The pie falling from the sky caught Lu Nianfu completely off guard.
The words "abdicate the throne" were something she had never even considered. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
It had to be said, Emperor Changwu truly favored this son. While others fought tooth and nail for the throne, constantly trying to prove their worth, guarding against the Emperor's suspicion, and fending off their brothers' schemes, Emperor Changwu paved the way for Situ Yan, almost pushing him onto the throne.
Of course, Situ Yan was indeed capable. Though he hadn't studied much and appeared a bit brash, his abilities were astonishing. He handled every matter flawlessly, leaving officials with no fault to find and earning the adoration of the common people. In comparison, his perceived brashness became a symbol of his decisive nature.
After the initial shock came elation. Who could have imagined that she, Lu Nianfu, a mere merchant's daughter, would become an Empress?
It wasn't just her. Not a single civil or military official in the court had reacted, but the imperial decree had been issued. Emperor Changwu had even chosen the date for the abdication. No matter how difficult it was to accept, these people had to digest the news.
After all, Emperor Changwu had only given them three days to adapt.
The Ministry of Rites was once again swamped.
Although Gu Rong was only an assistant minister, the officials in the Ministry of Rites showed him even more respect when it came to organizing the abdication ceremony. The Minister of Rites not only refrained from blaming him for seeking credit but also proactively lowered his stance.
It was understandable. This man was the Emperor's adoptive father. While he didn't quite meet the standard of an Emperor Emeritus, he was clearly more favored by the future Emperor than ordinary royal relatives.
Tsk, what incredible luck. Not only was the child he casually raised a prince who had been living in obscurity, but this child was now sitting on the dragon throne. His status was elevated by his son's. Given Prince Rui's subsequent support for Gu Rong and Gu Li, everyone knew the Gu family was destined for greatness.
However, the women in the inner court were reveling in schadenfreude. Madam Fang's life was likely to become even more difficult.
The former crown prince was in self-imposed isolation, and the third prince was far away at the Yellow River disaster relief. Currently, the only princes in the capital were Prince Yong and the fifth prince. The reaction of the royal family was far calmer than the outside world expected, but the harem had been quite lively. The Empress knelt outside the Qianyuan Hall for a long time. Emperor Changwu, who was about to become Emperor Emeritus, refused to see her. It was Consort Hui who finally persuaded her to leave.
Consort Hui's words were not kind either: "Sister, compared to Noble Consort Jian, your son and grandsons are still alive. What more could you be dissatisfied with?"
"You dare compare me to that slut?" At this point, the Empress cared nothing for her status or dignity. Seeing Consort Hui's indifferent, high-and-mighty demeanor, she directly cursed.
"Then who do you want to compare yourself to? Consort Rong? Her son is about to ascend the throne. Thirty years of the east, thirty years of the west. This, is all your retribution, Sister."
Consort Hui smiled brightly, but her words struck the Empress to the core.
She had fought with Noble Consort Jian for years, her hands stained with blood, only for the son of that slut Yu Chan to benefit in the end.
That woman, whom she had always looked down upon, the one of low birth...
As the cold north wind blew, the Empress could no longer hold back and vomited a mouthful of blood, spitting it directly in front of Consort Hui. Consort Hui felt immense satisfaction. Calmly, she ordered someone to summon a physician: "Sister, you must take good care of yourself. Although the Emperor ennobled your son as a prince, he refused to grant him land, clearly indicating that his confinement is not far off. Your grandchildren still depend on you, their imperial grandmother, for care. Don't let them live worse than King Ning's four daughters."
The Empress gasped for two breaths, rolled her eyes, and fainted.
Consort Hui calmly instructed people to carry her back to Changning Palace. Then, she lifted her long skirt and gracefully ascended the steps in front of the hall.
What a shame, the Empress fainted too early to see her enter the hall. Otherwise, she might have spat up more blood.
"Has my concubine's anger been vented sufficiently?" As soon as she entered the hall, Emperor Changwu's voice reached her ears. Consort Hui remained remarkably composed. It was only logical that anything that happened outside the Qianyuan Hall could not escape his notice.
She smiled brilliantly, "Compared to what she did to my son, what are these few unfeeling words? Your Majesty, after the abdication ceremony, shall we be going to the temporary palace?"
Emperor Changwu nodded.
"May this concubine visit Sheng'er's residence for a few days? That child is filial. After this farewell, it will not be so easy to meet again."
"Go ahead. You can stay for as long as you wish. When you've had enough, I will send someone to fetch you."