Chapter 1178: Chapter 1014: Well Prepared

The Crown Prince was somewhat surprised upon hearing this. At this moment, he carefully observed the officials within the side hall again and discovered that most of those standing with Shen Shikang were his own supporters.

These officials’ faces were full of agreement, indicating they had long known of Shen Shikang’s plans.

On the other side, the distinction was clear; the officials there had varied expressions and remained silent.

Although the Crown Prince was moved in his heart, his father, the Emperor, had just passed away a day ago, and being so eager now might cause disdain from others.

Throughout history, filial piety surpasses all. Although he was quite tempted, he could still hold himself back.

Moreover, if he agreed immediately when suggested by the court ministers, it would seem lacking in restraint.

"Gentlemen, my father just passed away yesterday, and I am overwhelmed with grief. The matter of inheriting the throne shall be discussed later!" The Crown Prince’s face was anguished, shaking his head repeatedly, appearing somewhat resistant to the idea.

"This official indeed believes His Highness’s words make sense. It is during the period of National Mourning, and to be filial, the Crown Prince should mourn for three years. Even for the sake of the country and the people, state affairs cannot be neglected, but twenty-seven months should be observed. To ascend the throne at this time seems too hasty. Without a coronation ceremony, how can the world be informed? Moreover, this would wrong His Highness, which is inadvisable; it is better to wait for a while!"

Right Imperial Censor Hu Maoshen felt anxious upon witnessing the scene, as ascending the throne hastily was indeed not wise. Furthermore, the previous strategies had fallen through, requiring another plan. Of course, delaying for a few days would be beneficial.

Left Deputy Imperial Censor Qian Licao turned his head to deeply look at Hu Maoshen, wondering if the usually inconspicuous man had already sided with some Vassal King.

Otherwise, why would he obstruct the Crown Prince’s ascension? They, the Crown Prince Faction, were eagerly anticipating this day!

Once one gains power, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven! Though the words may be coarse, the reasoning is not.

As long as the Crown Prince ascended to the throne as Emperor, the officials who had long followed him would surely not worry about their future prospects.

"Mr. Hu, what you said indeed makes sense. However, now the people of Da Xing have already intruded into the Imperial Palace, treating the Dayan Palace’s restrictions as nothing. Furthermore, the border unexpectedly allowed these barbarians inside the Dayan borders, and though Lord Yin has been dispatched to investigate, who can say if these Da Xing rebels’ schemes will succeed? Now the court faces internal and external troubles. If there is any movement at the border, and we are not prepared, won’t that provide an opportunity for the other side?"

Qian Licao saw that Hu Maoshen’s expression remained unchanged, a cold smile rose at his lips as he continued, "His Highness is the heir to the realm, and should consider the bigger picture now. It would be better to ascend the throne earlier, as handling state affairs naturally falls within his rights. As for the coronation ceremony, it can be made up later. Furthermore, we must thoroughly investigate the border issue and quickly devise a response, as this is of utmost importance."

Duke of Qin, Qin Baolin, narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, saying, "Indeed! The Da Xing rebels dare to intrude into the Imperial Palace for assassination, revealing that they came with considerable forces. Moreover, the border will certainly have movements soon, so we should promptly capture these people, subject them to severe interrogation, and uncover their plans, to prepare in advance."

Duke of Qin was unaware of Shen Shikang’s group’s purpose today, and he was quite taken aback earlier. Shen Shikang, the old fox, could he have become suspicious of him?

Otherwise, why was he not consulted beforehand? Observing Qian Licao and others’ calmness in the matter, could Shen Shikang have seen some signs?

Duke of Qin pondered as he stepped forward to assist with a few words.

He reviewed his recent performance but found nothing revealing. Then he remembered that his wife took a sword for the Crown Prince and was now recovering in Guangning Palace, demonstrating loyalty.

Could the Eldest Princess have disclosed his plans entirely? But he then shook his head, impossible!

If the Eldest Princess truly disregarded their marital bond and informed the Crown Prince of his plans, he wouldn’t possibly remain unharmed here.

Shen Shikang glanced at Duke of Qin, snorting coldly in his heart! The Eldest Princess was severely injured saving the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince ascended, Duke of Qin as Prince Consort would naturally benefit greatly.

Heir Qin, Qin Min, already held a Standard Fourth Rank position, having secured a foothold among the Capital’s aristocratic families. But as in-laws, the Shen Family couldn’t allow the Qin Family’s power to grow unchecked.

Moreover, the Crown Princess Consort’s maternal Lang Family was also no small matter. It was better to suppress them as much as possible, or the Shen Family would struggle to stand equal as relatives of the royal family. How could that be?

"Your Highness! Although the nation cannot be without a monarch for a day, various Vassal Kings haven’t arrived in the Capital yet. This official believes it’s best to wait until the Vassal Kings come to the Capital and then hold the coronation ceremony. His Highness can then inherit the realm legitimately, honoring tradition. Allow the Vassal Kings to join in court worship, showcasing the might of Dayan Country."

Minister of Rites Yu Zheng’s eyes twinkled, asserting the need for Vassal Kings to be present during the coronation ceremony.

Even when the late Emperor fought his brothers fiercely, when it came to the ascension, he left one or two Vassal Kings to showcase.

"Hmph! His Highness’s assumption of the throne is a necessity now. If war breaks out at the border, military forces must be deployed. But holding the Tiger Talisman as Crown Prince might seem illegitimate. Even the Emperor, in the spirit world, would wish the Crown Prince to comply with popular sentiment, consider the lives under heaven, and inherit the throne early for the people’s benefit."

Shen Shikang sneered at Yu Zheng’s assertions; the Crown Prince, as master of the Eastern Palace, need not wait for the Vassal Kings to arrive in the Capital.

If they refuse to come, does that mean the Crown Prince can’t ascend the throne? Ridiculous.

Even the founding Emperor didn’t establish any ancestral instructions demanding the Vassal Kings’ presence during a new Emperor’s accession.

As for the late Emperor leaving two brothers for show, it was because he was too ruthless in slaughtering, and he acted this way to appease the public.

"The matter of ascension should be decided after a few days. My father just passed away, and I, day by day, perform filial duties, where would I find such intent?"

The Crown Prince cast a meaningful glance at Shen Shikang and the others, who immediately understood.

The National Mourning has only lasted a day, and discussing this matter now is hasty. It is better to bring it up after a few days when the Crown Prince can go along with the flow.

Some officials watched coldly, seeing the Crown Prince refuse the matter, and breathed a sigh of relief. Though the Crown Prince would ultimately ascend, delaying for a day meant a day’s delay, who knows if another change might occur the next moment?

"Your Highness, were any of yesterday’s assassins captured? Any news of the rebel Zhou Yuancong?"

Shen Shikang, recalling a hidden threat, inquired urgently.

The Crown Prince glanced at the sky, then shook his head with a sigh, "No, I have already ordered Gu Chengyu from the Ministry of Justice to lead a search, but no news has come yet. As for Zhou Yuancong, he seems to have vanished into thin air."

The Crown Prince had already surrounded the Zhou Mansion, but unfortunately, Zhou Yuancong had been well prepared.

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