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On the ninth day of the ninth month of the twenty-sixth year of the prosperous era, it was the Double Ninth Festival.

The capital city was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and people climbed mountains to admire chrysanthemums; everywhere was a scene of peace and prosperity.

The chrysanthemum exhibition on West Mountain stretches from the foot of the mountain all the way to the top, with yellow, white, and purple flowers blooming like clouds.

The restaurants and eateries in the city were packed, with people drinking chrysanthemum wine, eating Double Ninth cakes, and chatting.

Everything was so peaceful, and the people had an unprecedented happiness on their faces, as if they had returned to the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

However, no one expected that a major incident would occur in the palace that night.

The door to the Imperial Study was tightly closed, but the lights inside were on.

Su Ning spent the entire day reviewing memorials, from dawn to dusk, only eating one meal in between.

The memorials on the table were piled up like a small mountain, including military reports from the Western Regions, tax bills from Jiangnan, greetings from the grasslands, and memorials from the Korean Peninsula.

He reviewed each document one by one and reviewed each one in turn.

He dipped the vermilion brush again and again, wrote and wrote, wrote and wrote again.

The personal eunuch, Xiao Shunzi, stood to the side and said, "Your Majesty, take a break. You've been approving documents all day."

Su Ning shook her head, her vermilion pen still in her hand. "There are only a few left. I'll rest after I finish approving them."

Xiao Shunzi dared not persuade him any further. He tiptoed out and brought in a bowl of ginseng soup. "Your Majesty, have some soup to warm yourself up."

Su Ning took the bowl of ginseng soup, and just as she brought it to her lips, her hand suddenly trembled.

"Snapped--"

The cup fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.

Xiao Shunzi was startled and quickly stepped forward to help him up, "Your Majesty? Your Majesty!"

Su Ning's face was frighteningly pale, her lips were blue, and she slumped limply against the back of her chair.

Those eyes were half-open, half-closed, the pupils already beginning to dilate. "Summon...summon the imperial physician..."

Before he could finish speaking, he closed his eyes and fainted.

Xiao Shunzi was so frightened his legs went weak, and he scrambled out to call for help, "Help! Help! His Majesty has fainted!"

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire palace.

All the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy were summoned and rushed to the Imperial Study with their medicine chests.

Some didn't even have their shoes on properly, some had their clothes buttoned up incorrectly, and some even lost their hats while running.

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet were woken up from their beds and rushed out, still dressed.

Grand Secretary Li Fang was having dinner at home when he heard the news. He threw down his chopsticks and rode his horse to the palace.

Even Zhao Pu and Wang Pu, who entered the Advisory Hall, were helped out of bed, dressed, and taken outside.

The Imperial City Guards mobilized overnight and surrounded the palace like an iron barrel.

All palace gates were closed, and no one was allowed to enter or leave.

With sentries both visible and hidden, there was a post every three or five steps, so that not even a fly could get in.

But the news still leaked out.

……

The news had spread throughout the capital by early the next morning.

The topic was being discussed everywhere—in teahouses, taverns, and on the streets.

"His Majesty has fallen into a coma! I hear it's very serious!"

"I heard it's poisoning! Someone poisoned them!"

"His Majesty has not yet appointed a crown prince, what should we do?"

Which prince will succeed to the throne?

"I don't know. Anyway, don't say anything out of the ordinary, the Imperial City Guard is watching us."

People were filled with anxiety, and rumors were rampant.

……

In the imperial study, several imperial physicians surrounded the dragon bed, busily diagnosing and treating the patient.

Su Ning lay on the bed, her face ashen, her breathing weak, and she couldn't be woken up no matter how much she was called.

His face was whiter than paper, his lips were purple, his eyes were sunken, and he looked like a withered tree that had been drained of all its moisture.

The head of the Imperial Medical Academy was surnamed Qin. He was over sixty years old, and his hands were trembling.

He knelt by the bedside, taking the emperor's pulse for a long time, then examined his eyelids and tongue. Finally, he stood up, his face more grim than if he were crying.

Li Fang stood to the side, his face terribly grim. "Imperial Physician Qin, how is His Majesty?"

"..." Doctor Qin opened his mouth, but could not say a word.

"Say!"

Imperial Physician Qin knelt down with a thud, "Your Majesty, this...this is poisoning."

Li Fang narrowed his eyes. "What kind of poison?"

"It's...it's still uncertain. It seems to be a strange poison from the Western Regions, colorless and odorless, undetectable when mixed with tea. The poisoned person will slowly fall into a coma, and eventually..." Doctor Qin dared not continue.

Li Fang stared at him. "What happened in the end?"

"Finally... my heart stopped beating, and I never woke up again."

The Imperial Study was deathly silent.

Zhao Pu and Wang Pu stood aside, their faces even more grim than those of Physician Qin.

Zhao Pu's lips trembled, his hands trembled, and he looked like a candle flickering in the wind.

The cabinet secretaries Song Qi, Li Mu, and Chen Shu all had ashen faces.

Chen Qiao, the commander of the Imperial City Guard, stood at the door, his forehead covered in sweat.

Zhao Pu, Wang Pu, and other members of the advisory group remained silent for a long time.

Then Zhao Pu spoke, his voice eerily calm, "Can you solve it?"

Imperial Physician Qin shook his head. "I have only seen this kind of poison in medical books. It is said... it is said that there is no antidote."

Zhao Pu closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes again, they were calm again. "The most important thing now is not to find the murderer. It's to stabilize the government and the public."

He looked at Li Fang and Wang Pu, "Prime Minister Li, Prime Minister Wang, His Majesty has not yet established a crown prince. We must decide on one as soon as possible. Otherwise, the world will surely descend into chaos."

Wang Pu nodded. "That is indeed a problem."

At this moment, Grand Secretary Li Fang sighed helplessly, "Tomorrow morning court will discuss the matter of establishing an heir."

Who should be chosen?

Suning has twenty-four sons, each as fierce as a wolf or tiger.

The eldest son, Guo Wen, was born in the third year of Xiande (648 AD) to Empress Lin. He is thirty years old this year and has been enfeoffed as the Prince of Qin.

He began his career in local areas at the age of sixteen, serving as a county magistrate and a prefect. Later, he spent five years in the army, fighting alongside Wang Yanjun in the Western Regions.

He was calm and composed, experienced in handling affairs, and most of the court officials thought highly of him.

The second son, Guo Zhi, was born in the fourth year of Xiande, the son of Zhou Ehuang. He is twenty-nine years old this year and has been enfeoffed as the Prince of Jin.

He was exceptionally intelligent, possessed a photographic memory, and was particularly adept at government affairs.

He worked in the Ministry of Revenue for eight years, keeping the accounts crystal clear, which earned him high praise from Suning.

He was more outgoing than Guo Wen, enjoyed making friends, and was very popular among young officials.

Guo Wu, the third son of Consort Fu Qing, is twenty-seven years old this year and has been enfeoffed as the Prince of Zhao.

He loved swords and spears since he was a child, and when he was a teenager, he followed the Western Expeditionary Army to the Western Regions and fought countless tough battles.

He had more than a dozen knife and arrow wounds on his body; he was a fearless man.

He had a very high reputation in the army, and even the most seasoned veterans respected him.

The fourth son, Guo Gong, was born to the virtuous concubine. At the age of twenty-six, he was enfeoffed as the Prince of Yan.

He's most like Su Ning in temperament: quiet, thoughtful, and steady in his work.

I worked in the Ministry of Justice for ten years and never made a mistake in any of the cases I handled.

He stood out in the "Great Zhou Code" and could be considered a legal expert of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

In particular, Suning has been committed to the development of Da Zhou into a society governed by the rule of law, and now Da Zhou's legal system is quite sound.

Therefore, Guo Gong was very influential in the legal circles of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review had almost become his private domain.

Guo Qian, the fifth son of Consort Shu, was enfeoffed as the King of Chu at the age of twenty-five.

I enjoy reading and exploring new things.

I went to the Academy of Sciences every few days and became very familiar with those craftsmen.

He knew about trains, telegraphs, and steamships.

It is said that many of the ideas for His Majesty's new policies came from him.

Guo Qiu, the sixth son of Consort Hui, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Qi at the age of twenty-four.

He has a generous and outgoing personality and enjoys making friends.

He worked in the Ministry of Rites for several years and remained deeply rooted in the education sector.

Especially in promoting new-style education, it has always been a great help to Suning.

Merchants from the Western Regions all knew this great figure from the Ministry of Rites.

Guo Qiu is said to be the most unpretentious prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Besides the six princes Wen, Zhi, Wu, Gong, Qian, and Qiu, there are eighteen more princes: Wan, Dai, Jing, Guo, Zhi, Shi, Wan, Gu, Chang, Qing, Ding, Jia, An, Bang, Liu, Fang, Bai, and Shi.

Every name represents an expectation.

Every prince was capable of doing nothing.

Modern education was provided from childhood to adulthood, including reading books by foreigners and books from the Great Zhou Dynasty, attending classes at the Academy of Sciences, and training in the National Defense Army.

Upon reaching adulthood, all of them were sent out of the palace for training.

Some went to serve as local officials, some joined the army, some conducted research at the Academy of Sciences, and some worked in the Ministry of Revenue doing accounting.

They were all knowledgeable and experienced, and none of them were easy to deal with.

When we meet, we address each other as "brother" and are always in a harmonious atmosphere.

But everyone knows it was all an act.

When it comes to the struggle for the throne, all talk of brotherhood is nonsense.

……

On the tenth day of the ninth month, the morning court session was held.

Inside the Chongyuan Hall, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed ready to drip water. The civil and military officials stood in two rows, silent and motionless.

Those who usually love to talk are all keeping their mouths shut today.

Those who usually like to take sides are all hiding in the crowd today.

Those who usually love to show off are all bowing their heads and acting like pushovers today.

Zhao Pu and Wang Pu, along with their advisors, attended the meeting, all with solemn expressions.

Li Fang, leading the current cabinet members, presided over the court proceedings, stating, "His Majesty is unconscious, and the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day. The matter of establishing an heir must be decided today."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Someone stepped forward.

He was Fan Zhi, the Minister of Rites.

He walked into the hall, cupped his hands and said, "I believe that His Highness the Prince of Qin is the eldest son and possesses both virtue and talent, so he should be made the Crown Prince."

No sooner had he finished speaking than another person stepped forward, Wang Ming, the Vice Minister of War, said, “The order of seniority is an age-old principle. I second that proposal.”

Then someone stepped forward, it was Li Tong, the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, who said, "His Highness Prince Qin has served in the provinces for many years and is deeply loved by the people. He should be enthroned."

Then someone else stepped forward, Zhang Cheng, an assistant director of the Ministry of Revenue, who said, "I also second that proposal."

In an instant, a dozen or so officials stood up and all supported King Guo Wen of Qin.

But some people remained silent.

Those who were close to Prince Guo Zhi of Jin all lowered their heads, seemingly lost in thought.

Those who supported the other princes remained silent.

Standing up at this point means taking sides.

If you stand on the right spot, you'll rise to great heights.

Standing on the wrong platform will lead to utter ruin.

Li Fang looked at those who remained silent and understood.

This matter is not so easy to decide.

Just as he was about to speak, someone suddenly stood up.

It was Liu Wensou, the Imperial Censor, who said, "I have something to say."

Li Fang looked at him and said, "Please speak, Vice Minister Liu."

Liu Wensou said, “Grand Secretary, Prince Qin is the eldest and possesses both virtue and talent, which I do not deny. However, Prince Jin is exceptionally capable and has made outstanding achievements during his eight years in the Ministry of Revenue. Prince Zhao has distinguished himself in military affairs and is deeply loved by the army. Prince Yan is steady in his dealings and has had no wrong cases in the Ministry of Justice for ten years. Each of the princes has their own strengths, and it is difficult to distinguish who is superior. The matter of choosing an heir should not be taken lightly.”

Li Fang nodded. "What Minister Liu said is absolutely right. The matter of choosing an heir concerns the foundation of the nation and cannot be taken lightly. Let's stop here for today and discuss it again tomorrow."

The court session is adjourned.

……

Although the empress dowagers were forbidden from interfering in politics, the news spread throughout the empress dowagers and palaces, and all the palaces and courtyards sprang into action.

Empress Lin sat in Kunning Palace, without saying a word.

The palace maid beside her whispered, "Your Highness, the people in court are all supporting Prince Qin. There are about ten people, including the Minister of Rites, the Vice Minister of War, the Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue."

Empress Lin waved her hand, "Don't say anymore. This matter is not that simple."

The palace maid asked in confusion, "Why? His Highness the Prince of Qin is the eldest son and so outstanding, isn't that only natural?"

Empress Lin looked at her and shook her head. "What do you know? It's only natural? That depends on whether others agree with that logic."

She knew all too well the character of those princes.

His own son, Guo Wen, is indeed outstanding.

But the second son, Guo Zhi, is no less impressive.

The third son, Guo Wu, held military power.

The fourth brother, Guo Gong, had connections within the Imperial City Guard.

Guo Qian, the fifth brother, is well-connected at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Guo Qiu, the sixth son, has good relations with various countries.

Which one is the fuel-efficient lamp?
"Go and summon the King of Qin," Empress Lin said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Guo Wen arrived quickly. He was thirty years old, with a robust build, a calm face, and a maturity in his eyes that was beyond his years.

"Mother, you wanted to see me?"

Empress Lin looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "You know about what's happening at court, don't you?"

Guo Wen nodded. "I know."

What do you think?

Guo Wen thought for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I am not in a hurry. Let them fight over it."

Empress Lin nodded. "Yes. There's no rush. It's those who want to compete who are in a hurry. The more anxious you are, the more likely you are to make a mistake. If you're not in a hurry, they will be."

Guo Wendao said, "Your Majesty, I understand! Moreover, I believe that Your Majesty is blessed with good fortune."

Things weren't peaceful on Zhou Ehuang's side either.

Since her younger sister, Consort Xiao Zhou, also entered the palace, and with her son Guo Zhi becoming the Prince of Jin, she was not afraid of Empress Lin in the harem.

Zhou Ehuang sat in her palace, listening to the palace maids report news from the court, her face expressionless.

Consort Zhou said, "Sister, everyone in court is supporting the Prince of Qin. As for our Prince of Jin, only a few people are talking about it in private; no one dares to speak out publicly."

Zhou Ehuang picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "What's the rush?"

Consort Zhou was somewhat puzzled: "Why?"

Zhou Ehuang put down her teacup. "The King of Qin is the eldest son, and his claim is legitimate. We can't win by openly competing now. We should wait until they are both exhausted before making our move. When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits."

Consort Zhou nodded, "Then let's..."

“Do nothing,” Zhou Ehuang said. “Tell Prince Jin to stay quietly in the Ministry of Revenue and do what he’s supposed to do. Don’t get involved.”

It was even quieter on Fu Qing's side.

She had known all along that her son had no chance.

Given Su Ning's wariness of the Fu family, allowing her to give birth to a son was already a great favor.

Even if it's hopeless, things still have to be done.

That day, Fu Qing called his son over and gave him a few instructions, "Don't get involved. Let them fight. The higher they jump now, the harder they'll fall."

The son nodded. "Mother, I understand. It's just that my uncle and grandfather don't think that way."

"Hmph! Your father has wanted to take action against them for a long time. If they don't know their place, the Fu family will definitely suffer a terrible fate."

"But I cannot lose the support of the Fu family!"

"Foolish! The Fu family has never been your advantage, but rather your lifelong shackle."

"But……"

"Go! Remember not to have any dealings with the Fu family."

……

On the surface, Beijing in September remains as prosperous as ever.

But secretly, a storm was brewing.

The Imperial City Guards kept watch day and night.

Those officials who like to visit each other's homes, those intellectuals who like to gather, and those ordinary people who like to gossip are all being watched.

People from different palaces and courtyards secretly traveled back and forth, passing on messages.

There were eunuchs, palace maids, guards, and servants.

They dared not leave during the day, but they left at night.

I didn't dare go through the front door, so I went through the back door.

The court officials held private gatherings to test the waters.

Some were at banquets, some in teahouses, and some in private residences.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of pleasantries, the conversation was all casual, but everyone knew that they were actually testing the waters.

Everyone knows this is a huge gamble.

If you win the gamble, you'll enjoy wealth and glory.

If you lose the bet, your head will roll.

The imperial study was brightly lit.

Su Ning lay on the dragon bed, still unconscious.

Physician Qin stayed by the bedside, never leaving for a moment.

He would take the pulse once every two hours.

His pulse was getting weaker and weaker, and his complexion was getting worse and worse.

Zhao Pu sat to the side, motionless.

He had been sitting there all night and all day, without eating or drinking, just sitting there.

He knew all too well the significance of Su Ning to the Great Zhou. Despite the princes' fierce and powerful nature, they might not be able to control the vast Great Zhou Empire.

Wang Pu pushed open the door and walked to his side. "Master Zhao, take a rest."

Zhao Pu shook his head. "His Majesty hasn't woken up yet, I can't sleep."

Wang Pu sighed, "Me too."

The two remained silent, staring at the sallow face.

They've seen that face for decades.

From a boy in a reading camp to the emperor today.

From a survivor who crawled out of a well to an emperor who unified the world.

Thirty-seven years have passed.

Zhao Pu suddenly spoke up, "Prime Minister Wang, do you think His Majesty can wake up?"

Wang Pu remained silent for a long time before replying, "I don't know."

"What if he doesn't wake up?"

Wang Pu did not answer, naturally understanding that the world would be in chaos and the newly surrendered border prefectures and counties would break away from the rule of the Central Plains.

...(End of this chapter)