Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 235 Dalang, it’s time to drink medicine

The Luoyang Palace was very large, and the emperor's palace was also very large, but his bedroom was very small.

After Sima Zhao was moved to that cramped bedroom by the eunuchs, they filed out.

Jia Chong, Shi Shouxin, and even Sima Yan and Sima You, who rushed over, were all waiting at the bedroom door.

No one may enter without being summoned.

Besides Sima Zhao, who was lying in a deep coma on the bed, only Wang Yuanji and the physician Wei Fan remained in the bedroom.

"Imperial Physician, how is His Majesty now?"

Wang Yuanji wiped the tears from her cheeks with her sleeve and asked in a low voice.

"Your Highness, please allow me a moment to speak."

Wei Fan leaned close to Wang Yuanji's ear and spoke in a barely audible voice.

Wang Yuanji nodded, glanced at Sima Zhao lying on the bed, and then led Wei Fan to the small suite in the bedroom.

This was usually where servants handled chores and rested when the emperor retired for the night. They would wait in this suite and be available at any time.

"His Majesty's illness had been showing signs for some time. It had an attack several months ago, and that attack was very serious."

Wei Fan slowly began to speak, first putting on a suit of armor to avoid saying that Sima Zhao's illness was his responsibility.

Wang Yuanji understood, her feelings were somewhat complicated.

She sighed and said, "Life and death are predestined, wealth and honor are determined by fate. Physician Wei, you can speak frankly. The Emperor's illness has nothing to do with you."

These words struck a chord with Wei Fan.

It must be said that Wang Yuanji, having served Sima Zhao for many years, did possess some political acumen. This single sentence dispelled Wei Fan's concerns, allowing him to speak frankly.

"From the patient's perspective, His Majesty would likely have to stay in bed and recuperate for a long time."

He may be unable to speak, use the toilet, or even move his limbs for the rest of his life.

Living like this is nothing more than a matter of barely surviving.

From the perspective of the nation's well-being, Your Highness should consider the arrangements after the Emperor's death.

A country cannot be without a ruler for even a day.

Wei Fan bowed to Wang Yuanji and whispered his advice, speaking from the bottom of his heart.

"His Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, and unexpectedly, such a calamity has befallen him. It's truly... alas!"

Wang Yuanji sighed deeply, saying she felt bad, but in her heart she felt an indescribable sense of relief.

Wang Yuanji was not unaware of Sima Zhao's subtle actions against her these past two days, but she simply chose to endure them because she had no better option at the moment.

She was silent for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at Wei Fan to ask, "I was unconscious in the wildfire a few days ago. Did Physician Wei treat me? What did His Majesty say?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Fan smiled nonchalantly and said, "The Empress is fine; she is simply pregnant and needs to rest. His Majesty is also aware of this."

Wang Yuanji's smile froze for a moment, then she forced another smile.

She said to Wei Fan, "Physician Wei, please stay here and look after His Majesty. I have some matters to attend to."

Wang Yuanji only said she was dealing with something, but didn't say what it was. Wei Fan, who knew nothing about politics, could only bow and pay his respects, completely unaware that he had just narrowly escaped death.

Upon reaching the outside of the bedroom, Wang Yuanji immediately spotted Jia Chong, Shi Shouxin, Sima Yan, Sima You, and others waiting inside. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, there wasn't anyone who annoyed me.

"Everyone, follow me."

Wang Yuanji looked around at everyone and then walked towards a side room in the palace, where Sima Zhao usually met with his ministers alone to discuss confidential matters.

The room wasn't large, but it still felt somewhat empty after Jia Chong and the others sat down.

"The imperial physician just told me that the emperor has contracted a serious illness and is unable to attend to state affairs."

He may recover one day, but a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. What do you think?

Wang Yuanji asked calmly.

Actually, all of this is nonsense. If the emperor is no longer capable, he should quickly step down and give up his position. There are so many people waiting in line!
Why be polite at a time like this?

That was just a polite way of setting the stage for what was to come.

"Your Highness, I believe that a country cannot be without a ruler for even a day."

The time is ripe for the Crown Prince to oversee the state.

Jia Chong succinctly explained his position.

"Grand Commandant Jia is loyal to the country and a model for his subjects."

Wang Yuanji nodded, indicating her agreement with Jia Chong's statement.

Jia Chong pointed at Shi Shouxin and said, "Before the emperor fell into a coma, he appointed Shi Shouxin to be in charge of the affairs of the Forbidden City to prevent trouble caused by villains."

Wang Yuanji looked at Shi Shouxin and nodded to him, saying:

"You saved my life just a few days ago. His Majesty trusts you, and so do I."

Then, as Your Majesty has said, you shall take charge of the Luoyang Forbidden Palace and serve as the Left Guard General.

"Other official positions will be assigned after the situation has calmed down."

Jia Chong added, "His Majesty also said that the Crown Prince will oversee the state, the Empress will assist in governing, the Prince of Qi will be in charge of the Imperial Guards, and other government affairs will remain unchanged."

Jia Chong made arrangements according to his own ideas; however, without Empress Wang Yuanji's edict to endorse him, Jia Chong's words would have been merely his own opinion.

Simply put, it's nothing!

However, Jia Chong's plan had already taken everyone's interests into account. At this moment, Wang Yuanji would not object, nor did she have any reason to object.

"Well, since His Majesty has arranged it this way, then let's proceed accordingly."

I cannot disobey His Majesty's wishes.

Wang Yuanji sighed, accepting all of Jia Chong's suggestions without question.

Jia Chong was clever in that he didn't include his own name in the list, but he knew very well that even if he didn't say it now, Sima Yan would reciprocate his kindness once he had secured the throne.

These are the basic rules of the political game.

"Lord Jia, you should leave the palace now and inform the officials. Let Shan Tao come in and write an imperial edict for His Majesty."

Wang Yuanji spoke calmly.

She used to frequently discuss political affairs with Sima Zhao, and now she has demonstrated her competence. She handled these posthumous matters in an orderly and composed manner.

Sima Yan and Sima You, standing to the side, didn't dare to breathe loudly, and the unspeakable thought even welled up in their minds.

Shi Shouxin watched all this without feeling joy or sorrow, and offered no opinion. He simply bowed and accepted the appointment.

"Anshi, Taofu, you two stay in the palace and don't leave."

"Gentlemen, let's arrange things this way for now."

After speaking, Wang Yuanji stood up and walked towards Sima Zhao's bedroom.

Sima Yan and Sima You followed her in. As soon as they entered the bedroom, they saw Sima Zhao lying quietly on the bed with his eyes closed, his face still showing signs of pain.

"Father!"

Sima Yan and Sima You rushed to the bedside and wept bitterly, as if Sima Zhao had already passed away.

"Anshi, Taofu, you may leave now, lest you disturb His Majesty's rest."

Wang Yuanji sighed and helped her two biological sons up.

Sima Yan and Sima You stood up and left the bedroom.

Upon arriving outside the bedroom, Sima You took out a military tally from his robes and handed it to Shi Shouxin, saying, "Go and take command of the Left Guard troops, and then mobilize troops to garrison Luoyang Palace."

"Order!"

Shi Shouxin accepted the military tally from the Left Guard General, tucked it into his sleeve, bowed to Sima You, and turned to leave. The news would spread quickly; the real trouble and trials were only just beginning.

It’s far from over.

……

News of Sima Zhao's fainting at the banquet spread quickly after the ministers who attended the banquet were allowed to leave Luoyang Palace.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in Luoyang became tense.

Although the frequency of garrison rotation on the outer walls remained unchanged, there were significant adjustments made to the individual units.

The transfer of mid-level officers to unfamiliar units and the replacement of senior officers represent a significant shift in policy.

As the news spread, the imperial court issued an edict that was almost identical to the "last will and testament" that Jia Chong conveyed to Sima Zhao at the banquet.

One by one, high-ranking officials in the court were also given the opportunity to enter the emperor's bedchamber alone for an audience.

When these people saw Sima Zhao lying motionless on the bed, like a dead man, their hearts, which had been hanging in suspense, were completely dead.

Before each person left the palace, Wang Yuanji would pull him aside to meet with Sima Yan and Sima You, instructing them to keep everything as before.

Overall, the situation in Luoyang is relatively stable.

After all, everyone has seen Sima Zhao's current wretched state. Although it is indeed quite strange that he contracted a serious illness and died immediately after founding the country and ascending the throne, the facts are there and there is no room for others to refute or question them.

Three days have passed. The good news is that there has been no movement in the court, while the bad news is that Sima Zhao has not made any progress either.

That night, Sima Zhao slowly opened his eyes and saw Wang Yuanji sitting at the head of the bed, staring intently at him.

In those eyes, there was reluctance, guilt, sorrow, and a hint of ruthlessness and determination.

Unfortunately, his eyesight is poor, and he can't see these emotions clearly.

Sima Zhao's head was spinning. He tried to move his body but found he couldn't. His limbs were numb, one corner of his mouth drooped, and saliva dripped out, wetting his robe.

His eyes darted around, and he saw Wang Yuanji talking to Wei Fan. But he couldn't hear anything clearly; his ears were ringing.

Sima Zhao closed his eyes again and continued to sleep.

At this moment, Wang Yuanji looked at Wei Fan, her eyes reddening, and asked in a low voice, "Is there really no possibility that Your Majesty will recover?"

"Your Highness, I also hope that Your Majesty will live a long and healthy life, free from illness and disaster, but the power of medicine is ultimately limited, and I cannot cure Your Majesty."

Wei Fan sighed with emotion.

"So, will His Majesty look like this from now on?"

Wang Yuanji questioned him, her tone becoming somewhat stern. Wei Fan continued to shake his head and sigh, saying nothing more.

The facts are as they are!
Sima Zhao might still have a chance of partial recovery, but Wei Fan was not capable of treating him. Moreover, it's likely that if a different physician were to examine him, the situation would be similar.

In the past few days, the Imperial Medical Academy, which is under the jurisdiction of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, has sent several batches of medical officers to treat Sima Zhao.

Although the prescriptions were varied, the conclusions were surprisingly consistent: there was no cure, only the spirits and gods.

In other words, if we still expect Sima Zhao to cure the illness, then we can only rely on the power of "belief." Calling for auspicious omens, consulting a fortune teller, or praying to a deity are all viable options!

"Your Highness, His Majesty has shown me great favor and kindness. If it were someone else, they would certainly say the nice things."

But I must tell you the truth: His Majesty's illness is incurable. And..."

Wei Fan hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Sima Zhao is in such a state that living is just suffering for him; he might as well be dead.

"Your Majesty faced immense difficulties in establishing the dynasty, and before you had even been emperor for a few days, you have encountered this great calamity."

The thought that he was unable to move or get out of bed, and that he had to go to the toilet in the main bedroom and be served by several eunuchs, filled me with immense sorrow.

"Does the imperial physician have any way to ensure the emperor maintains the dignity befitting an emperor?"

Wang Yuanji looked at Wei Fan and asked.

The proper decorum?
Wei Fan was startled and his eyes widened immediately.

What kind of dignity can a person with no cure possibly have when they seek it? Isn't that obvious?
"Your Highness, this is unacceptable! This is murder..."

Before Wei Fan could finish saying the word "Your Majesty," Wang Yuanji raised her hand to interrupt him.

"Minister Wei, do you think I wanted this?"

Wang Yuanji looked at Wei Fan and asked him in return.

Wei Fan did not answer. Although Sima Zhao was practically dead, he was not truly dead after all!
"What kind of emperor is one who lies in bed and can never stand up again?"

Wang Yuanji countered with a question.

Wei Fan was speechless. In fact, Wang Yuanji was quite right. Moreover, even if Sima Yan didn't speak, what he was thinking was obvious:
The sooner Sima Zhao dies, the sooner he will ascend to the throne. What's the point of dragging this on helplessly?

"Three days ago, I asked you about his condition. You said that His Majesty might have numbness in his limbs, a splitting headache, tinnitus, weakness, and a feeling that life is worse than death."

He was going to lie in bed waiting to die, unable to do anything.

Now I ask you if you can cure it, and you say there's no cure, only ghosts and gods.

Do you secretly rejoice at the sight of the emperor weak and powerless in bed?

Wang Yuanji asked again, her question quite veiled.

Wei Fan was so frightened that he immediately knelt down and kowtowed, repeatedly begging for forgiveness.

This is too big a burden for him to bear.

"Is there any remedy that would allow His Majesty to pass away peacefully, without having to suffer from illness any longer?"

Think of a way. If His Majesty knew this in the afterlife, he would be grateful to you. He is suffering too much.

The emperor has lost his dignity and is living such a miserable life. Can you bear to see him like this?

Wang Yuanji leaned closer and asked in a low voice.

"I understand, Your Highness."

Wei Fan nodded. As an experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor, he certainly knew what medicine could allow a seriously ill person to pass away without pain.

At that moment, he saw Wang Yuanji holding Sima Zhao's hand and saying:
"Zishang (Sima Zhao's courtesy name), I know what's on your mind, and I won't let you suffer like this."

Anshi became emperor, and Taofu took command of the imperial guards—this was also your dying wish. I will help them ascend the throne; I will not let you down.

Seeing you now, unable to speak or move, truly saddens me.

"You'd be better off setting off sooner, in style and with dignity, than suffering like this."

Wang Yuanji choked up and shed tears as she spoke, and Wei Fan could only sigh helplessly.

He had never seen anything like this in the Heavenly Court.

However, when treating all sorts of people in the community, similar situations are not uncommon. If it's untreatable, then just give up on treatment. In Wei Fan's medical career, there have been dozens, if not hundreds, of such cases.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. I will go and make the preparations immediately."

Wei Fan gave a brief explanation and then turned to leave.

Wang Yuanji suddenly grabbed his sleeve and asked, "What would Physician Wei say if others asked?"

Without hesitation, Wei Fan replied, "The Emperor's illness was severe and incurable by medicine; he has already passed away."

Wang Yuanji nodded and said, "Then let's say it that way."

An hour later, Wei Fan returned, carrying a bowl of medicine.

He handed the medicine to Wang Yuanji and said, "This is anesthetic powder. Your Majesty will feel better after taking it."

It will indeed make you feel better, but if an overdose of the medication causes you to "feel so good you die," then don't blame Wei Fan for making trouble.

Wei Fan helped Sima Zhao sit up against the headboard, and Wang Yuanji held a bowl and brought it to Sima Zhao's mouth, saying, "Your Majesty, it's time to drink your medicine."

(End of this chapter)