Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 406: Forcing the Throne

Qi Yun lay on the bed, breathing heavily, doing his best to appear as if he were on his last breath.

His cheeks were slightly red, but it was an unnatural flush, looking more like the final glow before death.

Earlier, the Imperial Physician had diagnosed him, saying that Qi Yun’s heart and veins were damaged, and he didn’t have much time left. If he didn’t control his violent emotions, the blood and energy would attack his heart, and he would be finished.

So everyone was in a panic.

Today, Prime Minister Pei Shangqing, accompanied by Vice Prime Minister Cui Yuanhe and Junior Prime Minister Di Jing, came with several important ministers to visit.

They knew they had gone too far in their actions, but for the sake of the empire, they had no choice.

The Emperor did not leave behind a decree of succession, and even though the Crown Prince was named heir, it wasn’t assured, because the other Princes would think that without a decree, it wasn’t the Emperor’s personal appointment. What if he wanted to change people?

Back then, when the late Emperor was critically ill, he intended to pass the throne to Qi Yun, but he could no longer write. He could only dictate and have others write it for him, then seal it with the imperial seal.

Although there was a decree of succession, because it wasn’t penned by the late Emperor himself, it planted a bomb for the future Rebellion of the Seven Princes and eventually detonated!

Similarly, now that Qi Yun seemed critically ill, if they didn’t urge him to quickly write the decree of succession, and he suddenly passed away, it would leave a huge mess behind.

To be honest, the succession of every Emperor of Dazhou has never been peaceful, because they have too many sons, sometimes ten or twenty, and many of them are talented. This leads to various factions competing, which is truly a headache.

Take Qi Yun’s sons for example, the Crown Prince is steady and organized, the Third Prince, although impulsive and protective, is good at martial arts and personnel management, and the Seventh Prince is deeply scheming, skilled at balancing factions and manipulating power, adept at dealing with ministers.

Currently, there is also Qian Yi, who has been specially trained for two years and is quite outstanding, with great hope in the struggle for the throne. If they don’t quickly set down the decree of succession for such a group, there will surely be trouble in the future.

The doors of the bedroom slowly opened, and Pei Shangqing and the others entered, bowing, "Your servants greet Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"

Qi Yun lay on the bed, eyes wide open, his breathing rapid with excitement, slowly turning his head to look at the ministers with difficulty.

"You all...why have you come...?"

He looked very weak, as if he were truly on the brink, which made the ministers’ hearts sink.

"Your Majesty, we, the Crown Prince has been appointed for many years, may we ask if the decree of succession...?"

"Cough, cough, cough!"

As Pei Shangqing just touched upon this topic, Qi Yun began to cough violently with agitation, glaring at them.

"What do you mean by this? Are you implying that I am ill, and not going to make it? You actually want me to set down the decree of succession? You...truly... audacious! Cough, cough, cough!"

Qi Yun, too agitated, trembled all over, his face even redder, breath rapid, almost suffocating.

Chen Zhong, frightened, quickly stepped forward to steady Qi Yun’s breathing, while glaring at the ministers.

"Insolent, how dare you pressure the Emperor like this? Leave, all of you, out!" Chen Zhong admonished them while shooing them out. Being the old servant by Qi Yun’s side and at his beck and call during his illness, he did indeed have the authority.

Pei Shangqing initially wanted to scold him, questioning a eunuch daring to meddle in politics, but ultimately remained silent.

Regardless, Chen Zhong was genuinely loyal to Qi Yun, chastising him at this time would only result in Qi Yun disliking him.

Pei Shangqing hesitated a moment, then he and the others retreated.

"Hmph, you’re all scoundrels; I haven’t died yet, and you’re already thinking of succession, all of you rebellious! Rebellious!"

As Pei Shangqing exited the bedroom, he could faintly hear Qi Yun’s roaring, wiping his forehead with a sigh, "Why is His Majesty like this lately? So irritable, and always making inexplicable decisions."

He shook his head slightly, initially intending to say "foolish" but changed it to "inexplicable," lest it backfire on him.

"Isn’t that so? The arbitrary detention of Daliang Country’s Princess, now Daliang demands her release, yet the Emperor insists on his way. Now the Daliang Army advances swiftly, and in no time, they might be at the city gates..."

An official brought up the topic, unable to resist taking a deep breath!

"Gentlemen, there is something you might not be aware of."

Pang Wenzheng suddenly turned around, looking at the important ministers around him, "Earlier, an Imperial Physician hinted that His Majesty might be suffering from a cerebral ailment, here..."

He didn’t say outright, only pointing to his own head.

Instantly, the others recalled Qi Yun’s repeated complaints of headaches earlier.

So, all these events had already shown signs!

Letting a mentally ailing Emperor continue ruling?

Everyone couldn’t help but feel a chill down their spine, realizing a major issue was about to unfold!

"This must be carefully discussed among ourselves, gentlemen, shall we excuse ourselves first!"

Pei Shangqing’s face changed, hurriedly taking the other two Prime Ministers along, and the other ministers also departed quickly, each retreating to their factions for discussion. The Third Prince Faction and the Seventh Prince Faction, no need to say, needed serious contemplation of the matter.

Pang Wenzheng watched them leave, a flash of sharpness in his eyes as he followed, turning into another alley after leaving the Imperial Palace, entering a hidden room.

There he met the mysterious figure in black once more.

"Qi Yun’s condition is grave now, many courtiers are discontented with him, it’s time to act!"

"Good, very good, you’ve done well, now let the plan commence!"

...

That night, some strangers entered Qi Yun’s bedchamber.

"Father, Father, how is your health?"

A familiar voice echoed in his ears, and Qi Yun slowly opened his eyes, seeing Qian Yi looking at him with worry and concern.

He sat at the bedside, holding some fruits. Seeing Qi Yun awake, he immediately offered one.

Qi Yun looked at him, his expression gradually calming, but he shook his head, not eating.

"I have no appetite now, Shi Qi, I’m fine, no need to worry."

"Father, you..."

Qian Yi’s voice trembled as he thought about what was to happen.

"Well, do you have something to say? Just say it."

Qi Yun seemed gentle, and Qian Yi gradually relaxed, saying, "Father, earlier some ministers said... they wanted you to decree the succession, and you were enraged. Father, I mean nothing else except to say you’ve been too angry lately, and it’s bad for your health."

Qi Yun nodded, looking at him, "So, do you think I should write the decree of succession?"

Upon hearing this, Qian Yi’s face immediately changed. Did Father see through him?

He was very discreet but still had his intentions seen through!

Since that was the case, there was no need to hide.

Qian Yi slowly rose, "Yes, I think you should write the decree of succession!"

Qi Yun sneered, "So, you...are here to force the throne?"