Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Night fell early in the twelfth month. After the family banquet, Qin Hong and his two brothers were the first to take their leave.

The Noble Consort also made to leave. Consort Li, who had always wished to follow her back to the Western Palace but was often detained by Emperor Xingwu, tonight for the first time cast a "flirtatious look" at Emperor Xingwu. She followed the Noble Consort with tiny, hesitant steps, her eyes—brimming with longing, worry, and anticipation—locked intently on Emperor Xingwu.

Emperor Xingwu closed his eyes for a moment, then turned to pick up his teacup. He had already held out for over a month; one more night wouldn’t make a difference.

The emperor’s refusal was unmistakable. Two trails of tears rolled down Consort Li’s cheeks as she finally followed the Noble Consort away.

Emperor Xingwu, pretending to be unmoved, did not see those tears, but Princess Qingyang did. Even after having openly discussed the new Crown Princess with court officials and her three brothers, on the eve of the imperial decree, her father still refused to let her mother give outsiders any cause for suspicion. It was clear that the same caution applied to her—any closeness would have to wait, but not tonight.

After seeing off her mother and the Noble Consort, Princess Qingyang returned but stopped at the doorway of the side chamber. Peeking in toward her father seated on the couch, she whispered, "Father, all these years, I always thought Mother was someone you took by force from the common folk. That’s why, no matter how well you treated her, she was always nervous and timid around you."

Emperor Xingwu, who had expected his daughter to discuss the Crown Princess matter, was speechless.

Seeing her father’s stunned expression—stripped of both his pretended casualness of the evening and the hidden tension she had detected—Princess Qingyang smiled and continued with things she knew he'd want to hear: "But just now, when Mother left, I saw the affection in her eyes for you."

Emperor Xingwu had recovered himself and replied casually, "You don't know the first thing about romance yourself. What could you possibly see?"

Princess Qingyang said, "I saw Mother cry. Because you didn’t ask her to stay, she shed two streams of tears—they started falling suddenly, like rain."

Emperor Xingwu: "…"

"It’s late, Father. Rest early. I'll take my leave."

When Emperor Xingwu looked up again, his daughter was gone, leaving only the sound of light, retreating footsteps.

Emperor Xingwu lay back on the couch. For over a month, his mind had been consumed by the matter of appointing an heir, but now it was finally filled only with the familiar face of a beautiful woman.

Suddenly, as if recalling something, the founding emperor, weariness etched on his brow, started to smile—a smile that lasted for a long, long time.

Outside the palace, Qin Hong and his brothers returned to their respective residences.

Though Qin Hong knew revealing some details to his wife tonight would cause no harm, he had promised his father on the sixth day of the month to keep it quiet until the formal decree came down. Thus, he continued to keep Lü Wenrong out of the loop, making up a casual excuse to brush off questions about the evening.

Qin Bing and Qin Ren, however, had only been instructed by their father not to blab before the morning court session. So, upon returning home, both lost no time in sharing the news about the Crown Princess with their wives.

In Prince Jing’s residence, Meng Yao, seated at her dressing table, was so shocked she forgot to brush her hair, staring wide-eyed at her husband, who had pulled over an embroidered stool beside her.

Qin Bing, seeing his wife’s stunned expression, felt a strange sense of relief. "Right? When I first heard Father say it, I was just like you—I almost thought my ears were failing me, or that Father was pulling our leg."

Meng Yao remained dazed, but her gaze never left Qin Bing’s face.

Recalling how he had speculated with his wife just two nights earlier that the crown prince slot might go to him—though she had rolled her eyes and mocked him for dreaming—Qin Bing worried she might be disappointed or angry at his failure to aim higher. After all, if he became crown prince, she would be crown princess, and eventually, the empress, second only to the emperor.

Before she could react, Qin Bing pulled her close and said soothingly, "It’s not that I didn’t want to compete with Lin’er. It’s just that Elder Brother and Third Brother both agreed. If I opposed, wouldn’t I be the one who cares least about brotherly bonds?"

Meng Yao took a sharp breath, grabbed Qin Bing’s ear, and said through gritted teeth, "You actually considered competing? If you ever think of competing, divorce me first and let me take Ying’er. If you want to die, don't take me and our daughter down with you, and certainly not the Meng family!"

Though Meng Yao hadn’t practiced much martial arts, her temper and strength were worthy of her general's daughter heritage. Qin Bing, in pain, hurriedly pried her fingers loose. "I didn’t want to compete. I was just afraid you might be set on becoming empress…"

Meng Yao covered his mouth. "Nonsense! I never once thought about it. If you dare say such things again and get me or the Meng family in trouble, I’ll… I’ll…"

This time, it was Qin Bing who covered her mouth. "Alright, alright. Neither of us ever thought about it. That’s good. From now on, we’ll continue being Prince and Princess, and let our sister worry about state affairs."

Thinking of the young princess she had grown up with, Meng Yao’s eyes lit up. Excitedly, she grabbed Qin Bing’s lapels and said, "I respect Father so much—even more than when I learned he defeated the tyrant and became emperor himself! Think about it: there have been many founding emperors in previous dynasties, but our father is the first with the courage to name a Crown Princess!"

Of course, the young princess’s ability to surpass her three brothers and secure the Crown Prince position was also remarkable. But Meng Yao was too familiar with the princess—she had always been the most dazzling of the imperial children, so much so that hearing she would become Crown Princess seemed entirely natural to Meng Yao, not something to question.

In fact, Meng Yao had often thought: if such an outstanding princess were a prince, she would have been named crown prince long ago.

While men might marvel at why the emperor would appoint a princess, what astonished Meng Yao most was that the emperor could bypass his three sons—those treasured heirs so cherished by men and even some mothers and mothers-in-law.

Meng Yao had been married to Qin Bing for five years, nearly two of which they had spent apart. Because she had only given birth to Ying’er, a daughter, there had been gossip outside. Meng Yao usually ignored it, but that didn’t mean it didn’t anger her at times. Why were daughters considered cheap while sons were treasured?

The young princess had proven herself superior to her three brothers, and the emperor had demonstrated that the so-called ancestral legacy wasn’t reserved solely for sons.

Meng Yao was too excited to sleep, lying awake in bed for over two hours.

Qin Bing was also wide awake, but not from excitement—he felt a sense of loss.

Puzzled, he asked his wife, "Are you really that happy about our sister becoming Crown Princess? Don’t you wish it were me?"

Even if his wife and sister were close, he and his wife were bound together as a family. How could she be so selfless?

Meng Yao: "…If you had the ability to be crown prince, I might have some greedy thoughts. But what do you have besides your martial arts skills? You lose your temper at the slightest offense, and when your fair-weather friends flatter you, you’d go to the ends of the earth for them. If you really took that position, I fear the court would be filled with sycophants and schemers who would drive a wedge between us. Then you’d have a harem, and with my straightforward temper, I’d end up in the cold palace with Ying’er."

Qin Bing sat up anxiously. "That’s impossible! I may be quick-tempered, but I know right from wrong. I’d never have a harem!"

Meng Yao lay on her side, looking at her handsome twenty-five-year-old husband with tenderness in her eyes. "People change. As a prince, I dare to pinch and scold you. But if you took that position, I wouldn’t dare anymore, and you wouldn’t fear me either. Because when we argue, countless women would scheme to climb into your bed. Qin Bing, be honest—have you never been tempted by beauty?"

Qin Bing immediately recalled the two concubines he had when he first established his household.

Meng Yao lowered her eyes and turned away.

Qin Bing quickly followed, turning her back and holding her tightly. "Don’t overthink it. I was only sixteen then, and you were still a little girl who hadn’t even grown into your figure. I wasn’t mature yet. After Father arranged our marriage, I sent them away and waited wholeheartedly for you to marry me…"

Meng Yao took his hand and pressed it to her cheek. "Don’t say anymore. I know. But it still bothers me. The more it bothers me, the less I want you to compete. I’d rather stay by your side as your princess consort forever."

Qin Bing felt his wife’s warm tears and immediately said, "No competing, no competing. I never wanted to anyway. Please don’t cry…"

While Prince Jing was comforting his wife, over at Prince Xian’s residence, Qin Ren and Yan Zhenzhen had long since fallen asleep.

Qin Ren had been worrying lately about himself, his mother, and his sister. Tonight, with the Crown Prince matter settled and his talented sister chosen, a weight lifted from his shoulders, allowing him to eat and sleep soundly. Yan Zhenzhen shared Meng Yao’s view: the young princess deserved the position, and the wise and mighty emperor would ensure she kept it. There was no need for her to worry.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, Yan Zhenzhen was awakened by her maid during the Yin hour (3–5 a.m.). Remembering that the emperor would issue the decree appointing the Crown Princess at morning court, she sat up abruptly, shaking Qin Ren’s shoulder and urging him to get up.

Qin Ren never dared oversleep on court days, and today was especially important. As he dressed, he chuckled.

Yan Zhenzhen asked, "What are you laughing about?"

Qin Ren said, "I was thinking—when our sister takes charge, I’ll just resign from my duties directly with her."

He wouldn’t dare resign with his father, who would never allow it, but his sister would be more accommodating.

Yan Zhenzhen retorted, "How dare you! You’re a prince, after all. If our sister ever faces trouble, even if you don’t understand politics, just standing by her side would lend her support. Otherwise, if you laze around at home, would you leave her to rely solely on Elder Brother and Second Brother?"

Blood ties were blood ties—a real brother would always be a real brother!

Qin Ren nodded repeatedly. "You’re right. I’ll attend court dutifully."

.

Before the Mao hour (5–7 a.m.) arrived, civil and military officials had already gathered outside the Qianyuan Hall. Even Princess Qingyang, who had been on a five-day leave, along with Prince Jing, Deng Kun, Zhang Su, Fu Kui, and other generals who had distinguished themselves in the northern expedition and were also on leave, were present. As for Prince Yong and Hou Wanzhong, who had also participated in the northern expedition but weren’t on leave, it was likely because they were assisting the emperor in deliberating the new Crown Princess candidate.

Princess Qingyang stood with her eldest and third brothers among the civil officials, while Prince Yong and Qin Bing stood at the front of the military officials. The darkness obscured their faces.

Behind them, heavyweights like Yan Xizheng remained silent, unlike their usual chatter.

At the stroke of the Mao hour, the five imperial uncles and nephews led the civil and military officials into the grand hall in an orderly procession.

After Emperor Xingwu took his seat on the dragon throne, he glanced at the ministers below and said with a smile, "As the New Year approaches, the people are busy bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. I, too, should select a new Crown Prince for Great Qi. Thus, the first major matter of today's court assembly is the appointment of the heir."

The ministers perked up, their gazes swiftly shifting to the three princes at the front.

Emperor Xingwu instructed He Yuanjing to read the edict.

He Yuanjing unrolled the bright yellow imperial edict, scanned the officials who were all watching him intently, and began reading aloud: "By the Edict of Emperor Xingwu of Great Qi: Since I undertook the Mandate of Heaven to establish Great Qi eighteen years ago, I have risen early and retired late, never daring to slacken..."

Prince Yong understood: this section was the Emperor praising Himself for being a diligent Emperor who had worked hard to improve the people's lives.

"Though I came from humble origins, I aspired to uphold the world. The Mandate of Heaven, moved by My sincerity, aided Me..."

Qin Liang also understood: His Majesty was saying that although there were many powerful figures rebelling in the late years of the previous dynasty, only His Majesty genuinely cared for the people, which was why the Mandate of Heaven helped Him found the empire and become Emperor. Since He had gained Heaven's favor, He must strive to be a Wise Emperor devoted to the people. Previously, His Majesty had followed the old customs of the former dynasty by appointing the eldest son as Crown Prince without assessing his capabilities, and as a result, Heaven punished Him by afflicting the unworthy eldest son with an incurable malady of the head!

Even Qin Liang, who usually took pleasure in others' misfortunes, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Qin Hong, who had already knelt in shame.

"The Mandate of Heaven only aids the Wise Emperor—one who is wise and discerning, adept at appointing the right people, diligent in governance, compassionate toward the people, and far-sighted. After reviewing My descendants, I find that Yong Kang is greedy for wealth, Prince An neglects public duties, Prince Jing lacks strategy, and Prince Xian is indolent. Only Princess Qingyang is naturally intelligent and talented... Since the Mandate of Heaven rests with Princess Qingyang, she is undoubtedly fit to inherit the throne. She is hereby appointed as Crown Princess. Let this be proclaimed throughout the land so all may know."

The entire court was struck dumb.

While the ministers remained stunned, He Yuanjing rolled up the edict—this was to be handed over to the Secretariat for dissemination across the empire, not to Princess Qingyang herself.

Princess Qingyang did not need to receive the edict, but she resolutely walked past her eldest and third brothers, ignoring her uncle's flushed face and complex gaze from across the hall. She stopped at the center of the court, knelt, and bowed deeply toward her father on the dragon throne: "Your daughter thanks Your Majesty for this grace. Henceforth, I will emulate Your Majesty's dedication to the people and never betray the Mandate of Heaven!"

Emperor Xingwu nodded approvingly. "Rise."

Princess Qingyang stood and turned around. Simultaneously, Prince An and Yan Xizheng led the way in kneeling: "We pay respects to the Crown Princess!"

As Yan Xizheng's voice echoed, Prince Xian, Dai Lun, Nie Ao, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, and senior military officers such as Prince Jing, Lü Zan, and Zhang Jie, along with junior officers like Zhang Su, Cheng Zhixu, and Meng Changhe, all knelt and loudly greeted the Crown Princess. As more and more influential figures knelt, many other astute civil and military officials followed suit.

Prince Yong first glanced behind him and saw that among the civil officials, only one censor in his thirties remained standing. Without even checking the military officials, he knelt. Among the military officials behind him, only Deng Kun and Deng Tai stood out by remaining upright—even Qin Liang had knelt earlier than his own father, Prince Yong. Deng Tai nearly knelt as well, but seeing his elder brother standing firm with a frown, he stiffened his legs.

Emperor Xingwu looked at the three remaining holdouts and first asked the censor why he refused to acknowledge the Crown Princess.

The censor stated bluntly, "For thousands of years, there has never been a precedent for the throne to be passed to a Princess..."

Before he could finish, Nie Ao turned and refuted him, citing reasons already laid out in Emperor Xingwu's edict: the fallen rulers of the previous dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven, so only the heir chosen by Heaven was fit to be Crown Prince. Princess Qingyang's great victory in the northern expedition proved she was chosen by Heaven. Who dared defy the Mandate of Heaven?

As the censor fell temporarily silent, Deng Kun's temper got the better of him. He shouted at Emperor Xingwu, "If Your Majesty makes Princess Qingyang Crown Princess, then after she ascends the throne, won't the new Crown Prince become a Zhang?"

Qin Bing whirled around and rebutted Deng Kun even more loudly, using the arguments Emperor Xingwu had made the previous night.

After Qin Bing finished, Prince Yong scolded the Deng brothers until they finally knelt.

The remaining censor still had more to say, but no matter his arguments, Yan Xizheng, Dai Lun, Nie Ao, and even Prince An, Prince Xian, and Prince Jing refuted him one by one. Eventually, the censor reluctantly knelt as well.

With everyone on their knees, the officials once again greeted the Crown Princess in unison.

Princess Qingyang cast her gaze over the rows of civil and military officials and remarked serenely, "You may rise."

On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month in the eighteenth year of Xingwu, the Emperor appointed Princess Qingyang as Crown Princess, and the whole court yielded.