Chapter 91 – Request for the Appointment of a Crown Prince

Chapter 91 - Request for the Appointment of a Crown Prince

The sudden incident disrupted the atmosphere in the hall, as everyone watched the Consort Jian seemingly get hit, yet not quite, with palace attendants and eunuchs forming a chaotic mess.

Shi Muyun pushed Zhu Yan, his voice urgent and worried, "Why are you still standing there? Your consort is in serious trouble!"

But Zhu Yan remained motionless, even somewhat indulgent, "He's just young, mischievous and playful."

Shi Muyun: ...

No, Your Highness, take a good look. It's your consort who's in trouble, not that he's being playful!

However, he soon realized he was wrong.

Wen Ruan's fishing plan couldn't have been smoother. Indeed, the person secretly watching him made a move! They were running towards him! He immediately took the initiative to meet the Second Prince's men head-on, seeking help and a push—

These two people were now facing each other!

The Empress Sect indeed had people planted in the palace, possibly capitalizing on the remnants of the late Consort Mu's influence, but they were mostly old hands with connections, many of whom were former residents. It was difficult for them to possess both martial arts and cunning, especially in terms of martial prowess. Outstanding individuals in this regard would never be hidden or overlooked in the palace; the Emperor would never allow it. Therefore, those who came to attack Wen Ruan twice before were not skilled experts. As long as one was cautious, it wasn't hard to evade them.

As for the Second Prince's men, although they had major plans for today, they didn't intend to kill Wen Ruan right away. All other factions related to the other princes would naturally be dealt with later, but only after their plans succeeded. Killing someone now would be very detrimental to their subsequent actions. So they merely wanted to bump into Wen Ruan, causing him to knock over the cup in front of the Emperor's desk, making it easier for the Second Prince to act... But someone actually wanted to take advantage of the chaos to harm Wen Ruan. Wasn't this an attempt to frame them?

This was absolutely unacceptable!

Thus, within a short period, both sides engaged in a few quick and unclear moves of Tai Chi.

In summary, the Empress Sect failed to kill Wen Ruan, as the Second Prince's men wouldn't allow it. The Second Prince wanted to bump into Wen Ruan, making him spill the cup in front of the Emperor's desk to facilitate his own actions, but they couldn't achieve that either. Instead, Wen Ruan managed to slip away...

With no choice, the Second Prince's men could only harden their resolve and collide with the assassin who wanted to kill Wen Ruan.

Colliding with Wen Ruan could be blamed on slipping accidentally, allowing for plausible deniability later. However, this person who wanted to kill Wen Ruan, hmph, let's see how you explain yourself then!

"Smash—"

A very crisp sound echoed as the Emperor's dragon desk was hit, the cup containing the medicinal soup falling to the ground, spilling its brown liquid everywhere.

"This medicine..."

"This color..."

"It seems to be the Tiger-Residence Pill formula!"

"This... This is a tiger-and-wolf drug!"

Most of the officials in the hall recognized it, especially the older ones. Their soft exclamations of shock instantly merged into a chorus, leaving people pale with fear.

This formula was expensive to produce, affordable only by the extremely wealthy. Its effects were obvious and unique, targeting those on the brink of death. Before using it, one's condition might be uncertain, but after using it, death was imminent!

Yet, this kind of medicine appeared on the Emperor's desk, clearly being consumed by him, and in large quantities!

The atmosphere in the hall became instantly eerie.

Shi Muyun immediately understood Wen Ruan's 'mischievous playfulness' and quietly gave Zhu Yan a thumbs up, "You're amazing."

Zhu Yan raised his chin slightly, proud, "What I choose is naturally the best."

The unexpected event happened too quickly, causing the Second Prince's heart to race. However, the outcome was inevitable. Investigating anything at this point would be useless. He took a few deep breaths, narrowed his eyes, and gathered his courage.

Emperor Taigong was livid.

He wasn't unaware of what the Second Son was scheming. He knew what everyone below wanted. It wasn't that he didn't want to deal with them; it was just that these past few days were his birthday celebration, and he didn't want any complications, as they would be inauspicious. He had already prepared to suppress and handle any trouble his son might cause, but the Second Son actually targeted his medicine!

Did the Second Son know about such a confidential matter? There must be a traitor among his closest circle!

"Second Son," his sinister gaze fell upon the Second Prince, "Is this the gift you've prepared for Me?"

Cold sweat broke out on the Second Prince's back, and the same was true for Imperial Concubine Zhen sitting beside the Emperor, her fingers clenching tightly.

But things had already reached this point, leaving no room for retreat. There was no choice but to go all-in!

"My heavens, Father, which blind servant dared to offer you such a medicinal soup!"

He quickly organized his thoughts. Regardless of whether the other person rushing towards Wen Ruan intended to kill him or affect him, it didn't matter anymore: "I request severe punishment for this person! Even exterminating their entire clan and granting them the death penalty by slicing wouldn't be enough to quell our anger!"

Emperor Taigong's eyelid flickered, "Hm?"

The Second Prince slammed his head to the ground, "Your subject is unfilial, only realizing this matter today! Father, bearing the might of heaven, ruling over the four seas, how could Your Majesty's body be harmed? Someone offering such a tiger-and-wolf drug, harboring evil intentions, causing chaos in the palace, Da Li cannot tolerate this!"

After wiping away his tears, he stood up directly, his robes swirling like a whirlwind as he turned, his face cold and stern: "Today, I will execute this wicked servant. Who dares to object!"

No one dared to object, perhaps also due to the lack of time to react.

The Second Prince was extremely decisive, directly snatching the sword from the guard beside him and stabbing it towards the old eunuch standing next to the Emperor!

The old eunuch, advanced in age, was not agile to begin with, and he hadn't expected the blade to come at him. He was directly pierced through the chest and lungs, blood gushing out. He didn't even have time to utter a word before collapsing to the ground and dying swiftly.

The hall fell silent.

None of the ministers spoke, and Emperor Taigong seemed to be furious, his hand shaking, unable to say a word.

The Second Prince knelt before Emperor Taigong again, tears streaming down his face, "Father has been harmed by such scoundrels, and Your subject was unaware. Now that the deed is done, it can't be undone. Only drastic measures can handle and deter this situation. If Father blames me, I will accept it!"

He crawled forward on his knees, embracing Emperor Taigong's leg, "Your subject has always been undisciplined, always thinking that I'm still young, that Father can continue to protect me from wind and rain. But I forgot that I have grown up, capable of easing Father's worries and taking care of Father... Father, rest assured. No matter what happens in the future, Your subject will always be by your side, never leaving... Father, please pull yourself together. Your subject can't do without Father, the entire hall of officials can't do without their sovereign, and the common people can't do without their emperor! I beg Father to treat your illness well, prolonging your life. Imperial Physician—the Imperial Physician! Quickly, take Father's pulse!"

The imperial physician was already in the hall and immediately approached to take the pulse. Perhaps due to his profound skills, he quickly withdrew his hand, closed his eyes, and shook his head.

When a doctor made such a gesture, anyone would know what it meant.

Immediately, a minister stood up in the hall, lifting his robe and kneeling, "The Heavenly Son is benevolent, never fearing to accept advice. I boldly request that His Majesty appoint a crown prince!"

Where there is one, there will be two; where there is two, there will be three. In what seemed like an instant, the hall was filled with a unified voice — "Please designate a Crown Prince!"

Everything happened too quickly for anyone to react, swiftly pushing the situation to this point. Emperor Taiyuan didn't even have time to interject, as if tacitly approving of the proceedings.

The Second Prince sighed, lifting his face to look at Emperor Taiyuan with eyes full of reverence. "This matter should not concern your son, and I never intended to interfere. I only wish to remind Your Majesty that the Northern Di tribes still harbor ill intentions. The internal strife among the southwestern border tribes seems to have ceased, posing a threat nearby. Our great Da Li must not fall into chaos internally. We need a wise and virtuous ruler to lead us. Your Majesty... do not fall into others' traps and choose the wrong person."

It was clear whom he was referring to without needing to say it outright.

The Third Prince abruptly stood up, unable to contain himself despite Empress Dowager Rou's earlier warning. "What are you saying! Who is causing trouble today? Who is stirring up chaos! It seems you believe only you are fit for the position of Crown Prince, capable of leading Da Li well, right?"

The Second Prince's expression turned stern and fierce. "Is my younger brother provoking me?"

As he spoke, a squad of armored soldiers swiftly entered the hall. Their weapons were directed at everyone in the hall. Although the doors remained open, there was no sound from outside, indicating they had been secured.

The Third Prince was taken aback. "If I wanted to provoke you, would I be unarmed now?"

The entire court of ministers also understood the situation. The Second Prince had already carried out this palace coup. Today, success meant becoming king, failure meant death. And what about themselves? What should they do?

Naturally, the Second Prince's faction united immediately, launching their attack.

Those who had been notified beforehand reacted with incredible speed. Those who hadn't been informed now understood the situation and quickly joined in to support him. Otherwise, they would suffer during the aftermath. A pile of heads knocked on the ground, almost every word dripping with blood and tears, begging the Emperor to immediately issue an edict designating the Crown Prince. The Second Prince's benevolence and good deeds were not just known throughout the court but by the entire capital. With such noble character, no one else could possibly deserve this position!

Normally, the Third Prince's faction was evenly matched against the Second Prince's. Whatever one said, the other would counter. But this time, caught unprepared, they appeared weak, especially with so many armored soldiers rushing in...

Who dared to speak casually, not fearing being pierced through like the old lady on the ground!

Empress Dowager Zhen, who was originally seated to the left of the Emperor, also stood up, gathering her skirt to kneel before the Emperor. "Concubines should not meddle in state affairs. I have no right to speak here, but since the entire court's intention is clear, why doesn't Your Majesty fulfill their wishes?"

She also looked at Empress Dowager Rou. "I assume my sister has no objections? After all, we've supported each other through many years over the past decades. You know me best, and I know you best. The Second Highness is compassionate and kind-hearted. You'll surely have good days ahead."

Others couldn't discern whether these words were a threat or a promise of care, but Empress Dowager Rou understood them clearly. Tears fell directly down her cheeks, as if she had resigned herself to her fate. She lowered her eyes and said, "My son may have some abilities, but alas, his temper has always been too stubborn. He offended the Second Prince greatly in his early years. Please forgive him..."

It seemed she had given up hope?

The Third Prince had only seen his mother treat the Emperor this way. When had he ever seen her so humiliated before Empress Dowager Zhen? At that moment, he became anxious. "Mother!"

"Be quiet."

Empress Dowager Rou stopped the Third Prince, looking at Empress Dowager Zhen and her son, closing her eyes. "Please, Sister, spare me this face. Allow my disobedient son to leave and wash his face, to clear his mind."

Empress Dowager Zhen sneered. "Really just to wash his face, not to do anything else?"

Empress Dowager Rou replied, "My sister has only this one son in her life, nothing more to ask for, except for his safety."

The meaning was straightforward. As long as Empress Dowager Zhen agreed to this deal and spared the Third Prince's life, she would cooperate with everything.

Empress Dowager Zhen might not have believed it, nor did the Second Prince. But they were well-prepared today, fearing nothing. Moreover, the Third Prince's departure wasn't bad for them. Once today's major events were settled, the Third Prince's life... wouldn't it be in their hands, allowing them to do whatever they wished?

"Alright," Empress Dowager Zhen agreed. "Children being undisciplined happens sometimes. Sister, rest assured. I will ensure the Third Prince's safety."

The Third Prince worried, "I don't—"

Empress Dowager Rou snapped, "Go!"

Under normal circumstances, the Third Prince would have angrily overturned the table by now. However, Empress Dowager Rou had previously warned him about the situation. Despite his unwillingness, he knew what was happening. Seeing the side door cleared by the soldiers, he could only leave, tossing his sleeves in frustration.

Thus, everyone saw a different side of the royal family.

Empress Dowager Zhen was as domineering and overbearing as ever, while the Second Prince merely appeared benevolent. In reality, he was strong-willed and overbearing, daring enough to rebel, much like Empress Dowager Zhen. His past benevolence turned out to be an act. On the contrary, Empress Dowager Rou remained as gentle and understanding as ever. Even her Third Prince, who seemed strong-willed and stubborn on the surface, was actually very filial and listened to advice...

The Second Prince was pleased with the current situation.

He wanted fame, so he couldn't truly kill his father. But if his father didn't cooperate, he could claim to be 'forced to do so.' The Emperor was the Son of Heaven, having held power for many years. He knew how to handle weakness. He definitely wouldn't give his son the chance to claim he was 'forced.' Moreover, the act of consuming potent drugs was already known throughout the court. The imperial physician had declared there was no cure. The Emperor could only hope for a peaceful end if he followed the stage set by his son.

Therefore, this period was his opportunity. As long as the matter of the Crown Prince was settled, everything else would be easier to manage.

His greatest threat, the Third Prince, had been personally sent away by his own mother. The only one left in the scene was Prince Jian, Zhu Yan.

Loyalty, filial piety, and the ability to suppress his younger brother had already been demonstrated. Now, the final point was to show everyone that only he could control and resolve the situation, whether it was the current scene or future circumstances.

His sharp gaze fell upon Zhu Yan. "Will you surrender yourself or have my men drag you to the dungeon?"

Zhu Yan had returned to Wen Ruan's side, appearing even more composed. "Oh? Why should this Prince go to the dungeon?"

The Second Prince stared at him. "Isn't everything today caused by your consort? Deliberately causing chaos, what are your intentions? Did you know about the soup medicine Father consumed? I acted too impulsively when I killed someone earlier. Perhaps that old eunuch on the ground... wasn't he bought off by the two of you long ago?"

"Are you still harboring resentment over the incident thirteen years ago?" The Second Prince's gaze gradually turned sinister. "Have you long wanted to commit patricide and rebel? Otherwise, why did everyone involved in that incident die back then, except for you, who lived until now?"

Zhu Yan replied, "Because I didn't die, I am suspected today... but are you dead?"

The Second Prince responded, "What does it have to do with—"

"Did you ever ask your beloved mother why this Prince didn't kill her?"

Zhu Yan's gaze swept over the Second Prince, sneering. "Why are you alive and well, standing here requesting to be designated Crown Prince, wearing a grand and righteous facade? Do you really think... everything is within your grasp?"

The Second Prince glanced around the hall, at his secret soldiers, showing no fear. "Don't try to bluff your way through—"

Suddenly, Wen Ruan stretched out both hands in front of him. "Second Prince, arrest me."

To be so obedient, so willing to be arrested...

The Second Prince wasn't that confident anymore. Was it a trick?

But it couldn't be possible. His mother helped him control the palace gates, and his secret troops had infiltrated early, now controlling the entire palace. His subordinates' military strength was monitored by his maternal grandfather, keeping an eye on the capital's movements. The Five-City Military Command helped guard the city gates. As long as he succeeded inside the hall today, he would possess everything. How could there be any mistakes?

Raising my gaze once more, I witnessed Emperor Taiyuan abruptly fling his cup aside ——

"Minister of History! Show yourself, now!"