Chapter 252: The Crown Prince

Chapter 252: The Crown Prince

She waited patiently, ensuring all preparations were as thorough as possible.

Most of the ministers, following the crowd, seeing that the backbone ministers all seconded the motion, also switched sides.

There were only a few people standing in the entire court, with only some old stalwarts there, anxiously and sorrowfully muttering, "People's hearts are no longer as virtuous as in the past!"

"Your Majesty, you cannot act so recklessly!"

But their self-proclaimed fierce resistance could not shake the situation in the slightest.

"We also believe that Princess Tianwu Jingchu is the only suitable choice."

Jiang Zhixian presented an imperial edict and unfolded it.

At this point, even those who opposed had no choice but to kneel down.

"Had Father already prepared this beforehand?"

Bei Jingchu's emotions were slightly complex, and there was a hint of bitterness in her eyes.

She took a deep breath and adjusted her mindset.

The loud proclamation of the edict echoed in the grand hall:

"To establish a successor to serve the ancestral temple, to oversee and pacify the nation, it must be done with utmost fairness and also with strategic wisdom. To establish based on virtue, then King Ji prospered Zhou; to establish based on nobility, then Emperor Ming stabilized Han. The detailed records of succession are indeed so. Princess Tianwu Jingchu, with her brilliant virtue, is profoundly benevolent and filial, wise, kind, and harmonious. She is unwavering in her pursuit of propriety and relentless in her studies. We, as the emperor, find this child truly meets the people's expectations, capable of preserving the lineage and ensuring the nation's stability for generations, ensuring the integrity of all states. It is appropriate to establish Jingchu as the Crown Prince, and the relevant officials shall prepare the ceremonial investiture."

Bei Jingchu respectfully raised her hands: "Your servant receives the edict."

"Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!"

The court adjourned.

Bei Jingchu was surrounded by a crowd.

A group of tall and short, old and young individuals surrounded a child, offering their congratulations.

One after another, they said, "Congratulations, Crown Prince."

But from a distance, the figure of the Crown Prince was completely obscured.

The Crown Prince awkwardly stood on tiptoes, trying to breathe some fresh air from above.

But she failed.

Save me, is the first day as Crown Prince going to suffocate her?

She dealt with each one, and after they left, she could finally breathe.

The Crown Prince is not afraid of socializing, but she is afraid of everyone rushing up to socialize.

Only then did her familiar friends come up with a smile.

Beiqin offered congratulations, but there was always a teasing tone: "Congratulations, Crown Prince."

Bei Jingchu was not polite at all: "Thank you, but words alone are not enough, where's the gift money?"

Beiqin: ......

The news spread quickly. When Lei Nian'er came to find her, she was a little aggrieved: "Boo-hoo, I heard that Beiqin and the others stood up for you in the court meeting."

"Unfortunately, my rank is too low, I can't even attend the morning assembly, so I couldn't help you."

Just as Bei Jingchu was about to speak, her mouth was abruptly covered.

Lei Nian'er said firmly: "No need to comfort me this time, I don't need any thanks."

Bei Jingchu: "......"

"It seems Nian'er has grown stronger inside, she doesn't need my comfort anymore, what a resilient girl."

Lei Nian'er hesitated to speak, but ultimately didn't reveal the truth.

Oh well, sigh~

Bei Jingchu swallowed her comfort and got straight to the point: "It's okay, I can't help you with promotions in the military, but in the East Palace, I can.

"Come, I'll appoint you as my chief guard, will you do it?"

Lei Nian'er didn't hesitate for a second: "Thank you, Your Highness, for the promotion!"

She thanked her so quickly.

Once you've thanked, there's no turning back, hehehe.

Naturally, someone had to report the good news to the Empress Dowager, and a young eunuch went to Renshou Hall to deliver the message: "Auntie Hui, today at the court meeting, His Majesty has named a Crown Prince, it's Princess Tianwu."

Auntie Hui's eyebrows shot up, and she scolded: "Have you gone mad?"

"How dare you jest about something so serious?"

"How could a princess become a Crown Prince."

The scolded eunuch was deeply upset: "Auntie, it's the absolute truth, how would I dare to joke about such a big matter."

"Princess Tianwu has indeed been named as the Crown Prince, the princess's residence is already being packed up, and will soon move to the East Palace."

Auntie Hui looked the eunuch straight in the eye and asked seriously: "Are you really not lying?"

The eunuch was speechless: "If you don't believe me, ask around, anyway, it will be announced to the world."

Auntie Hui took a deep breath, stuffed the silver into his hand, and turned back into the main hall of Renshou Hall.

She composed herself and flashed a bright smile: "Empress Dowager, there is good news, His Majesty has named a Crown Prince, at today's morning court, he ordered Princess Tianwu to be named as the Crown Prince."

The news came suddenly, and the Empress Dowager took a moment to process the news: "You mean, Heng'er has named a princess... as the Crown Prince?"

The combination of these words sounds utterly absurd.

Auntie Hui nodded with a smile: "I was also taken aback, if it hadn't been confirmed multiple times, I wouldn't dare to report back to the Empress Dowager."

"I know this child is exceptionally talented, I've witnessed all her accomplishments."

"But naming a Crown Prince... I really didn't expect it."

She worried: "Did no one object in court?"

Auntie Hui was troubled: "This... your servant does not know."

The Empress Dowager sighed anxiously, "The imperial decree has been issued, what good would dissent do now?"

"I just hope she can navigate this path smoothly."

As she spoke, she grew emotional, "I always thought the life-and-death struggle for the throne was something only the princes had to deal with."

"Until now, I’ve kept my distance from my grandchildren, fearing I couldn't bear the heartbreak when the time comes."

"I never expected that girl Chuer would get involved in this."

"I figured she just wanted to be a regent princess, thinking she could wield real power and have an easier life in the future."

"I never expected that the father and daughter were plotting for her to become the heir, really..."

"Has Heng'er forgotten how dangerous it was back in his day?"

Auntie Hui dared not respond.

After a long silence, the Empress Dowager finally said helplessly, "I can’t be the one to jinx it."

"Prepare a gift and send it to the Eastern Palace."

"Yes."