novelAbuy Chapter 915 - 751: None of Them Are Easy to Deal With
Chapter 915 - 751: None of Them Are Easy to Deal With
What could he possibly say? Rely on the Emperor’s favor and openly question the Emperor’s decisions?The Emperor’s words are like gold; establishing a Crown Prince is a serious affair. Once the Emperor has made his decision, who can change it?
Unless the Second Prince lacks virtue and someone catches him in a major, unforgivable mistake, otherwise, the Second Prince’s position as Crown Prince is secure.
But the Second Prince is usually so low-key; although he doesn’t excel, he doesn’t make any mistakes, either.
He has tried to find faults with the Second Prince, but unfortunately, the Second Prince seems sincere yet cunning, not a single mistake can be found.
Is the Emperor truly favoring him? The Eldest Prince felt cold inside, then bitterly smiled.
He felt if he were to oppose again, the Emperor would definitely be furious.
"Big Brother congratulates Second Brother here; in the future, please look after Big Brother. Second Brother is kind-hearted; ascending the position of Crown Prince is a blessing for the people. Just hope Second Brother remains true to his original intentions and truly considers the people and the court in the future."
The Eldest Prince’s expression returned to calm as he congratulated the Second Prince with a smile.
As the Eldest Prince spoke these words, the hall suddenly fell silent.
Bian Shengrong and the others didn’t expect the Eldest Prince to undermine them; does the Eldest Prince not want to be Crown Prince? How is that possible?
If he doesn’t want to be, then what was the point of his prior trouble?
The Eldest Prince ignored the astonished officials; he turned to look at the Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne.
Seeing the Emperor’s satisfied expression, the Eldest Prince felt relieved.
"Thank you, Big Brother; younger brother will remember your guidance!"
The Eldest Prince nodded with a smile, then his gaze moved upward. His eyes slightly lowered, he saw the golden Dragon Throne shimmering.
He then smiled and said, "Congratulations, Father. Second Brother handles matters steadily and cares for the people. With Second Brother assisting you in handling affairs and governing the army, Father will surely find much ease."
His gaze traced the patterns on the Dragon Throne, briefly capturing the gold dragons soaring on it; the ambitious glint in the Eldest Prince’s eyes flickered briefly.
The Third Prince’s face turned uglier; he didn’t expect his elder brother to be so useless. Just a glance from the Emperor made Big Brother back down.
Initially, he wanted Big Brother to charge forward while he followed behind in support.
If it could make the Emperor change his mind, that would be great. If not, then Big Brother would have to bear the wrath of the Emperor.
But now Big Brother has yielded; how can he proceed?
Seeing the Emperor’s cold gaze directed at him, he bit his teeth hard, truly unwilling!
"Congratulations, Father. Congratulations, Second Brother!"
The Third Prince ultimately dared not act rashly, only managing a dry congratulations.
Since two Princes have already expressed their positions, Prince Jing naturally couldn’t remain silent.
Noticing that the Emperor had glanced at him several times earlier, he knew the Emperor harbored suspicions due to the matter of choosing a consort.
Prince Jing directed his gentle gaze at the Second Prince, "Congratulations, Father. Congratulations, Second Brother! Father’s choice of Second Brother is the culmination of everyone’s wishes; your son has no objections!"
The Second Prince glanced at Prince Jing, noticing his genuine smile, as if he were truly happy for him.
Unlike the Eldest and Third Princes, who wore forced smiles, giving a feeling of insincerity.
Indeed, none of them are easy to deal with! Everyone’s wishes? Is this sarcasm?
"Mm! Since everyone has no objections, have the Astronomical Bureau select an auspicious date for the Crown Prince’s investiture ceremony!"
These words from the Emperor were final, ignoring those officials who wanted to criticize the Second Prince.
The officials in the hall, seeing there was no room for negotiation, could only sigh before kneeling and shouting, "We congratulate the Emperor and the Crown Prince!"
"Mm! Where is Chief of Staff Yu Zheng?"
"Present!" Yu Zheng stepped forward, bowing to receive his orders.
"I order you to prepare the matters of the Crown Prince’s investiture ceremony; the Hanlin Academy is to draft the Holy Edict immediately for my review, and then announce it to the world."
"Your servant obeys the decree!"
Announcing to the world is just the first step; the rules for the Crown Prince’s investiture ceremony are cumbersome. The Ministry of Rites will have to work with great caution this time.
In Guangning Palace, a woman wearing a crimson round-neck narrow-sleeve palace gown embroidered with flying phoenix and peony patterns was leaning against the Imperial Concubine’s Couch, resting her eyes.
With gentle pressure applied behind her, a smile appeared on her well-maintained face, adding two fine crow’s feet to the corners of her eyes.
"Ying’s demeanor is increasingly steady; she’s truly become a big girl. Being massaged like this, my headache seems to have eased quite a bit."
"Grandmother, is Yingying’s strength just right? Mother constantly complains, saying I have no sense of measure."
Qin Yingyuan pouted discontentedly.
"That’s your mother making it difficult for you! Your strength is just right; my headache feels much better."
The Empress opened her tightly closed eyes, looking at the Eldest Princess sitting nearby with a smile.
"Grandmother still loves me. The other day Yingying was unwell, and didn’t come to the palace to accompany you. For the next few days, Yingying will stay in the palace with you; surely you won’t dislike your granddaughter?"
Qin Yingyuan cautiously observed her grandmother’s expression, afraid she might annoy her.
If that were true, returning to the residence would mean facing her mother’s and father’s rebuke, and even her elder brother would certainly criticize her.
Moreover, she hadn’t yet achieved her goal for today; how could she leave the Imperial Palace like this?
Just as Qin Yingyuan finished speaking, the Empress’s expression dimmed slightly.
She picked up the teacup from the table and brought it to her lips but didn’t respond immediately.
The Eldest Princess, seeing the Empress not paying attention, quickly glared at her daughter; did she think her grandmother could be easily fooled?
Although mother could not leave the palace gates, Ying’s actions from a few days ago had surely been reported to her mother.
Unexpectedly, a daughter who is usually intelligent and alert was foolish this time.
"You girl, your grandmother’s body has just started to feel better, how could you disturb her again? You’re almost of marriageable age, yet still show such a lack of etiquette."
The Eldest Princess reprimanded sternly.
Seeing her mother’s eyes full of reproach and a hint, Qin Yingyuan’s heart immediately tightened, knowing she had incurred her grandmother’s dislike.
Though her mother has been scolding her for the past few days, they are ultimately mother and daughter, and there’s still some mutual understanding.
Qin Yingyuan stretched her lips for a smile, about to speak, but the Empress interrupted her.
"Enough! My health has improved considerably these days; being bedridden earlier was quite boring. Ying’s lively nature is just right to stay in the palace for a few days to keep me company."
Displeased by their subtle exchange of glances, knowing she’s ultimately her granddaughter. Since the granddaughter has intentions to make up, she can’t deny her face.
Not to mention this girl has been watched growing up from a young age, there’s a natural bond. And for her daughter’s sake, she can’t embarrass her granddaughter.
Furthermore, there should be good news coming today, so the Empress is in an exceptionally good mood, fit to keep her granddaughter to share in the joy.