Chapter 60 Sealing the King

Leaving the Chonghua Palace of Zhang Guifei was uneasy for the emperor.

Zhang Huifei And Shu Jin Yi, both were old companions who had been with him for many years, and both had borne him sons.

In these years, since Shu Shuyan left, his thoughts were no longer in the harem. There were not many concubines in the harem, just a few sons in total. He cared about the ones behind as well.

He had early on appointed Jin’er as the Crown Prince, wanting to tell everyone that the Crown Prince had been decided long ago, there was no need to compete. Jin’er was also gentle and accommodating, able to tolerate his brothers. He thought he could protect all his sons’ lives.

But now,

He knew, it might not be possible.

The Emperor did not return to the Chengqian Hall but went to the Palace.

The Crown Prince was still lying in bed recuperating, but he could already sit up and read on the couch.

The Emperor was pleased to see this. When the Crown Prince tried to get up to bow, the Emperor stopped him.

“How do you feel today?”

“Father, no need to worry, your son is much better.”

The Crown Prince then asked, “I heard Father has chosen a Crown Princess for me?”

The Emperor’s expression froze upon hearing this, his gaze flickering slightly. “Indeed, Jin’er, this girl from the Shu family, although divorced and has a daughter, Master Liao kong said this is your destined marriage. I am arranging your marriage to her so that you can recover.”

The Emperor said with some helplessness, but still advised, “Even the Empress Dowager who founded the martial virtues of the country was married before. This is not unprecedented, especially when it concerns your life. It’s better to believe it. If in the future you meet a woman you feel a connection with, you can bring her into the palace as a concubine.”

“It’s not that Father didn’t keep his promise, this time it’s really unavoidable.”

The Crown Prince nodded, “I understands father.”

“Father, rest assured, your son doesn’t mind that the Shu family girl has been divorced.”

Seeing the Crown Prince so understanding, the Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s good.”

The Crown Prince smiled brightly, “Your know that Father always has his best interests at heart.”

The Crown Prince was somewhat moved.

“Father, these days, you have been worried about me.”

That night, Shu Yuwan told him that the Emperor’s feelings towards him surpassed the difference between father and son, she really was…

Thinking of Zhang Guifei and Shu Yan, the Emperor said, “Rest assured, I will give you an explanation for this matter.”

The Crown Prince nodded, “Father’s decision is final.”

After instructing the people in the Crown Prince’s residence and the East Palace to take care of the Crown Prince, the Emperor left.

Another half month passed.

The Crown Prince finally made a full recovery.

The Emperor sent out his close guards and the investigators. Over the past half month, they had been investigating the powerful General Wei who was behind Concubine Zhang, the Second Prince, Concubine Shu Yan, and the Third Prince.

There wasn’t much evidence found of plotting against the Crown Prince, but there was quite a bit of evidence of the two sons forming factions and engaging in private activities.

When the Emperor learned that the two seemingly non-competitive sons and concubines were secretly rallying ministers and amassing power, he suddenly realized~

Born in the royal family, how could there truly be no competition!

Back then, he himself had fought openly and secretly with his brothers, even to the point of life and death. How could he, now as the Emperor, expect his sons to be peaceful?

No longer entangled in whether it was Zhang Guifei or Shu Yan who instigated the poisoning of Jin’er, perhaps both were involved, some overtly, some covertly pushing things along.

The next morning court session, the Emperor announced,

The Second Prince was appointed as the Prince of An, in the Fiefdom of Shu County,

The Third Prince was appointed as the Prince of Cheng, in the Fiefdom of Long County.

Three days later, they set off for their Fiefdoms, not to return to the capital without summons.

The entire court was very surprised.

The old ministers who firmly supported the Crown Prince had no objections. Although it was a bit early for the adult princes to be appointed as princes, it was beneficial for stability in the capital.

The Second Prince, who had been in a state of anxiety recently due to the Crown Prince’s poisoning, although extremely unwilling in his heart, did not dare to oppose.

Only the mighty General Wei stepped forward, “Your Majesty, the Third Prince is still young and has not yet married. Is it too early for him to go to his fiefdom now?”

“In the palace, Shu Yan and the Third Prince also have to part ways, I’m afraid they are very reluctant!”

The Third Prince immediately stepped forward, speaking earnestly, “Father, your son still wishes to serve by your side and Mother’s side for a few more years.”

The Emperor said lightly, “The Prince going to fiefdom is beneficial for the stability of the court. After you go to Long County, benefiting the local people, safeguarding the peace, is the greatest filial piety to me and your mother.”

“As for the marriage, it’s also fine. Your mother and I have found a suitable match, who will be sent to Long County for your wedding.”

“But…”

“But what?” The Emperor looked at the Third Prince.

The Third Prince knelt down, unwillingly said, “Your son can’t bear to be separated from Father and Mother.”

The Emperor remained unmoved, “As a prince, the safety of the state should be your priority.”

“Your son has always been obedient, respected the Crown Prince, and never endangered the state!”

The Emperor coldly responded, “When a prince reaches adulthood and goes to the fiefdom, this has been the tradition. Why do you think you can only show respect to the Crown Prince and protect the state by endangering it?”

The Third Prince’s face changed drastically, sweating profusely, “Do not dare!”

Seeing this situation, the ministers who had intended to speak out also fell silent.

Shu County and Long County are remote places. It takes two to three months to travel by carriage, nearly half a year round trip. The Emperor was determined to eliminate potential dangers for the Crown Prince. It seemed that the poisoning incident had left a shadow on the Emperor.

The hopes of the Second and Third Princes inheriting the throne became even more dim.

“Since it’s the case, this matter is settled.”

The Emperor then said to the two princes, “Go back and prepare, set off in three days.”

…

The Crown Prince had not yet attended the court, but this news quickly reached his ears.

The Crown Prince sighed.

The Emperor was not only eliminating dangers for him but also trying to save the lives of his two younger brothers.

However, as long as his brothers were still around, their influence would not stop.

Since it was the Emperor’s wish, as long as his brothers did not act recklessly, he would not resort to extreme measures!

Upon hearing this news, Zhang Guefei expression remained cold, showing no resistance. Leaving the capital to Shu County might be a good thing for Ming Ge.

The Emperor was healthy and had many years to prepare.

Shu Yan, on the other hand, was not as calm. Upon hearing the news, she went to find the Emperor outside the Chengqian Hall.

Furrowing his brows, the Emperor instructed, “Let Shu Yan in.”

Shu Yan entered, hastily bowed, and cried, “Your Majesty, he is only sixteen years old. Why do you want him to go to the fiefdom now? Once he leaves, when will I see him again? I only have this one son. How can you be so heartless.”

The Emperor’s already furrowed brows deepened.

“Is Shu Yan defying the decree?”

Before Shu Yan could finish her sentence, she choked up.

Struggling to speak, she said, “Your Majesty?”

The Emperor coldly stated, “The Third Prince is fine. Why are you crying? It was the Crown Prince who was almost killed!”