苟在大明长生久视21To exist in the great Ming, seeking longevity and eternal life

Chapter 177: The Emperor's Demise

Yang Tinghe found himself unable to decline. He cast a glance back at the Qianqing Palace, sighed softly, and said, Please lead the way, Master Lao.

I, Minister Yang Tinghe, pay my respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

Please rise, Lord Yang, Zhang replied, feigning support. Did the Emperor say anything?

Your Majesty refers to...?

Zhang's face flushed, and after a moment of hesitation, she waved her hand, signaling those present to withdraw.

Zhang's demeanor turned serious: In the past, when Emperor Xuan passed away prematurely, it would have been a tremendous blessing had the situation turned for the better under my son. If the ancestral legacy of our forebears were to be preserved...

Your Majesty! Yang Tinghe's tone grew slightly more emphatic.

Zhang paused, her expression faltering, and she retorted, Lord Yang, you misunderstand. I harbor no intentions of meddling in governance; I merely express concern for the continuity of the imperial line.

Yang Tinghe remained silent, though his heart seethed with frustration. The Emperor detested interference from the harem, and indeed, the ministers shared this sentiment. Matters of the state resided with the sovereign and his ministers, not with the empress dowagers. Historically, ministers have been wary of the influence of consort families. Take Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty, for instance; in this era, she is not regarded as a virtuous figure, and her association even tainted Emperor Gaozong's temple name. Of course, it was Emperor Gaozong of the Song dynasty who truly sullied that name.

Fortune favors the worthy, and there is no need for Her Majesty to be overly concerned, Yang Tinghe subtly reminded her, recalling how Empress Zhang, in her time, had received a clear edict from Emperor Xuan. Sharing the same surname and title, Zhang could not help but entertain certain thoughts. As a seasoned player in the political arena, Yang Tinghe was well aware of this.

Zhang found herself momentarily speechless. After a while, her indignation flared: Lord Yang, how dare you think such thoughts? To maliciously speculate about the Empress Dowager is truly audacious! My son has yet to do anything, and already you wish to undermine the imperial family?

Faced with such an accusation, Yang Tinghe dared not retaliate and quickly knelt, bowing his head: How could I? I have merely judged with the mind of a petty person.

Zhang's frustration lingered, yet she refrained from escalating the matter further. She calmed herself and asked gently, I simply wish to know if the Emperor has made any decisions?

I do not know, Yang Tinghe replied, shaking his head.

Unable to suppress her anger, Zhang swept her sleeve and commanded, You may withdraw!

Yes, Yang Tinghe rose, his heart heavy. After taking a few steps, he suddenly halted, a thought striking him. Tentatively, he inquired, Whom does Your Majesty prefer as the successor?

Zhang stiffened, realizing Yang Tinghe was not jesting. Hesitantly, she responded, I believe the eldest son of the Prince of Xingxian is more suitable.

Indeed, considering the ties of kinship, the son of the Prince of Xingxian is closest to the Emperor’s lineage, and Zhu Houzong is of the same generation as the Emperor. Should he ascend to the throne, the Empress Dowager would remain in her position with minimal impact on her own interests. Might this be an avenue for exploitation?

Yang Tinghe's heart raced. He was in desperate need of authority and a greater voice to stabilize the already precarious state of affairs that had been further destabilized by recent events. Although consort families were generally frowned upon, if utilized wisely, they could transform decay into vitality.

In an instant, Yang Tinghe made his decision. With newfound resolve, his demeanor softened considerably as he said, Your Majesty, I am deeply troubled by the Emperor’s condition. My earlier behavior was disrespectful; I ask for your forgiveness.