After the eldest sister-in-law of a fishing family became a widow, her disabled younger brother-in-l

Hearing Zhang Ziqing's high-sounding words, Song Yunming felt even more disdain and immediately retorted.

"Critically ill? Minister Zhang, how dare you curse the Emperor?"

Song Yunming sneered, "Father's only illness is a bit severe, yet you use the excuse of the country's well-being to disturb his recovery time so many times. Do you really hope that Father will pass away soon so that your chosen prince can ascend the throne?"

Faced with such a grave accusation, Zhang Ziqing panicked and hurriedly defended himself, "Second Prince, you are truly flattering this old minister! I have been diligent all my life... how... how could I possibly have such treasonous thoughts!"

Seeing this, Song Chengyan frowned. He really didn't expect Song Yunming to become more and more aggressive. But under these circumstances, Zhang Ziqing was indeed in the wrong. If this matter escalated, it would inevitably involve him.

Thinking of this, Song Chengyan immediately gave Zhang Ziqing a look. Zhang Ziqing understood and stopped arguing. He just sighed and kowtowed heavily in the direction of the emperor.

"Since the Second Prince suspects my intentions, then I shall refrain from staying here and take my leave so as not to disturb Your Majesty's recovery."

After saying this, Zhang Ziqing stood up and sighed deeply, looking as if he had suffered a great injustice. He bowed slightly to the princes and then turned to leave.

At that moment, a person walked towards them from the bottom of the stone steps. Judging from the person's clothes, he seemed to be of noble status. Zhang Ziqing narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to see who the person was. But when the person slowly approached, he was shocked.

It was actually Prince Jing!?

Zhang Ziqing was dumbfounded. He had thought that Prince Jing had not shown his face for almost two years and was probably dead somewhere, so he had never taken Prince Jing seriously. But he never expected that at this critical moment, Prince Jing would suddenly appear!

Zhang Ziqing inwardly cried out in alarm. This Prince Jing wielded considerable power in the court, and the emperor also showed considerable favoritism towards his younger brother. If he were to return now, it would be truly uncertain who would inherit the throne!

Thinking of this, Zhang Ziqing clenched his fists. No wonder that old bastard Li Daocong had always stood on Prince Jing's side. Could it be that he already knew that Prince Jing was still alive?

At this moment, the princes also noticed Song Jinglan's appearance. Apart from Song Yunming, whose eyes were filled with extreme resentment, the other two were filled with turbulent emotions.

Song Jinglan is still alive! Song Jinglan is actually still alive!?

After the initial shock, everyone realized they needed to pay their respects and hurriedly said in unison, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Jing!"

Song Jinglan remained calm, bypassing Zhang Ziqing and his entourage, and walked directly to the three princes.

Looking at his nephews whom he hadn't seen for a long time, Song Jinglan's eyes swept over them one by one. When his gaze met Song Chengyan's, the latter's eyes showed a hint of evasion.

"When did you return to the capital, Imperial Uncle? Why didn't you inform your nephew beforehand? I should have gone to greet you in person."

Song Chengyan smiled gently, but seeing how well Song Jinglan looked, his smile became slightly stiff.

"There's no need for a welcome."

Song Jinglan's tone was calm and even, "I was recuperating outside before, but now I'm much better. That's when I learned that my brother's condition was critical, so I couldn't send the message back in advance."

"I see."

Song Chengyan immediately raised his hand to congratulate him, "It is naturally a joyous occasion that Imperial Uncle has recovered. If Father Emperor sees Imperial Uncle return safely, his health will surely improve as well!"

Song Jinglan remained noncommittal to these words, then turned her gaze to Song Yunming beside her. Seeing that his right hand was still wrapped in gauze, she immediately asked him a question of concern.

"What happened to the Second Prince's hand? Where was he injured?"

Hearing Song Jinglan ask a question he already knew the answer to, Song Yunming felt a surge of anger, but he could not say it outright, so he could only reply respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Imperial Uncle, but I accidentally injured myself while practicing martial arts a few days ago. It's just a minor injury and nothing to worry about."

"That's good."

Song Jinglan glanced at him and said, "There are many meridians in the hands. If they are not properly cared for, they may develop chronic ailments in the future. The Second Prince should pay more attention to this."

These words made Song Yunming even angrier, but he could only suppress his anger and thank him again, "Thank you for your concern, Imperial Uncle."

When Song Chengyan overheard their conversation, he immediately sensed something was amiss. Why did Song Yunming seem completely unsurprised by Song Jinglan's sudden appearance?

Song Yunming was not that stupid. His two brothers were his political enemies. Although he had known about Song Jinglan's survival for a year, he never revealed it. Otherwise, wouldn't it have exposed his plans in Jiangnan?

Although Song Jinglan was a formidable rival to Song Yunming, he could also cause his brother a lot of trouble, so he naturally wouldn't disclose such information.

"Alright, I still need to go in and visit my elder brother, so I won't say any more to you."

After exchanging a few perfunctory greetings with his three nephews, Song Jinglan did not linger there. He strode towards the inner hall, and the three princes bowed respectfully before watching Song Jinglan enter. Their expressions were all quite interesting.

Song Jinglan pushed open the door and entered the bedchamber. When Eunuch Liu heard the noise, he frowned and was about to speak to stop the rash intruder, but when he saw the person's appearance, his eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Prince Jing...Your Highness Prince Jing!?"

Eunuch Liu was overjoyed, and the palace servants in the hall hurriedly followed him in bowing, "Your Highness Prince Jing, when did you return? His Majesty was just talking about you!"

After saying this, Eunuch Liu quickly whispered in the emperor's ear, "Your Majesty! Prince Jing has returned to see you!"

The old emperor was already somewhat delirious, but upon hearing this, he immediately opened his eyes and scanned the hall with a somewhat blank gaze. When he saw Song Jinglan's figure, his eyes regained some clarity.

"...Jinglan!"

The old emperor propped himself up and immediately beckoned him to come forward. Upon seeing this, Song Jinglan stepped forward and respectfully bowed to him, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"No gifts, no gifts!"

The emperor coughed twice, then looked at Eunuch Liu beside him, "Take everyone away. I... I need to speak with Prince Jing alone!"

Seeing his expression, Eunuch Liu hesitated for a moment, but still nodded and led everyone away as the emperor had instructed.

A moment later, only Song Jinglan and the emperor remained in the vast palace.

Seeing his once spirited and vigorous elder brother now old and gray with a full head of white hair, Song Jinglan felt a pang of sadness.

"sit down."

The emperor pointed to the stool by the bed, gesturing for him to sit down. "You've been away in Jiangnan for almost two years now. How did you manage to stay away for so long?"