Chapter 413 – Imperial Decree Arrives

Chapter 413 - Imperial Decree Arrives

Even if they could not become the official wife, they would still hold a position as a concubine.

Yet, when Western Region women came to Great Jin, they usually did not receive favorable titles.

They also rarely bore children.

It had to be said that people admired strength. As tributary nations, their princesses were nothing more than offerings.

In the Yangzheng Palace, the Seventh and Ninth Princes mentioned this matter while reporting to the emperor.

"The Great Pearl Country has brought a princess, aged fourteen. Anluo and Xini countries have also presented noble ladies," the Ninth Prince said.

Great Pearl was the translated name of a small Western Region country in the language of Great Jin.

"Oh? How is the princess from the Great Pearl Country? If her appearance is satisfactory, we can keep her in the palace for now. Next year, she can become your concubine," He Jingenli said.

"No, Father Emperor," the Ninth Prince hurriedly said. "I don't like her."

The women of the Western Regions didn't have golden hair and blue eyes, but they were also distinct from the ladies of Great Jin. Their attire was particularly unusual.

Their makeup was heavy, and their fragrance was overpowering.

It was too much for the Ninth Prince to bear.

Although the common folk of Great Jin were fascinated by women from the Western Regions, the Ninth Prince detested them with all his heart.

"Hmm, if you don't like them, then so be it. The other day, I mentioned to your mother that when Huyin's daughter comes of age, we'll send her to you," said He Jinning.

The Ninth Prince chuckled. "Father, you shouldn't let Mother hear this. Otherwise, she'd be upset. She would surely say: 'We're all humans, why talk about sending people back and forth?'"

He Jinning suddenly understood why Yun Li had given him the cold shoulder that night.

He Jinning replied, "Indeed, you know your mother well."

The Ninth Prince smiled. "Of course, we share a bond as mother and son."

He Jinning pointed at him and shook his head, smiling. "You've been working hard these past few days, and you must continue. Treat the envoys kindly. Even though the Western Regions are vassal states, we should still demonstrate the grace and dignity of a courteous nation."

"Yes," both the Seventh Prince and Ninth Prince promptly replied.

"Hmm, you two must be tired as well. Have your meal here with your father today. You can leave the palace after that," He Jinli said.

"Thank you, Father," they both expressed their gratitude.

It wasn't until after the noon banquet and a short rest that the Seventh Prince chuckled and said, "Congratulations, Ninth Brother."

"What are you talking about, Seventh Brother? What's the good news?" The Ninth Prince was puzzled.

The Seventh Prince patted his shoulder with a smile. "Is there anything you can't tell me? Can any ordinary prince marry Princess Huan Yun of the Huan Yun Khanate?"

"Oh, you're referring to this? There's nothing I can't tell you; I just didn't react in time. Father will eventually appoint a crown prince. If it were me, I would definitely live up to Father's expectations."

As he spoke, the Ninth Prince tugged on his reins and headed towards the embassy.

The Seventh Prince smiled and accompanied him, thinking that only someone as favored as the Ninth Prince would dare to say such things.

Other princes, no matter how much they desired it, would never dare to express such thoughts openly. They would always remain humble in their words.

The envoy's presence in the capital did not hinder the city's affairs.

His Majesty had dispatched people to commence a serious renovation of the Eastern Palace.

Back when Prince Qin was the crown prince, Empress had repeatedly urged His Majesty to repair the Eastern Palace.

Although some minor renovations were carried out then, they were mere touch-ups.

Now, it was undergoing a grand makeover; even the roof of the main hall was being retiled.

The less-than-impressive flora within the Eastern Palace were all replanted, as if preparing for a new master.

In the court, petitions for the establishment of a new crown prince flooded into the Zhengyang Palace like snowflakes.

Most of them advocated for the Ninth Prince. Most still dared not oppose His Majesty openly.

The number of those advocating for the Sixth Prince had dwindled.

But those who remained were even more loyal to the Sixth Prince.

On the first day of the seventh month, the grand state banquet commenced.

In the grand hall of Zhengyang Palace, music and dance filled the air with revelry.

The Empress Dowager, the Empress, the concubines, the imperial relatives, as well as officials ranked third or above and those bearing noble titles were all in attendance.

The people of Yuanzheng and the various Western Regions nations were seated at the highest honor, a gesture of respect.

The two married princesses also arrived at the palace accompanied by their princes-consort.

It was here that the imperial edict to establish the Crown Prince would be announced.

Originally, it should have been declared during the morning court, but He Jingenli had insisted on doing it now, in front of the foreign envoys.

The edict was filled with praise.

One phrase read, 'capable of entrusting the ancestral legacy and inheriting the glory of forefathers.' This was He Jingenli's assessment of the Crown Prince and also his anticipation for him.

The mere mention of "Imperial Ninth Son Jiheng" caused most to lose interest in the rest of the imperial edict.

When the edict was finished, even the Ninth Prince himself was caught off guard.

After all, he had assumed it would still take some time.

He rose to his knees on the spot. "This son is lacking in knowledge and talent, not daring to compare with our Imperial Father and our ancestors. Today, as Imperial Father entrusts such a heavy responsibility upon this son, I feel a deep sense of guilt and fear. I will not dare to betray Imperial Father's expectations. From this day forward, I will work diligently and fulfill my duties with utmost dedication, prioritizing our Great Jin's prosperity, the land, and our people. For the rest of my life, I will remain steadfast in this resolve. This son sincerely thanks Imperial Father for your blessings, now and forever."

"Hooray! The Crown Prince is resolute. Rise," He Jinli said with a smile.

As the Ninth Prince stood up, everyone else knelt down. "We, your subjects, wish the Crown Prince a long and prosperous reign!"

"Courtiers, please rise. Jiheng is young, and in the future, he will rely much on your guidance," the Ninth Prince hurriedly responded.

A hint of a smile graced Yun Li's lips. She had never taught Little Nine how to respond if he ever became the Crown Prince.

Yet, his response was impeccable.

It was sincere.

Next came the celebration and toasts.

Yun Li's reception was no exception.

Although the Empress remained in her seat of honor, regrettably, from this day forward, she would no longer be the sole most esteemed woman in the harem.

The banquet dragged on late into the night. The Empress, unable to endure any longer, had excused herself earlier.

Fortunately, the Empress Dowager was also feeling weary, thus the Empress's departure went unnoticed.

When the grand state banquet finally concluded and all the guests were sent off, it was already quite late.

There was an early court session the next day, and the imperial edict appointing the Crown Prince had just been issued but not yet announced to the world. There was still a long list of matters to attend to.

An imperial edict was just that – an edict. The Crown Prince was far from officially assuming his title.

Nevertheless, Jincheng smiled as he embraced Yun Li, saying, "Yun'er, you've given me a fine child. Little Nine is clever and insightful, with a compassionate heart. He will surely be an excellent emperor one day. I have great faith in him."

Yun Li huffed. "What do you mean 'the good child I gave birth to'? Children are shared. Why is it just for you?"

"Haha, you, you. Alright, they're ours together." He Jincheng looked at her with a smile. "You've raised the children very well."

"I have no other wish. Since you have chosen him, please trust him. Being a crown prince isn't easy, and he still has a long road ahead," Yun Li said.

"Rest assured, I won't let him go through what I did. At least I'll believe in him and teach him," He Jincheng chuckled. "I am his imperial father, and also his father."

"Alright then! Let's sleep, we won't have time tomorrow." Yun Li also had many people to meet the following day.

With only four hours of sleep on the schedule, any more disturbance would result in an argument.

He Jincheng was evidently delighted, so he replied with a smile.