novelzi Chapter 548: Congratulations to the Third Emperor
Chapter 548: Congratulations to the Third Emperor
Chapter 548
Who would have thought that Emperor Shunwu would act in a completely different manner today.
He did not ask those ministers to rise, nor did he display the anticipated rage. Instead, he took the lantern from the palace maid beside him and strode toward the altar.
Nan Rui and Nan Yu followed suit, taking lanterns from the palace maids as well.
The three scrolls bearing the names of the princes had been placed on the altar by Emperor Shunwu himself. Unless someone had deliberately altered their positions, they would not be misplaced. Fịndd new updates at novelhall.com
The Jade Seal was placed at the center, right on top of the scroll bearing Nan Yu's name.
Emperor Shunwu eagerly picked up the Jade Seal, but instead of inspecting it immediately, he kept staring at the scroll beneath it.
Everyone present could clearly see that the scroll bore Nan Yu's name, written by Emperor Shunwu himself.
Emperor Shunwu stared at Nan Yu for a long while.
No matter how incompetent and tyrannical he might be, as the ruler of an era, his piercing gaze exerted an invisible pressure on Nan Yu.
Just as Nan Yu was about to speak, Emperor Shunwu burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha... Heaven has not forsaken me, allowing me to witness a wise ruler who can succeed the throne in my lifetime."
As he spoke, he slapped Nan Yu's shoulder heavily with his large hand.
"Since this is the will of Heaven, how could one defy it?
Today, I hereby proclaim the Third Prince Nan Yu as the Crown Prince. Three days from now, I shall officially abdicate in his favor and become a Retired Emperor, peacefully enjoying my remaining years without concerning myself with state affairs."
These words stunned the entire court of civil and military officials.
Throughout history, no emperor had ever willingly abdicated while still hale and hearty, especially Emperor Shunwu, who was notorious for his incompetence and disregard for the people's welfare.
Even if today's events were the will of Heaven, his actions were beyond everyone's expectations.
Nan Yu was indeed interested in the throne, but he had not expected to inherit it so soon, as he had only recently acknowledged his heritage, and his father's health had not yet deteriorated to the point of necessitating abdication.
He had merely hoped to secure the position of Crown Prince and gain political power, knowing that the throne would eventually be his.
Nan Rui smiled contentedly as he watched the scene unfold. Although his ability to assist the Mo family during this visit to the Capital city was limited, he had still managed to help them to some extent and had gained a close brotherly bond. For him, this journey had been quite fruitful.
After some friendly banter, Mo Jiuye broached the main topic.
"Now that matters in the Capital city have been resolved, my wife and I plan to depart for the Northwest tomorrow."
Undoubtedly, even if Mo Jiuye had not mentioned it, Nan Yu would have urged him to return as soon as possible, without wasting a single moment on the road.
"This matter indeed needs to be addressed urgently. The envoy carrying the imperial decree will set out for the Northwest at first light tomorrow."
His meaning was clear: the Mo family was currently unaware of the specific situation in the Capital city, including Mo Jiuye's agreement to return to court. If the envoy arrived in the Northwest and Mo Jiuye was not present, the Mo family would be left bewildered.
Nan Rui had also been away from the Northwest for a long time and missed Consort De dearly.
"I plan to leave after the Third Prince's enthronement and the settling of all affairs. Mother has been alone in the Northwest and must miss me terribly. She is elderly now, and in her youth, she never enjoyed much happiness. We should not let her heart remain unsettled in her old age."
If Nan Rui had not elaborated so much, Nan Yu would have certainly kept him in the Capital city to assist him.
He cherished the brotherly bond between them.
However, he did not wish to prevent his brother from fulfilling his filial duty because of him.
"It seems the saying in the books is true: emperors of all dynasties ultimately become lonely figures without family."
Seeing Nan Yu's melancholic expression, Nan Rui patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"Have no worries, Third Brother. The friendship between you, me, and Ninth Duke is not mere words: we have gone through hardships together.
If you ever need us, we will come to your aid without hesitation."
In fact, when Nan Rui said "we will come to your aid without hesitation," instead of using the singular "I," there was an ulterior motive.
Apart from his mother, Consort De, Nan Rui had never experienced familial affection from others since childhood. He had a deep yearning for such bonds.
Although he and Nan Yu were not born of the same mother, they shared a sense of instant kinship.
Nan Rui's words were an attempt to help his brother one more time before leaving the Capital city.