Chapter 463: Chapter 465: Preparing to Confer the Crown Prince
The next day in the royal court, The Emperor threw down all the petitions pleading for the Second Prince.
“Are you planning to join the Second Prince in rebellion?”
“What has the Second Prince done in recent years? If it weren’t for your indulgence, how could he have co to this pass? And now you dare to shalessly plead for him?”
“I spared you from punishnt as a rcy. If anyone dares plead for the Second Prince again, they will be imprisoned with him for life, never to leave their residence!”
This outco let all the ministers know that the Second Prince had been thoroughly defeated.
The others who had followed him also began to plan to align themselves anew.
The Emperor intentionally brought up the recent murder of Shao Mingyang and the matter concerning Abbot Yuan Hui.
“The cri of plotting against one’s own brother is unforgivable!”
When The Emperor said this, his gaze turned to Pei Jingyi standing in the front.
Feeling his father’s piercing gaze, Pei Jingyi shuddered, a strong sense of fear welling up inside him.
Just as everyone awaited further discourse, The Emperor suddenly changed the topic, “The Fourth Prince is incompetent. Today, I withdraw his military authority. Beware your conduct!”
Hearing this, Pei Jingyi was shocked yet he sighed in relief. Fortunately, The Emperor did not continue to investigate, otherwise many matters could hardly have been concealed.
What he did not know was that The Emperor had long been aware of his actions, but out of consideration for his status, had turned a blind eye without clarification.
Then, two matters were discussed in the court: one was that the national treasury was depleted, and the other was a plague that had caused panic among the populace.
In the end, the ministers could not co up with a good solution, and finally, The Emperor announced the end of the session.
Just as Pei Jingyi was leaving the palace, a eunuch called out, “Fourth Prince, please wait.”
Pei Jingyi turned his head in confusion, seeing the quickly approaching eunuch who bowed and said, “What brings you here, eunuch?”
“The Emperor wishes to see the Fourth Prince, and is waiting in the Imperial Study Room,” the eunuch said with a smile.
Pei Jingyi’s heart raced as he cautiously stepped into the Imperial Study Room.
“I pay my respects to the Father Emperor.”
“Rise!” The Emperor commanded from behind his desk, his voice authoritative.
“Thank you, Father Emperor!”
Pei Jingyi stood straight, respectfully bowing his head.
The Emperor scrutinized his son, a wave of helplessness crossing his heart.
After a long mont, he asked sternly, “Now that you are married, Jingyi, you must not act recklessly, knowing what you should and shouldn’t do.”
“Yes, your son understands,” Pei Jingyi said, his head lowered, his shoulders trembling slightly as if he was very nervous.
The Emperor watched him for a long ti before standing up and walking over, warning, “Do not covet what is not yours, else you cannot bear the consequences.”
“Your son will rember your teaching, Father Emperor!”
“Hmm.” The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, “You may leave!”
“Your son takes his leave.” Pei Jingyi turned and left the Imperial Study Room.
As he stepped over the threshold, Pei Jingyi took a deep breath, a fine sweat on his forehead. After composing himself, he walked out with his head held high.
…
The ninth day of the third month is a propitious day, on which The Emperor announced in court that in two days ti, the Crown Prince would be enthroned, and the candidate for Crown Prince was undisputedly the Fifth Prince.
Upon hearing this news, Pei Jingyi’s expression was unpredictable, but he soon regained his composure.
The position he had long coveted was taken by another, which was truly distressing.
Nevertheless, he maintained a calm deanor.
Because he knew, although The Emperor had nominated the candidate for Crown Prince, the enthronent had not yet taken place, aning there was still a chance.
After the morning court session, many people congratulated Pei Huaian, each wearing a hypocritical smile.
Especially Xia Zhaoshun, who approached with a smile and bowed, “Congratulations to the Fifth Prince, my best wishes to the Fifth Prince, for finally achieving your wish.”
To others, these words deepened their suspicion that he had done many disreputable things to vie for the position of Crown Prince, such as the imprisonnt of the Second Prince and the stripping of military power from the Fourth Prince.
Pei Huaian was well aware of his tricks and responded, “Where does that compare with Master Xia? I hear you have close dealings with the Second Prince’s Consort, you two…”
This turned all the ministers’ gaze towards him, for an affair with a Prince’s Consort was a major cri and an insult to the royal family.
Xia Zhaoshun’s expression cooled, “Fifth Prince, please be careful with such statents, they are no joking matter.”
“Oh, so Master Xia your earlier words were a joke? You surely are not unaware of the phrase ‘disaster cos from the mouth’?”
“I apologize, those were my thoughtless words, please forgive , Fifth Prince!” Xia Zhaoshun had no choice but to bite her teeth and apologize.
Knowing she was disgruntled, Pei Huaian did not press further but rely smiled indifferently, “Never mind, how could I possibly quarrel with you.”
Xia Zhaoshun, who did not expect her sche to backfire, left in anger throwing back her sleeves.
Back at his residence, Pei Huaian relayed the news to Shao He, noticing his displeased expression he asked, “It seems you don’t appreciate the position of Crown Prince?”
“But only that position can protect you, protect our child,” Pei Huaian deeply knew, if Pei Chengye or Pei Jingyi ascended to the position of Crown Prince, they would never spare them.
Shao He hugged him tightly, resting her head on his chest and murmured, “If you don’t like it, we can leave the Capital City.”
Reviews
All reviews (0)