The news of the empress failing health spread far and wide. This time, even the people outside the palace received the news.
The frequent sickness of the empress planted poisonous ideas within people's head. It does not matter whether they're a lady of the inner palace or the officials attending the morning court, each one of them have their own ambition towards the throne of the empress.
Suddenly, the people put more importance towards the beauty selection rather than the incoming Autumn Hunt.
At the annual morning court, the emperor sat on his dragon throne while the ministers are left with their heated debates.
"Your Majesty, this budget that General Yu is demanding for the northern border is absurd!" Getting carried away by the flow, a minister shouted strongly.
Another minister, with conflicting stance, blocked. "How is it absurd?! Every piece of silver and equipment are properly researched and counted for their worth! Not a single piece less nor a penny added! All those silver will be able to fully equip and feed the whole army for the coming year," Pausing, he turned to the emperor and saluted. "At the moment, it might seem a lot and needless as we are in the season of peace but this subject assure his majesty, maintaining the military's welfare will bear fruit in the long run."
"And that is why it's absurd! Raising our military might even cause a crack with our diplomatic relationship with the neighboring empires. What if they take it as a threat and take arm? We'll be risking a war!"
"We're not raising the army to be sent to war! We're making them functional enough to depend the nation! Even if we're at peace, it's not an excuse to neglect our security!"
"But they are demanding too much! Those funds that they're asking could be added instead to the southern area which lack supplies for the incoming winter. It such a waste!"
"Giving the population their well-deserved peace and assurance is called a waste?" Seeing that minister after minister kept jumping into the fray, Jiang Yu spoke up. "Other than being deployed to the battlefield, Zhen expect them to guard the borders and bring the citizens to order."
When the emperor spoke up, everyone stopped shouting at each other. For a moment, the court was brought back to order. They paused and thought about their reply this time, afraid of offending the emperor.
"But Your majesty…" A minister hesitate, but talked anyway. "They're soldiers, not some guards. Does the emperor wished for the soldiers to do menial work?
"Zhen wanted them to be alert and able to respond to emergencies. And not just some decorative. Unless, an army is only good for mindless killing?"
"Of course not, your majesty. The emperor is enlighten and wise. It is this subject that lack understanding."
No one spoke after that.
Seeing that they have nothing more to say to him, Jiang Yu said, "The proposal for the budget looked reasonable. Zhen will send someone to check the market for the prices and the ministry of finance shall recounted this. As for the southern border, Zhen expects another plan that does not sacrifice nor exploits the other's area of governance."
Hearing this, the minister that just fiercely debating bow their heads deeper. The emperor caught on what they were thinking and sent them a warning right away.
"Forgive me, for Zhen will need to rely on my 'loyal' subjects on this," despite the warm words, the emperor's tone is cold and scary.
"Your Majesty praise too much. This lowly official dare not." They said in fear, chorusing each other.
The court was then dismissed. Sighing in relief, the minister's complain how hard it is to serve such serious emperor.
The emperor concern himself on too many issue and wanted everything to be addressed. It's like he's eyeing them every day and watching the whole kingdom despite not leaving far from the imperial palace. They were threading on ice with him acting like this.
A man was about to step inside the carriage when a voice called for his attention.
"Prime Minister Wei..."
"Eunuch Lin," Wei Ming Li greeted.
Xiao Lin Xi returned the greeting. He said, "Your excellency, the emperor invites you to the imperial study. This servant shall lead the way."
"Many thanks, Eunuch Lin."
Some onlookers witness the exchange and started whispering to each other. People at court always have different ideas. They either over think or they plan too much. On its own, the imperial court and its ministers are as messy as the inner palace and here too, people bare their fangs and eat each other.
With the senior eunuch leading at front and a minister following right behind with a proper distance, their figure attracted even the second prince's attention. Jiang Cheng gave a measuring look before retracting it fast enough. His expression remain the same as he casually asked, "What matters do you think is the reason for royal brother's summons?"
"Prime Minister Wei is the empress father. As of late, the empress have fallen sick multiple times by now. It might be because of this, your highness." The servant following Jiang Cheng answered. He only said what was known to everyone and dare not speculate.
"Wei Yi Yi?" Jiang Cheng called the empress' name casually. "Let's hope it's a sincere care for Wei Yi Yi."