Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

After they entered the city, they parted ways.

Lu Yanqing and He Jingchuan returned to their respective residences.

Chu Xiyao and Shen Qingchen also returned to Shen Qingchen's residence together.

Lingyan and Xiao Muyao secretly returned to the palace.

Upon returning to the palace, Xiao Muyao immediately burned the imperial edict establishing the Prince of Xiang as emperor.

Now that he has returned safely, this imperial edict can only be destroyed.

After watching the imperial edict turn to ashes.

The two then inquired with "Xiao Muyao" and Mu Feng about all the events and news that had occurred inside and outside the court during this period.

When they learned of the passing of Consort Li, the two were somewhat prepared, but they were still saddened.

My nose stung, but I swallowed the sorrow and continued to learn about other things.

They learned from the two men that none of the officials had any doubts about it.

They would visit Xiao Muyao every few days.

However, Xiao Muyao did not reveal any flaws.

Apart from the officials, there were no major problems during the time that the Prince of Xiang was overseeing the country.

He himself was exceptionally capable, and most of the officials at the time were loyal and devoted to the country and its people, so there were no conflicts or disagreements.

Everything was peaceful and stable in the previous dynasty.

As for the inner palace, apart from the death of Consort Li, nothing else happened.

Because the officials always maintained a certain distance from each other when they visited Xiao Muyao, they followed the proper etiquette between ruler and subject.

But the Empress Dowager was different.

She can be very close to Xiao Muyao.

Besides, how could she not recognize the child she raised herself?

Therefore, Xiao Muyao made preparations in advance.

He told the Eighth Princess that he had angered Lingyan, causing her to leave the capital, so he wanted to go and bring her back.

Upon hearing this, the Eighth Princess immediately urged him to go and find his sister-in-law.

As for the Empress Dowager, there's nothing to worry about with her there.

So after Xiao Muyao left the capital, the Eighth Princess very considerately explained the situation to the Empress Dowager.

They said she was old and had just recovered from a serious illness.

Knowing that she was worried about her brother, it would be better for her to visit him every day in place of the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager was very pleased and happy that her daughter was so thoughtful.

But she was still worried about her son and hesitated.

But then he received an imperial edict from his own son.

He said he needed to rest quietly and shouldn't be disturbed by too many people.

If Your Majesty is still worried, you can have your younger sister visit you every few days. There is no need for Your Majesty to go through such trouble.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager finally gave up.

I had no doubts during this time.

But even if Xiao Muyao hadn't told the Eighth Princess about this, she could have guessed that there must be more to the story.

They will eventually discover that the "elder brother" currently in the palace is a fake.

After all, how could she not recognize her own brother?

Not only her, but Lingyan's other sisters also knew the truth.

Firstly, they knew that Lingyan was in very good health.

So how could someone become so seriously ill just from being a little tired?

In addition, Sixth Brother/His Majesty also coincidentally survived an assassination attempt and needed to recuperate.

It was hard not to think that the two of them must have secretly left Beijing.

It is unclear why they left Beijing at this time.

However, they all knew that this matter was of great importance, so they kept it a secret and did not try to find out why they left the capital.

Therefore, this matter remained a closely guarded secret, and even the Prince of Xiang was unaware of it.

…………

As dawn breaks, the first rays of light, like sharp blades, slice through the heavy curtain of night, illuminating the golden roofs and vermilion walls of the majestic palace.

The sound of bells and chimes echoed gently, like ancient music playing, awakening the palace from its slumber.

Officials, dressed in court robes, filed into the main hall, the sounds of their robes rustling and their boots clattering on the ground filling the air.

As everyone stepped into the palace, they looked up and saw His Majesty sitting upright on the dragon throne.

His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and although his face had weathered many storms, it radiated the healthy glow of someone recovering from a serious illness.

His eyes were deep and bright, like stars shining in the cold night.

In an instant, the imperial court seemed to erupt into chaos.

Joy is like a spring thunderclap, awakening every dull corner.

Many ministers were so moved that their beards trembled, their eyes reddened, and they wiped away tears with their sleeves.

He murmured, "His Majesty's recovery is truly a blessing from Heaven for our dynasty and a boon to our nation!"

Everyone was unable to hide their excitement and began whispering among themselves.

Their whispers were filled with relief and joy, and they completely forgot their usual composure and rules.

They then straightened their clothes, composed themselves, and bowed deeply.

They all shouted, "Your Majesty, may you be well and healthy! We are overjoyed!"

The shouts rose and fell, echoing throughout the main hall.

The shock seemed to rouse the carved dragons on the palace beams, making them soar into the heavens.

The entire court was filled with the joy of surviving a calamity and welcoming back their leader.

Xiao Muyao sat high on the dragon throne, and upon seeing this, he slightly raised his hands.

His wide robe sleeves fluttered as if carried by a gentle breeze, and he announced in a clear voice, "All of you, rise."

His voice was steady, conveying the dignity of someone who had been away from the court for a long time, yet also containing a touch of warmth from someone recovering from a serious illness.

Upon hearing this, all the officials bowed and stood up in unison.

They all looked up at the throne, their eyes filled with reverence and anticipation.

Xiao Muyao surveyed the court with a calm expression and spoke slowly: "While I was recuperating from my illness, all affairs of the court continued without interruption. All the ministers performed their duties diligently and painstakingly, which was truly hard work. However, the one who worked the hardest was the Prince of Xiang."

At this point, he turned his gaze to the Prince of Xiang, his expression full of sincere gratitude: "Uncle, you have upheld justice and managed the country with integrity. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your efforts during this period. You have truly worked hard."

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Xiang hurriedly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

His head was bowed deeply, and he said repeatedly, "Your Majesty is too kind. I dare not accept such praise! Since Your Majesty has entrusted me with this trust, as a member of the imperial family, it is my duty to share the emperor's wealth and worries. At this time, I can only do my utmost to maintain the operation of the court and the stability of the country. How could I dare to be negligent in the slightest or take credit for anything? Fortunately, Your Majesty has recovered, which is a blessing for all the people and the country. I am still willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty and for the country!"

His words were earnest and resounding, and his face was full of sincerity and loyalty.

In the imperial court, the ministers nodded in agreement.

The warm atmosphere, like the spring sunshine, gently enveloped the entire court, and a peaceful aura permeated every brick and stone.

The morning court session continued as usual.

The ministers presented their reports, one after another.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Xiao Muyao listened intently, sometimes nodding in approval, sometimes frowning in deep thought, displaying the wisdom and composure of an emperor in his responses and decisions.

After all matters were settled, Xiao Muyao leaned forward slightly, surveyed the court, and spoke in a booming voice: "I am fortunate to have recovered and returned to the court, and the Empress has also recovered. This is a blessing from Heaven for our dynasty, a double blessing. The foundation of the nation lies in sacrifice and war. My enthronement ceremony and the Empress's coronation ceremony are related to the longevity of the nation and the prosperity of the country, and should not be delayed any longer."

After speaking, he looked at the Director of the Imperial Observatory below the steps, his expression solemn: "Instruct the Imperial Observatory to immediately conduct careful calculations and find the nearest auspicious day to prepare for the grand ceremony."

Upon hearing this, the Director of the Imperial Observatory hurriedly stepped forward, knelt down, kowtowed, raised his tablet high, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, according to my calculations, in half a month, all signs will be auspicious, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth will gather. It is the perfect time to hold the enthronement and investiture ceremony, which will surely ensure the eternal glory and prosperity of our dynasty."

After he finished speaking, a murmur of discussion broke out in the hall, and the faces of the ministers all showed joy.

It seemed as if one could already foresee the grand spectacle of dazzling imperial crowns and resounding bells and drums at the ceremony.

They looked forward to the beginning of a new chapter in the dynasty, filled with auspicious omens.