart tightened.
The expressions of Dongfang Li and the other princes varied.
"We just heard that the Crown Prince’s condition has improved, and he has awakened."
The feeble voice of Emperor Yongye resonated within the ears of the entire court, especially striking Dongfang Cheng and Prince Mu like thunder.
The Crown Prince has awakened!
"Regarding the matter of establishing a new Crown Prince, do not mention it again in the future."
Emperor Yongye waved his hand.
"Court is dismissed."
The court officials couldn’t help but react with a stir.
Dongfang Cheng stood dumbfounded.
Dongfang Qi stepped forward, gloating, patted Dongfang Cheng on the shoulder.
"Big brother, surprised or pleased? Second brother has woken up!"
On Dongfang Cheng’s face, a smile more painful than crying was squeezed out.
"Surprised and pleased."
The Crown Prince had awakened.
This news, after the early court, spread throughout the Imperial Palace.
"How wonderful, the Crown Prince has finally awakened."
Empress Dowager’s expression was emotional, continuously wiping her tears.
Among these children, she loved Dugu Wu the most, felt pity for Dongfang Mosheng the most, but relied on the Crown Prince the most.
That child was the most level-headed among the princes.
Unfortunately, his fate was filled with hardships; he had just married and become a father when he suffered a fall from his horse.
The hands of the Empress, holding a cup, trembled slightly; she placed the cup down discreetly.
Originally, today a new Crown Prince was to be appointed.
The awakening of the Crown Prince disrupted her plans.
The prepared imperial decree was also voided.
Nalan Yan’er also showed a face full of joy, softly saying,
"I didn’t expect that the Crown Prince could wake up so quickly, surely it was thanks to Jinjin. That child is very filial, tirelessly attending to his father, his filial piety moved the heavens, and only then did the Crown Prince awaken."
"These years, you have also suffered, managing two children alone. Now it’s good, the Crown Prince has awakened, and your hardships have turned into sweetness."
The Empress Dowager smiled.
Nalan Yan’er also felt a mix of emotions.
Last night, Dugu Wu suddenly brought Feng Bailing to the Crown Prince Mansion.
Feng Bailing proposed treating the Crown Prince, something Nalan Yan’er could not agree to.
But then, Dugu Wu said, if the Crown Prince didn’t awaken, the Emperor would establish a new Crown Prince the next morning.
Her heart anxious, she hurriedly sent someone to ask Hua Wushang, and the news received was exactly the same as Dugu Wu’s.
The Crown Prince waking up, losing the status of Crown Princess Consort, she certainly was more unwilling to face the latter.