newbobooks Chapter 432 The Dragon Seal Scroll Has Not Been Unlocked, Yet the Throne Has Already Changed, The Na
Chapter 432 The Dragon Seal Scroll Has Not Been Unlocked, Yet the Throne Has Already Changed, The Na
News of the emperor's death spread quickly throughout Tianqi City, and within half a day, the once magnificent capital was covered in white mourning clothes.
Night falls at the Jingyu Prince's Mansion.
After completing the funeral rites for the deceased Xiao Chongjing with the help of Zhuoxin and Zhuoqing, Zhuoxin returned to the Directorate of Ceremonial to handle many matters related to the national mourning.
He then went alone to the Jingyu Prince's Mansion and told Xiao Ruojin everything he had seen and heard in the Zichen Palace.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating Xiao Ruojin's ever-changing face.
He was also dressed in mourning clothes, and remained silent for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before slowly speaking:
"The Ninth Prince... is going to be the emperor. It seems that just as I expected, Father will definitely pass the throne to him."
His tone was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.
Zhuoxin carefully observed his expression and whispered, "Your Highness, this old servant has something to say, but I don't know if I should."
"explain."
"His Highness the Prince of Langya... may not want to sit in this position."
Zhuoxin lowered his voice, "This old servant has been in the palace for many years and has seen it clearly. Every time His Highness the Prince of Langya finishes handling state affairs, he always gazes out of the palace in a daze."
He would return to Jixia Academy whenever he had the chance to be with his fellow students.
Moreover, the brightest part of his Haoque sword was not the blade, but the hilt—a mark of years of practicing martial arts with the sword.
A person who truly aspires to be emperor would not be so attached to the world of martial arts.
Xiao Ruojin tapped her fingers lightly on the table: "So?"
“Therefore, if Your Highness were to speak…” Zhuoxin leaned closer, “the Prince of Langya is very likely to…”
"Give it up?" Xiao Ruojin laughed, a bitter laugh. "Foolish! Wealth can be given up, women can be given up! But can the throne be given up?! Even if Seventh Brother is willing, will the entire court agree? Will the people of the world agree?"
"Once the will is changed, who would dare to disagree?"
A glint of light flashed in Zhuoxin's eyes. "When His Majesty wrote the will, only Zhuoqing, this old servant, and His Highness the Prince of Langya were present."
If the Prince of Langya voluntarily amended his will and yielded the throne to his elder brother, it would not be a usurpation, but rather... a display of brotherly love and respect, and consideration for the greater good.
Xiao Ruojin's heart suddenly raced when she heard Zhuoxin's words.
He recalled how, when he was a child, he and his brother suffered constant coldness in the palace because their mother was not favored by the emperor.
The two brothers depended on each other for survival, and their bond was deep and strong. Moreover, Xiao Ruofeng always followed behind him, calling him "Royal Brother, Royal Brother."
Anything delicious or fun, they'll always share half with themselves.
Later, Xiao Ruofeng entered the Jixia Academy and became a disciple of Li Changsheng.
Although he was more talented, he never showed off in front of me. Instead, he often taught me the classics, history, philosophy, swordsmanship, and martial arts he had learned...
"Brother, do you think this move 'Spring Breeze and Rain' is used like this?"
“Brother, Master praised you last time, saying that you are meticulous and that you will be very good at governing the country in the future.”
"Brother Emperor..."
"..."
Countless memories flooded her mind, and Xiao Ruojin suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She had actually been scheming for her own brother's throne.
But that thirst for power, like a venomous snake, clung tightly to his heart.
Three days later, during the national mourning period.
Xiao Ruojin invited Xiao Ruofeng to the Jingyu Prince's Mansion under the pretext of "brothers having a chat".
After dismissing everyone around them, the two sat facing each other and drank tea, but the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.
“Good brother, Father has passed away, we must all grieve in moderation.” Xiao Ruojin spoke first, “Father’s passing was sudden, and the burden of Dali will be heavy for you in the future.”
But don't worry, even though I'm a slow learner, I'll always be on your side and help you whenever and wherever you ask!
Xiao Ruofeng shook his head, looking exhausted: "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I've been thinking these past few days... I might not be able to shoulder this responsibility."
Xiao Ruojin's heart stirred, but she asked with concern, "Why do you say that? Your civil and military achievements are superior to those of the princes, and you have high prestige in the court. Moreover, your most powerful rival, Xiao Xie, has died at the hands of Ye Dingzhi. Now you are the most suitable candidate."
“But I don’t want to.” Xiao Ruofeng looked directly at his elder brother, his eyes full of sincerity. “Brother, you know. My greatest wish is to enjoy the mountains and rivers with my master and fellow disciples, drinking wine and discussing swordsmanship. This palace… to me, is like a golden cage.”
He paused, then lowered his voice even further: "Three days ago, when my father was seriously ill, I took the Medicine King away without permission, which was already unfilial."
Even if he were to ascend the throne now, he probably wouldn't be a good emperor. What Beili needs is a ruler who can fully commit, not... a wanderer whose heart is set on the martial world.
Xiao Ruojin's fingers trembled slightly. He suppressed the surging emotions in his heart and tentatively asked, "So what do you mean..."
"To be honest, Your Majesty, I want to revise the imperial edict," Xiao Ruofeng said, surprising everyone.
"What?!" Xiao Ruojin feigned shock. "This... how can this be?! The Emperor's will has already been sealed in the Dragon Seal Scroll. Once the coffin is buried, you must obey the will and ascend the throne..."
"Father's dying wish was to pass the throne to me, but if I voluntarily relinquish it, I believe he would understand in heaven." Xiao Ruofeng looked intently at Xiao Ruojin. "Brother, among the princes, the eldest prince is not only mediocre and incompetent, but also currently weak and powerless."
Although I am somewhat stronger than him, my heart is set on the martial world, and I fear I will be unable to shoulder such a heavy responsibility in the future. Only you—with your meticulous mind and decisive actions—are capable of undertaking this great task.
Xiao Ruojin's heart pounded like a drum, but she shook her head desperately: "No, no! Absolutely not! Although I am older, my abilities are mediocre, and I have no foundation in the court, nor is my prestige as great as yours..."
"Therefore, I need my royal brother to grant me two requests." Xiao Ruofeng suddenly stood up and knelt on one knee.
Xiao Ruojin hurriedly went to help him up: "Good brother, what are you doing? Get up quickly!"
"First, after my elder brother ascended the throne, he appointed me as the Grand General Protector of the Nation and granted me military power. I must personally lead the army to pacify the southwest—this is my promise to my father and my responsibility as a descendant of the Xiao family."
"Secondly," Xiao Ruofeng looked up, a pleading glint in his eyes, "when the world is at peace, please allow me, Your Majesty, to... resign from all official positions and titles and retire from the martial world."
Xiao Ruojin was stunned.
He looked at his younger brother kneeling in front of him and suddenly remembered the small figure that had always followed behind him many years ago.
Time flies, white horses pass by.
Now, the younger brother who always followed behind him has grown into a strong and upright man, yet he is still willing to give up the most precious thing—the whole world—without hesitation.
“Brother…” Xiao Ruojin’s voice was a little hoarse, “You…you are really willing to give up the throne to me?”
"I am willing," Xiao Ruofeng said decisively. "I only ask that my brother be a diligent and benevolent emperor."
Xiao Ruojin closed her eyes, and a tear slowly slid down her cheek.
After a long while, Xiao Ruojin finally opened her eyes.
He helped Xiao Ruofeng up and squeezed his brother's hand tightly.
"Since that's the case, alas... Your Majesty has no choice but to agree!"
The two brothers looked at each other, and Xiao Ruofeng smiled—a relieved smile as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Xiao Ruojin also smiled, but deep within that smile lay a shadow that even he himself was unaware of.
That night, Zhuoxin secretly entered the mansion.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, your wish has been fulfilled," Zhuoxin said, bowing.
Standing by the window, gazing at Tianqi City in the night, Xiao Ruojin slowly said, "My foolish younger brother is truly generous. But is my scheming... too despicable?"
Zhuoxin remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Does Your Highness know why His Majesty would rather choose Prince Langya than you?"
Xiao Ruojin turned around: "Why?"
“Because you are too much like His Majesty,” Zhuoxin said in a low voice. “You are deep in thought, skilled in strategy, and able to endure humiliation and hardship. The Prince of Langya… is not like His Majesty at all.”
The Prince of Langya was always upright and loyal. However, during his lifetime, His Majesty turned against his two sworn brothers, Baili Luochen and Ye Yu, who had helped him ascend the throne, plunging the Great Li land into chaos and causing widespread suffering!
This matter will likely remain a source of eternal pain for His Majesty… Therefore… he hopes to choose a different person, so that perhaps the Great Li Dynasty can have a different future!
He paused, then added, "But in my opinion, what this chaotic world needs is not a chivalrous knight-errant, but an emperor who can firmly rule the country and act decisively. Your Highness, you are not wrong. What the Great Li... truly needs is an emperor like you."
Xiao Ruojin remained silent for a long time before finally waving her hand: "Go. Since my brother has agreed to abdicate in my favor, we should wait until the national mourning period is over... Also, I don't want anyone else to know what I said today!"
"Old slave understands!"
After Zhuoxin left, Xiao Ruojin stood alone in the darkness, muttering to herself:
"Good brother, this land... I will protect it for you. The martial world you desire, I will definitely give it to you in the future!"
……
The night was as dark as an inkstone that could not be dissolved.
Tianqi City appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are already surging beneath.
The Dragon Seal Scroll lay quietly in the sealed box kept by Zhuo Qing, awaiting the day when the national mourning would end.
……
The sea breeze howls, reaching the easternmost Penglai.
Nangong Chunshui suddenly awoke from his meditation, his brows furrowed. He then waved his hand and used his inner strength to retrieve three crystal-clear seashells from the seawater. He threw the three seashells onto the ground!
The three seashells lay scattered on the ground. Nangong Chunshui glanced at the seashells and felt a sense of helplessness.
Hearing the noise, Luo Shui came in, glanced at the seashells on the ground, and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Why are you divining in the middle of the night? Has something happened?"
"The divination results are messed up." Nangong Chunshui calculated with her fingers, her expression growing increasingly grim. "The direction of Tianqi... the Emperor Star is dim and unclear, yet there is an indication of two stars vying for brilliance. Alas... it seems my prediction has unfortunately come true. Feng Qi has probably really done something foolish!"
……