CHAPTER 576: CHAPTER 486: EMPEROR LIANG FAVORS TREASURE PIGGY_2

The palace maids gasped in shock.

Speaking ill of Your Majesty behind his back, how could you wish to bring calamity upon the Imperial Concubine!

Upon hearing this, Consort Hu felt disheartened: "Even if family members are close, they are still outsiders to the Imperial Family; that is Your Majesty’s beloved great-grandson. There is a distinction between close and distant."

With this in mind, she became increasingly convinced that only if her son became the Emperor could the grievances of the Hu Family be entirely redressed.

The nursemaid said, "Your Majesty wishes to make Zhaozhao a Princess!"

Consort Hu’s expression changed: "What?"

She immediately looked at the four accompanying palace maids: "You, tell me, what exactly transpired?"

The lead palace maid carefully explained, "Your Majesty only asked if Miss Zhao Zhao wanted to be a Princess. However, Miss Zhao Zhao declined."

She recounted their conversation verbatim.

Being a chief palace maid at Consort Hu’s side, this skill was expected.

Consort Hu sneered, "Well! To fight for the throne, even children are being used!"

She did not believe a child could speak such words on their own; it must have been Lu Zhaoyan and Lu Linyuan behind it all.

"Someone come! Go to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, and deliver a message to Master Gongsun!"

-

After Gongsun Liuying fell ill, Gongsun Yanming did not attend court for several days. Emperor Liang empathized with him caring for his daughter and did not rush him.

It was precisely his absence that led to the unresolved quarrels in the court.

If he had promptly declared his stance, the conflict between the Crown Prince Mansion and Jin Prince Mansion would likely have concluded.

After Lan Yeyue detoxified Gongsun Yanming, he recuperated on the Ice Bed for a Grand Circulation, regaining fifty percent of his power, and he should be fully healed in a few days.

He went next door to see Shang Wuyou.

Shang Wuyou had awoken.

But he did not wish to speak to anyone, only turning his back on him.

"Brother."

Gongsun Yu waved at him from outside the door.

"You should rest first, I’ll come to see you later."

Gongsun Yanming said, then stood up and walked out.

"How long do you intend to confine me?"

Shang Wuyou asked coldly.

Gongsun Yanming replied, "When your injuries are healed, I will naturally let you out."

Shang Wuyou mocked, "Why did Mother want to kill me? When do you plan to answer that?"

Gongsun Yanming hesitated to speak.

"Brother!"

Gongsun Yu urged.

Gongsun Yanming let out a long sigh, leaving the room with a complex expression.

He closed the door behind him: "What is it?"

"A message has arrived from the palace."

Gongsun Yu handed a sealed letter in front of Gongsun Yanming.

After reading it, Gongsun Yanming said sternly, "Prepare the carriage, I must enter the palace."

-

Gongsun Yanming swiftly entered the Imperial Palace and sought an audience with Emperor Liang in the Imperial Study Room.

His poisoning had not been publicly disclosed.

Emperor Liang saw that his face appeared slightly pale, assuming it was due to recent overwork and worry: "Has Liuying awoken?"

Gongsun Yanming bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, she awoke this morning."

"Awake, that’s good."

Emperor Liang nodded, not inquiring further about Gongsun Liuying, nor asking about the matter of the true Phoenix Girl, "State Preceptor, do you have something to discuss?"

Gongsun Yanming, with a composed expression, said, "Your Majesty, I have come concerning the matter of the Qilin."

Emperor Liang said, "What a coincidence, there is another esteemed guest here today about this matter."

Gongsun Yanming turned, puzzled, towards the outside of the Imperial Study Room.

An elder with an immortal demeanor entered with a tray, emanating confidence.

"Commoner, greets Your Majesty!"

He bowed respectfully, appearing starkly different from his previous arrogant manner.

If Emperor Liang had not personally visited the mountain to invite him, one might suspect his aloofness was mere rumor.

Emperor Liang said, "Mr. Zimu, rise and be seated."

Xiao Dazi brought chairs for Mr. Zimu and the State Preceptor.

Mr. Zimu did not rush to sit down.

Gongsun Yanming discreetly gestured: "Uncle, please."

Only then did Mr. Zimu dust off his wide sleeves and sit down ceremoniously.

Emperor Liang asked Gongsun Yanming, "State Preceptor, though you haven’t been at court recently, do you know what’s been happening in the court?"

Gongsun Yanming nodded: "I’ve heard that ministers have been arguing non-stop over the position of the Crown Prince, with many pushing to establish Prince Jin as Crown Prince."

"What is your view, State Preceptor?"

Emperor Liang inquired.

Gongsun Yanming replied solemnly, "I believe, considering the Second Prince was made Crown Prince originally due to Prince Jian, now that Prince Jian has acknowledged his biological father, the position of Crown Prince should be returned to its rightful owner."

Mr. Zimu stroked his beard: "What a rightful owner! Does a false Qilin deserve such a name?"

Gongsun Yanming remained unperturbed and calmly said, "Uncle, with your seniority, I should respect you and not speak rudely, but since it concerns the fate of Great Liang, Uncle, please refrain from creating discord."

Mr. Zimu sneered, "Is it I who cause discord, or is someone else stirring trouble?"