Free Web NovelChapter 1302: Chapter 1291: The Illegitimate Son
Aside from those stubborn and conservative guardians and those who wish to opportunistically change their stance, no one wants to see Prince Kang being established as the Crown Prince. It’s a position they have defended for twenty years, a position they have fought over for twenty years. Why should Prince Kang get to pick this fruit in the end?
But what reason do they have to oppose? Prince Kang’s status as the legitimate eldest son is rightfully recognized, and the Empress personally bestowed the title. Opposing him is akin to rebellion, isn’t it?
Especially now when Ye Qiu’s attitude remains very ambiguous. For many years, the border has been very stable, so why is there a discovery of unusual activity just at this time?
Consequently, at the moment, no one dares to take the lead. However discontent is real, they only temporarily place hope in the old Emperor, hoping he regains consciousness soon.
But now the harem is controlled by the Empress, ordinary concubines eager to visit must first get the Empress’ consent. Finally meeting the Emperor is difficult enough, and the visiting time is also very limited, surrounded by so many people, what can be done?
A discontent concubine once loudly argued with the Empress on the spot, accusing her of selfish greed and misconduct toward the Emperor. The Empress immediately sentenced her, claiming she had ulterior motives, causing a delay in the old Emperor’s treatment, and was subsequently confined in the Cold Palace.
Other Ministers who raised objections to the establishment of the Crown Prince were also sentenced by Prince Kang on other charges. In an instant, the entire capital was on high alert, and everyone was anxious.
"At this rate, our forces will sooner or later be falsely accused by him, and that’s when he’ll strike against us." Prince An, Prince Min, and Fifteenth Prince gathered together to discuss strategies.
"But now he and the Empress have rightful status, and Father Emperor is under their control; what can we do?"
"We can’t sit waiting for death." Prince An’s gaze turned fierce, "We must unite first."
"Third Brother, then what do you suggest?" Fifteenth Prince looked at him and asked.
"I don’t believe Father Emperor’s intention is to establish Eldest Brother as the Crown Prince. Perhaps the Empress and Eldest Brother realized this, which is why Father Emperor is now..."
"You mean?" Prince Min and Fifteenth Prince looked at him simultaneously, "But where would we get the evidence?"
"No evidence is needed; just find an Imperial Physician who has treated Father Emperor." Prince An’s meaning was clear, and the other two instantly understood.
"Afterwards, each of us must rely on our own strengths, but if Eldest Brother truly ascends the throne, none of us will have a good outcome."
"Eldest Brother has lived in Nanyue for so many years, probably thinking that since Father Emperor lost favor with us, we really pose no threat. We’ve fought in the capital for so many years; none of us are pushovers!"
"Then let’s choose an auspicious day!"
"The sooner the better, just on the day of his Crown Prince inauguration ceremony."
What they didn’t know was that Prince Kang had long been prepared for this matter. They didn’t believe the old Emperor would pass the throne to Prince Kang, and Prince Kang also didn’t believe they would obediently comply.
During his years in Nanyue, did they truly think he was suffering there? Since the moment they decided to act, Nanyue’s troops had quietly approached the capital.
On the day of the Crown Prince inauguration ceremony, Prince An, Prince Min, and Fifteenth Prince did not show up. Just as the Ministers were puzzled, the gate of Zhengyang Gate was opened by attacking soldiers, led by these three, claiming the title of clearing the Emperor’s court, openly stating Prince Kang and the Empress secretly harmed the old Emperor, declaring they would never serve such unfaithful and unfilial rulers.
"Second Brother, Third Brother, Fifteenth Brother, do you plan to rebel?" Prince Kang stood at a high position, calmly questioning.
"Eldest Brother, your actions toward Father Emperor are treacherous. We brothers merely wish to prevent further harm to Father Emperor. The Imperial Physician has stated clearly, Father Emperor took large quantities of elixir before his stroke, and these elixirs were all provided by the Empress to Father Emperor. What else can you deny?" Prince An firmly accused him.
"Father Emperor has been taking elixirs since twenty years ago. The Imperial Physicians at the Imperial Hospital are aware, and they are merely health supplements. How could this be turned into Mother and I harming Father Emperor? Do you add charges without justification? Third Brother, one must live with a conscience. My ascent was the decision of the courtiers and the stipulations of our forefathers. If you recognize your mistakes now, it’s not too late. For the sake of our brotherhood, I won’t overly hold you accountable." Prince Kang spoke unhurriedly.
"You’ve stayed away from the capital for so many years, I didn’t expect you to have such a glib tongue, but no matter how you try to talk your way out, you and the Empress did indeed harm Father Emperor, and today we won’t let you ascend to the position of Crown Prince!"
"It seems power has blinded you. You accuse me of harming Father Emperor, you claim I am unworthy of the Crown Prince position, then do you deserve it? If Father Emperor indeed favored any of you, why did he make no move during my twenty-year absence? Instead, this time he kept me in the capital, keeping Ruirui by his side for personal instruction. Father Emperor’s intentions need no further explanation! Aren’t you now just exploiting the fact that I haven’t received Father Emperor’s decree? For this reason alone, do you disregard the nation’s safety? Do you disregard ancestral regulations?"
Prince Kang spoke with sincere regret, his expression filled with disappointment as he placed himself at the highest position and turned the rebellion of the other three Princes into a certainty, making his reasons irrefutable.
Ancestral regulations are above, and the recent favor Father Emperor showed to them is evident, undoubtedly making Prince Min, Prince An, and Fifteenth Prince unreasonable.
Fifteenth Prince decided to go all out: "Eldest Brother, I know we can’t argue against you now, but we still won’t acknowledge you as Crown Prince. Without Father Emperor’s personal decree, none of us will believe it, so we ask elder brother to release Father Emperor so that he can recover quickly."
"Fifteenth Brother, your words truly sadden me. You know very well that Father Emperor now needs tranquility the most, yet you urge me to expose Father Emperor to everyone. What are your intentions?"
"More words are useless. Eldest Brother, the entire Imperial City is under our control, so let’s cease meaningless clashes and stop the inauguration ceremony first!" Prince An knew that the longer he spoke, the more unfavorable it would be for himself, so he directly faced the issue.
"It seems the three of you have united today with absolute intent to rebel!" Prince Kang took a deep breath, then looked at them sharply, "But do you think you will certainly succeed?"
"I advise Eldest Brother to cease pointless opposition. Inside and outside the city are our troops, Eldest Brother, surrender peacefully!"
"Really? Haven’t you noticed that someone is absent beside me today?"
Who?
Everyone fixed their gaze and indeed found that today the Heir of Prince Kang was surprisingly not present. Where had he gone?
