xymnovel Chapter 1223 - 1059: Unconscious
Chapter 1223 - 1059: Unconscious
"Isn’t the Crown Prince planning to send Gu Chengyu to guard the border? Tell those people to fan the flames again. The border has been too peaceful for too long; it should become chaotic. Let everything be brought forward! After all, chaos is inevitable sooner or later."Prince Gong looked at the darkening sky; as the Imperial First Son, he had no choice. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, there will be no place for him. Success or failure depends on this one move!
Gu Chengyu returned to his residence, washed up, and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.
After days of exhaustion, he was truly drained in both body and mind. Whatever the future holds, there will always be others to bear the weight of collapsed heavens. He must sleep so deeply that he loses all sense of time.
After a good sleep, Gu Chengyu’s spirit returned to its peak. He couldn’t help but sigh with emotion, ah, to be young is indeed wonderful!
In a carriage, Gu Chengyu headed to the palace. The interrogation of Bu Ke these days did not go smoothly. Bu Ke was even harder to deal with than Zhou Yuancong, but it no longer mattered to Gu Chengyu, as this matter was no longer under his jurisdiction.
Thinking of his senior brother Yin Kun, who was far away at the border, a letter had arrived a few days ago, stating that he had yet to find the source. He was now continuing his investigation at the border under the Crown Prince’s orders. However, Gu Chengyu felt that these were special times, and it was indeed dangerous to be at the border.
"Reporting to Your Highness, I have something to report, and I ask for Your Highness’s permission!" The Left Deputy Imperial Censor, Qian Licao, suddenly stepped forward and said solemnly.
The Crown Prince nodded when he heard this, "Mr. Qian, please speak!"
"Your Highness, the country cannot go a day without a ruler. Since the Vassal Kings have all arrived in the Capital, the ascension ceremony cannot be delayed any longer for the new Emperor. Though the coronation ceremony can be held later, as long as the Imperial Jade Seal and Tiger Talisman are obtained, Your Highness will be the new Emperor. I believe the fourth day is an auspicious time, and the Hanlin Academy has already drafted the edict to announce it to the world."
After speaking, Qian Licao knelt down, kowtowing to express his determination.
"Your Highness, I believe Mr. Qian makes a valid point. You have been diligently handling the matters of mourning these days, showing such filial piety to the Emperor, which is commendable. However, the absence of a leader among the courtiers, even with Your Highness leading, lacks legitimacy. There are many matters in the court, so please prioritize the bigger picture."
Shen Shikang, as the Crown Prince’s maternal uncle, naturally wished for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne as soon as possible. If the coronation doesn’t happen soon, unforeseen changes might occur.
The officials of the Crown Prince’s faction had been waiting for this day for too long. The thought of the Crown Prince about to ascend the throne stirred their emotions.
"But the National Mourning has only lasted a few days. It would be more appropriate to wait until the mourning period is over and hold the coronation ceremony all at once. Announcing it to the nation then would indeed be more legitimate."
Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Di Wenhao, glanced at the two Princes in front and immediately voiced his opposition.
"Assistant Minister Di, the Crown Prince will become the new Emperor sooner or later, so why not ascend early, so he can rightfully give orders regarding court matters!"
Shen Shikang looked at Di Wenhao with a scrutinizing gaze; usually, Di Wenhao was as silent as a gourd, so why did he suddenly jump out today?
To the officials of the Crown Prince’s faction, anyone who hinders the ascension of the Crown Prince becomes their political adversary.
"Indeed, Assistant Minister Di, are you opposing the Crown Prince’s ascension because you have thoughts you shouldn’t have?"
Qian Licao gave Di Wenhao a sidelong glance, his prolonged tone at the end clearly malicious.
"Now that Father has passed, the second brother, as the Crown Prince, is naturally the only suitable choice for the new Emperor. I believe the new Emperor’s ascension should not be delayed."
Unexpectedly, Prince Jing stepped forward to speak, taking the other courtiers by surprise.
"Exactly! The second brother, as the heir personally appointed by Father, ascending the throne as Emperor is the people’s will and is rightfully justified."
Not to be outdone, Prince Gong stood beside Prince Jing. These two brothers seemed to have never echoed each other before; today might be the first time.
The Crown Prince looked at the two brothers with a mix of doubt and disbelief. He wasn’t surprised the officials said such things, as they were his followers. As for the few who opposed, he naturally didn’t care, knowing they couldn’t stir up much trouble.
But these two brothers had previously fought tooth and nail with him over the throne, yet now they were openly supporting him without any reluctance, which he found truly baffling.
"The border is currently unstable, so please ascend as soon as possible, to comfort the people and guard the land!"
"Alright! This prince is grateful for everyone’s unwavering support and will not let anyone down." With the discussion reaching this point, further refusal would seem insincere. Some things cannot be done repeatedly, or they will cause resentment.
Gu Chengyu watched coldly as the courtiers concurred, realizing this matter was as certain as nails on a board. But was Prince Gong and Prince Jing truly so calm and composed?
Just yesterday, Prince Gong was still testing him, trying to win him over, yet today he openly supported the Crown Prince in the hall; it all seemed rather strange.
As for Prince Jing, there was no need to say much; Prince Jing was cautious and patient by nature. The Crown Prince’s ascension was merely an additional hurdle for him.
Three days remain, who knows if these two will make any moves. Gu Chengyu glanced at the ostensibly calm but actually exuberant Crown Prince. Later, he would need to remind the Crown Prince to make all necessary preparations.
The Crown Prince, as Gu Chengyu expected, remained outwardly calm, but his heart was already surging with emotion.
He observed the expressions of the officials in the hall, scrutinizing them closely. With a sweeping gaze, he saw Gu Chengyu, standing silently with his head down, appearing somewhat distracted. His previously excited mood suddenly dampened.
Three days passed in a flash, and under the crescent moon hanging in the sky, the Crown Prince was helped out of the mourning hall by a eunuch.
Today was not the official coronation, but it was still a day when he would reach new heights. Although still in mourning, he wore mourning attire. Despite only sleeping for an hour last night, the Crown Prince felt refreshed after washing his face.
The saying proved true: joy brings vigor.
A gentle footstep entered the inner hall, stopping behind the Crown Prince.
"Pang Chu! Is Mother awake?"
The Crown Prince adjusted his jade crown, looking at the young man in the copper mirror. Though days of fatigue had left him looking somewhat haggard, on such a significant day, his heavy body was ignited by his excitement, and he felt all of last night’s exhaustion vanish.
After today, he would be the most esteemed person under the heavens. However, the past two days, those two had been surprisingly quiet; he had been on edge for three days, yet nothing had happened.
Recalling Gu Chengyu’s warning, the Crown Prince felt that until he was safely appointed Emperor, he could not let his guard down.
Not hearing the person behind him reply, he found it strange.
"Pang Chu?" The Crown Prince had just turned around when a strange fragrance wafted in. Then his vision darkened, and he lost consciousness.
...
Gu Chengyu packed his luggage and was seated in a carriage waiting to leave the city. Now, even holding an official document was useless; with the Capital under martial law, regardless of whether one was a First-Grade Official or from the royal family, all had to dismount the carriage for inspection.
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