The Emperor sat on a chair, observing the people entering through a silk curtain.
Dozens of paces behind him was the dragon bed.
The very same dragon bed that had shocked everyone just moments ago.
Upon entering, Prince Ling, Prince Yu, and the other officials were made to stand far away in the outer chamber. Separated not only by the silk curtain but also by a screen, they could only glimpse the Emperor's figure.
"Your Majesty, we heard there was an incident in the palace and rushed here out of concern."
Prince Yu's gaze was fixed on the figure in the chair.
Despite the two layers of silk, his sharp eyes could clearly discern the person on the throne.
It was indeed him!
How could this be?
Chu Lingyang couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, I heard news that Your Majesty... Your Majesty was injured. Your Majesty, are you well?"
"Second Imperial Brother," the Emperor replied, also separated by the silk, his gaze fixed on Chu Lingyang's face, "In your opinion, is there anything wrong with my health?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Lingyang's face immediately flushed, and he felt utterly uncomfortable.
He was too embarrassed to discuss such matters.
Before entering, Chu Lingyang, like everyone else, had harbored a question.
Was it possible that the person inside was not the Emperor at all?
What if the Emperor was truly poisoned and staged this scene to conceal his injuries?
But now, seeing with his own eyes, it was undeniably the Emperor.
The doubt vanished. Now, the relationship between Xiao Li'er and A Chu remained an unsolved mystery for him.
Did Xiao Li'er climb onto the dragon bed willingly, or was she forced?
"I was reckless, Your Majesty is blessed with immense fortune and enjoys robust health. I was merely overthinking."
The Emperor said nothing, his gaze sweeping over everyone.
"My esteemed officials, you have come late at night. Is there an urgent matter?"
"This..."
They exchanged glances, unsure of what to say at this moment.
They had rushed here upon hearing that the Emperor was poisoned, fearing someone might exploit the situation to control the Emperor.
But now, it seemed the Emperor was in perfect health, completely unharmed.
What had happened on the dragon bed earlier could not be faked.
Finally, everyone's eyes, as if by unspoken agreement, fell upon Prince Yu.
Prince Yu was still in his wheelchair. The Emperor was also looking at him, at his legs.
"How are Imperial Brother's legs?"
Xiao Shunzi served the Emperor ginseng tea.
He took it and took a few sips, his long fingers tracing the rim of the cup.
This was a habitual, unconscious gesture of the Emperor that everyone recognized!
Who was it that had doubted the person inside was the Emperor just moments ago?
If this wasn't the Emperor, then who could it be?
What poisoning? It was unclear who had spread such rumors.
If the Emperor didn't pursue it, once he did, everyone would be accused of spreading seditious rumors!
Who could bear such a charge?
Just now, wasn't it Prince Yu who first suggested breaking in?
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Although my legs are seriously injured, fortunately, they are not life-threatening."
The Emperor smiled faintly, "That is good."
"Since all my esteemed officials are here, there is a matter I intend to discuss with you all."
Everyone held their breath, listening quietly.
"Today, news arrived from Weiri City. The Nanling tribe has rebelled and plans to attack Weiri City. Weiri City is now in grave danger."
The Emperor's gaze swept over them. "I am currently troubled about whom to dispatch to quell the rebellion."
Prince Yu's eyes flashed, and he immediately said, "If my legs were not injured, I would certainly volunteer to personally lead the troops to pacify the Nanling tribe!"
He then looked at Chu Lingyang and sighed, "This time, I cannot compete for merit with my Second Imperial Brother!"