581: Stabilize the position

Stabilize the position

The next morning, the first thing that Nianzu did was visit his father. The previous night, Jian Guozhi told him about the deteriorating health of Han Wenji. The Palace Maid of the Emperor's manor allowed Nianzu to go in after she got permission from the Emperor.1

Nianzu stepped inside the chamber. Many things were revolving in his head but as soon as he stepped in his mind turned calmer.

He saw the silhouette of his father, who had stood near the giant window of his chamber. Eunuch Jin informed the Emperor about the arrival of Nianzu.

Nianzu halted near the second door as he heard the voice of his father.

"Leave us alone," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin and two Palace maids who were in the chamber. They bowed and left. Nianzu walked to him and stopped a few meters behind his father.

Han Wenji turned and looked at him. "So, how was the outside world?" He asked him.

Nianzu lifted his head. "It was great, Father. I got to enjoy it since I do not need to think about the ongoing schemings, if any, around me," he replied.

"How do you think that we all are able to survive in the Palace?" Han Wenji asked him another question.

"Forgive me, Father. I regretted it as well after encountering a problem that made me question why people care about power and position. My wife got harassed by the Village Headman while I was out for work and when I came to know about that, my hands were tied since I could not do anything. Even if I had revealed my identity, my value would be nil since I was no longer a Prince.

I realized that being a commoner has its own loss. A commoner might lose people close to him if he raises his voice. Why? Because the words of a commoner are taken on ego by most of the noblemen.

That's why when the Crown Prince suggested I go for the Civil Services Exam, I, without any hesitation, sat for that. Because that was the only way to return," Nianzu explained to his father.

"So, are you saying that you came back with the greed of power?" Han Wenji questioned him.

Nianzu lowered his head. "No, Imperial Father. I returned to protect the people close to me, to become the voice of the commoners and also, to support my brothers," Nianzu answered.

"Father, I am grateful to you that you allowed me to leave the Palace because if you had not, then I might have lost Chuntao in my mother's hand," Nianzu proclaimed and again lifted his eyes. He had decided to tell his father about his mother's true face because hiding that would not be good, in his eyes.

Han Wenji skeptically peered at him and asked him to explain. Nianzu nodded his head and told his father everything.

He then quickly got on his knees and bowed deeply. His both arms on the sides of his thighs. "Father, I asked you once why my mother was deprived of her rights, unlike the others. And after the death of the previous Empress, you announced my mother as the next Empress. I think I made a mistake. She does not deserve such a great position," Nianzu pronounced and then told him everything about his mother.

"I know about that," Han Wenji told him.

Nianzu was confused to hear that. "Then, why did father not punish her?" He queried.

"Because she has repented already. Also, she was working for Gu Zhenya, the minister who helped her become my concubine. I have known this for a long time. Also, her futile attempts were not strong enough to harm any of us. But then, the Crown Prince found out and threatened her in his own way. She started to repent then," asserted Han Wenji. He started to cough as he felt the pain in his chest again.

Nianzu stood up from the floor and went towards his father. He started to caress his father's back and took him towards the bed.

He was shocked to see the blood in the cough and turned to call for Eunuch Jin when Han Wenji stopped him.

"I am fine," Han Wenji said and put the handkerchief down.

"Father, you need a medical assistant," Nianzu stated.

"There is no use of a medical assistant, Nianzu. You might not know but my illness has no cure. I will soon leave this body. I am happy that you made the decision to return to Luoyang," Han Wenji patted his shoulder.

"You are the calmest Prince among them, so you are the only one who could handle the conflicts among the brothers if they ever arise. Also, support the Crown Prince until the end. He is refusing to be the next Emperor and I want him to rule the Empire. Make him understand this before my demise so that there would be no confusion or worries left in his heart before usurping the throne," Han Wenji told Nianzu, who had turned emotional.

"I will do my best, Father. But please do not say that you will soon leave us. You still need to see your grandchildren," Nianzu said.

"Nianzu, I will see them from Heaven," Han Wenji said with a smile and asked him for water.

Nianzu went towards the table and poured the water into the glass. He handed it to Han Wenji, who drank it.

Nianzu put it back on the table and said, "Father, I will stabilize the position of the Crown Prince from every end. Last night, when I talked to Brother Sheng, it felt to me that he still has trust issues. I will not run away from my duties anymore and will become the best advisor for the Crown Prince," Nianzu assured his father, who was relieved to hear that.

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Hello Dear Readers,

There will be a mass release this Wednesday. Thank you for the golden tickets, votes, gifts, and comments. Also, I feel the story will end soon. I do not know how many more chapters it will take. Probably around 650 or so. That's a guess only.

THANK YOU

HAPPY READING

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