Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
The emperor is already young, and now lying ill in bed. Those courtiers who were eager to relocate the capital have all fallen silent. Embarking on a long journey by ship is no trivial matter. If the emperor were to meet his end during the relocation, who could bear the responsibility?
However, setting aside the capital relocation, other matters need preparation. When the late emperor passed away unexpectedly without leaving a testament, it caused great chaos in Shou City and led to the demise of many courtiers. Now that the young emperor has fallen ill, there must be the prompt establishment of an heir to the throne, preparing for the unforeseen.
A child not yet ten years old is certainly unable to produce an heir. What about the royal relatives? Up until this moment, the courtiers have realized that the descendants of the Martial Emperor’s lineage have long since withered away. The Xiongnu launched an assault, Wang Mi orchestrated another, and Shi Le let Yan County and Yu County go through another round of devastation. As for the last few blood descendants, due to the establishment of four concurrent governments, they were completely exterminated. Not to mention grandchildren, it’s even difficult to find great-grandchildren.
So, what about the brothers of the Martial Emperor? Do they have any offspring who can inherit the throne? Despite the losses suffered due to the downfall of the northern region, there are still some surviving branches that can be located.
However, no one in the court has dared to bring up this matter. Those who can stand firm in the court are all exceptionally astute individuals. Now, holding the reins of power is Sima Rui, the Prince of Langya. As long as he remains silent, who dares to approach and discuss matters openly? Will the Prince of Langya speak up? It goes without saying.
In this eerie silence, the subordinates in Prince of Langya’s residence began to take action.
“Has Bing County not declared its stance yet?” Sima Rui’s tone was unfriendly. Seeing the throne right before his eyes, he couldn’t help but feel impatient.
Wang Dao, now involved in various alliances, had secured support not only from major families in Jiangdong but also from Cui Bi, the Inspector of Ping County, located far away in Liaodong. However, Ping County was a minor issue; Bing County held greater significance. The attitude of Liang Feng, the Duke of Shangdang, was far more critical than that of others. However, at this moment, the other party was playing a cat-and-mouse game, never providing a clear response. Even though Sima Rui promised him You County and hinted at the possibility of conferring a royal title, he still hadn’t received the desired answer.
“Duke Liang insists on upholding the legitimate line of succession, fearing it may not be with good intentions,” Wang Dao said with a deep voice.
Legitimate line of succession? Could Sima Rui, the grandson of Emperor Xuan, the great-grandson of Emperor Xuandi, be considered part of the legitimate line?
“This scoundrel truly harbors sinister intentions!” Sima Rui could hardly contain the anger in his heart. Back when Bing County followed the Yang County headquarters, he even granted Liang Feng additional honors and titles. Little did he know that Liang Feng’s actions at that time were concealing malicious intentions! If Liang Feng doesn’t support his ascension to the throne, the entire northern region might turn against him. This is a life-threatening situation!
“The Prince’s foundation lies in Yang County; there is no need to concern yourself with the northern region,” Wang Dao advised, “The immediate priority is to ascend the throne, then slowly stabilize Yu County and Yan County, and finally plan for the integration of Bing County. Moreover, there’s still the Duan family in You County, Cui Bi in Ping County, and if we add the Xianbei tribes like Murong, Yuwen, and Tuoba, it might not be impossible to stir up turmoil in the northern region.”
North of the Yellow River, there are too many nomadic tribes. Xiongnu, Qiangdi, Jiehu, Wuhuan, Xianbei – which one of them isn’t fierce, greedy, and cunning like a wolf or a tiger? As long as the court offers them benefits, there’s no doubt these people will entertain thoughts of greed. It’s not so easy to hold onto the northern region.
Similarly, Zu Ti in Si County and Sun Li in Ji County are both from prominent families with a rank of two thousand stones. There’s no reason they cannot be enticed with high positions and rich rewards. However, the premise for sowing discord is that Sima Rui must declare himself emperor! Only by using the title of Emperor of Da Jin can he incite the various influential lords to attack each other.
Sima Rui is not unaware of this. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed these worries within his chest, saying, “Your words are true. It’s crucial to proclaim myself as the Prince of Jin.”
When Sima Yan abdicated, he also took the title of Prince of Jin. One could say that this title is equivalent to being the heir apparent. Once he assumes the title of Prince of Jin, who can stop him from ascending the throne? The rest are just minor details.
As expected, after a stalemate lasting half a month, with repeated petitions from senior officials, Sima Rui smoothly ascended to the position of Prime Minister and received a new title.
※
The charcoal brazier burned brightly in the room. Leaning against the couch, Liang Feng played with the curled brown hair in his hand, showing no intention of getting up. Most of December had already passed, and news arrived from Yang County that Sima Rui had assumed the title of Prince of Jin. Next year, things might be different than before.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke, “It seems the emperor can’t hold on any longer.”
Since he changed his title to Prince of Jin, it’s only a matter of time before Sima Rui usurps the throne. The child who was elevated to the throne can’t possibly have a peaceful end.
However, at present, Liang Feng didn’t feel too moved by this. That’s the nature of power – if you can’t stand firm, you’ll be devoured alive. He, Liang Rong, and countless future descendants may also find themselves in the same position.
The person beside him turned his head and said, “The Sima clan is acting recklessly. Only when our lord ascends to the throne can he pacify the world.”
His voice carried no hesitation, nor did it bear any flattery or pretense. It was as if he were stating some undeniable truth.
Liang Feng released the strand of hair, “It’s probably not that easy.”
Yiyan sat up, saying, “The events in Bing County are evident to all. Those so-called noble families with their lofty appearance are not worth worrying about. What truly matters is the direction of people’s hearts, as it is where destiny lies.”
While Yiyan wasn’t present in Jinyang when he led the troops to pacify Hongnong and Shangluo, the news conveyed by Zhang Bin left him without the slightest hesitation. In his view, the only one who could ascend to this throne was his lord. And only his lord could restore peace to the world!
Perhaps it was no longer just trust but belief and anticipation rooted in his experiences on the blood-soaked battlefield.
Many have spoken similar words. Everyone who spoke was filled with confidence. However, the earnestness in those gray-blue eyes still sent a shiver down one’s spine.
Liang Feng chuckled, “Then after I ascend, I’ll appoint you as the Central Guard, in charge of the Forbidden Army. How does spending the night in the palace sound?”
This statement carried a hint of banter, but Yiyan furrowed his brows slightly and shook his head, “This humble subject cannot command the Forbidden Army.”
He didn’t even use “I” but referred to himself as a “humble subject.” Liang Feng’s smile faded a bit. He understood the implied meaning. The Forbidden Army was crucial to the safety of the emperor and was the lifeline of the dynasty. However, Yiyan’s status was already too special; having a lowly position was enough to make people wary. If he were to control the Forbidden Army, many would lose sleep, and it might even harm his relationship with Liang Rong.
Of course, he couldn’t command the Forbidden Army; it wasn’t something an emperor could easily promise.
This wasn’t fair to Yiyan. However, under imperial authority, where is equality?
In that instant, Liang Feng suddenly felt a sense of reluctance and discontent. Why? As long as he wished, who could stop him?!
Yet, before the words could be spoken, Yiyan bent down, holding his hand and gently kissing it, “My lord will surely become a wise ruler, remembered for generations. Being favored by my lord is already a great fortune. I do not care about anything else.”
Not only did he not care, but he also couldn’t bear to see Liang Feng tarnish his reputation for the throne. Yiyan was more aware than anyone else of what a throne meant to them. However, it was destiny and his lifelong pursuit. The rest was not worth mentioning.
Liang Feng’s lips moved, and he reached back, holding onto his hand, saying, “I should build a golden chamber and jade quarters, imprisoning you within.”
Golden chamber and jade quarters refer to the residence of the empress. Some might find it humiliating, but Yiyan laughed, his blue eyes twinkling, “Your Majesty’s favor is thick, and this humble subject is overjoyed beyond words…”
※
The emperor’s illness showed no signs of improvement, and he didn’t attend court on New Year’s Day. Struggling through the end of the month, he ultimately couldn’t withstand the ravages of the disease.
With the young emperor indisposed, the country couldn’t be without a ruler. Amidst the persuasion of courtiers, Sima Rui reluctantly ascended the long-awaited throne as the emperor, ushering in the new era of Taixing.
