NFBE Chapter 454 The End of the Crossbow
Chapter 454 The End of the Crossbow
Upon hearing this, Prince Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he looked up to meet the gazes of Prince Jin and Prince Su.
They exchanged a glance, all three of them looking puzzled.
Prince Chen smiled slightly, "My father must have something to instruct me on. I cannot travel with you today. Let's talk another day."
The Prince of Jin and the Prince of Su nodded in unison.
Prince Chen turned around and went back into the palace with the eunuch.
Prince Jin watched Prince Chen's departing figure, his eyes flashing.
He subconsciously looked at Prince Su, who happened to turn around and look at him as well.
The two stared at each other in silence for a moment.
"Eighth brother," Prince Jin broke the silence, "tell me, what is the reason Father Emperor suddenly summoned Prince Chen to the palace?"
Prince Su stared intently at Prince Jin, a smile playing on his lips: "How could we possibly fathom Father's thoughts? Since Father has summoned him, he must have his reasons."
What other reason could there be for Emperor Wenjing to summon Prince Chen alone at this moment?
It can only be for the sake of establishing an heir.
The two looked at each other, their faces expressionless, but they both secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, they had spoken frankly with Prince Chen earlier; otherwise, if Prince Chen had been worried about them and decided to take action against them, they would have had no time to regret it.
The Prince Xuan, the Prince Xiang, and the Prince Qi all met tragic ends. Although they also found the position tempting, they valued their lives more than anything else.
Prince Chen, this sickly fellow, may seem the most harmless and least threatening, but in reality, he is the most venomous snake.
Both understood the hidden meaning in their words, and tacitly refrained from pointing it out.
The Prince of Jin glanced at the majestic imperial city and sighed softly, "Soon, we'll have to change how we address each other."
Prince Su did not speak, but also raised his eyes and glanced at the imperial city.
"Shengjing is prosperous, but it's not suitable for me."
Upon hearing Prince Su's words, Prince Jin paused slightly, then said thoughtfully, "If you are unwilling to stay in Shengjing, you can... mention it to him."
Prince Su chuckled softly, "Hmm."
Both of them knew exactly what the Prince of Jin had omitted.
On the other side, when Prince Chen arrived at the Hall of Longevity with the eunuch, Xie Shifu, Yun Shang, and other officials were still there.
Liu Haifu and the others waited outside the palace gates. When they saw Prince Chen, their attitude was even more respectful than before. "Your Highness Prince Chen, the Emperor is waiting for you inside."
Prince Chen nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his face, and stepped into the Hall of Longevity.
Inside the hall, Xie Shifu, Yun Shang, and other ministers bowed and greeted Prince Chen upon his arrival, each with a different expression.
Prince Chen's gaze swept over Yun Shang without making a sound. Yun Shang slightly raised her eyes and met his gaze.
Prince Chen then looked up at Emperor Wenjing on the bed, took a few steps over, his eyes slightly red, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty's health..."
Emperor Wenjing raised his hand to stop him from saying the rest of his sentence, and said to the others in the hall, "You all go and wait in the outer room first."
Yun Shang glanced at Prince Chen before leaving with Xie Shifu and the others.
Only Emperor Wenjing and his son Prince Chen remained in the hall.
Emperor Wenjing looked at Prince Chen, his pale face cold, and said, "I want to hear the truth from you."
Prince Chen paused for a moment, then listened attentively with a respectful expression.
Emperor Wenjing asked, "Is the Prince of Qi's rebellion related to you?"
Prince Chen's heart skipped a beat.
Why would Father ask such a question suddenly?
Emperor Wenjing stared intently at Prince Chen, not missing a single change in his expression.
However, Prince Chen showed no sign of panic or tension.
Prince Chen said, “Father, I don’t know why you ask this question, but I am willing to swear on my life that although I often have disputes with my third brother, I have absolutely nothing to do with his rebellion.”
Emperor Wenjing stared intently at Prince Chen with a dark gaze, and after a moment, slowly uttered an "Mmm".
He said, "The ministers are debating endlessly about the matter of choosing an heir. I have summoned you here to hear your thoughts."
Prince Chen felt a chill run down his spine, but maintained a respectful smile on his face as he slowly said, "Father, the selection of an heir is a matter of great importance to the nation, and I dare not speak presumptuously. In my heart, whoever the heir is, as long as he cares about the people and governs our dynasty to prosperity, it will be a blessing for our dynasty and a boon for the people."
Emperor Wenjing listened without changing his expression. After a moment of silence, he said, "You certainly know how to talk."
Prince Chen bowed his head respectfully.
"If I were to make you the crown prince, would you treat your brothers and sisters well?"
Prince Chen's lowered eyes trembled slightly as he slowly knelt down, his forehead lightly touching the ground. "Father, I have always remembered the principles of respecting elders and brothers since I was a child. If you have the honor of making me the Crown Prince, I will certainly treat them well."
He raised his head slightly, his gaze sincere: "The royal blood is connected. Although I had some disagreements with my brothers in the past, they were all unintentional. In the future, I will definitely prioritize the greater good and protect them so that they can live peacefully. If I disobey, I am willing to accept divine retribution."
The premise is that they behave themselves and keep to their own business.
Emperor Wenjing leaned against the bed, quietly watching Prince Chen with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.
After a long silence, Emperor Wenjing coughed a few times before slowly speaking, "I understand your intentions."
"This imperial throne is not easy to attain. Countless people covet it, and countless eyes are watching. A single misstep could lead to utter ruin. Are you truly willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility?"
Prince Chen bowed his head again, his tone earnest: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will not disappoint you."
……
Emperor Wenjing then summoned Liu Haifu back into the waiting room and publicly announced that Prince Chen would be the crown prince.
Upon hearing this, the people in the hall fell silent for a moment, then knelt down and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!"
Emperor Wenjing looked at everyone and then coughed violently again. Liu Haifu quickly stepped forward and gently patted his back.
After his cough subsided, Emperor Wenjing waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up. His voice grew even softer: "I know my days are numbered. Today, by establishing Prince Chen as the crown prince, I am entrusting this empire to him."
His gaze slowly swept over each of the ministers present. "You are all pillars of our dynasty. I hope that you will wholeheartedly assist the Crown Prince in the future and ensure the peace and prosperity of our country."
The crowd knelt down again and replied in unison, "We will do our utmost to assist His Highness the Crown Prince!"
Emperor Wenjing then looked at Prince Chen and beckoned him over. Prince Chen immediately stepped forward and knelt by the bedside.
Prince Chen grasped Emperor Wenjing's hand, his eyes reddening, "Father..."
Emperor Wenjing took a few breaths. "I know some of your brothers and sisters may harbor resentment, but as long as they don't commit any fundamental errors, you must ensure their safety for life. And... Prince Qi, I hope you can spare his life."
Upon hearing the words "King of Qi," the expressions of the officials present changed, but seeing that Emperor Wenjing was still concerned about the King of Qi at such a critical moment, they ultimately did not utter any rebuttal.
Prince Chen's voice trembled slightly as he solemnly agreed, "Your subject promises Father that as long as Third Brother behaves himself, Your subject will treat him well."
"Good, good..." Emperor Wenjing's eyes softened with a smile as he wearily closed them. "I am unwell. From this day forward, the Crown Prince will oversee the state affairs and handle all matters of state. All my beloved ministers must do their utmost to assist the Crown Prince..."
After saying that, he slowly closed his eyes.
Everyone was startled, and Yun Shang immediately looked at Old Man Feng.
Old Man Feng hurried forward to take Emperor Wenjing's pulse, his brows furrowed. He turned to the crowd and shook his head, "He's fine now, but..."
"His Majesty is already at his last gasp."