Chapter 40

In Qianqing Palace.

Jun Zechen stood quietly outside the sleeping chambers of Emperor Jingsheng. His posture was straight, but his expression was heavy.

Beside him, Imperial Doctor Qin had a bitter look on his face, filled with deep sorrow.

“Imperial Doctor Qin, is there really no way to save my father?”

Jun Zechen’s face was serious. His handsome features were filled with sadness, and his eyes were full of grief and pain.

Imperial Doctor Qin remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding. His movement felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

At that moment, Eunuch Dehai walked out from the room and spoke softly.

“Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to see you.”

Jun Zechen took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm in his heart. Then, he stepped forward firmly and entered the sleeping chambers.

Inside, Emperor Jingsheng lay weakly on his bed, dressed in a bright yellow sleeping robe. His face was pale like paper, and all the dignity he once had was now gone.

At this moment, he was no longer the mighty emperor—just an old man at the end of his life.

Jun Zechen slowly walked to his bedside and knelt down heavily in front of him.

“Father, I am here.”

His voice was low and hoarse, filled with deep sorrow.

Emperor Jingsheng struggled to open his eyes. His cloudy gaze searched for Jun Zechen, weak and unfocused.

With great effort, his thin, bony hand trembled as he tightly grasped Jun Zechen’s hand, as if using all the strength he had left.

Crown Prince, you are my most outstanding son. I entrust the Kingdom of Jun to you with full confidence. But do you still remember the ancestral teachings I once told you?”

Emperor Jingsheng’s voice was extremely hoarse, each word carrying a deep sense of weakness.

“I remember.”

Jun Zechen looked at Emperor Jingsheng with determination.

But deep in his heart, he did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He did not want his own son to go through the same cruel battles he had endured.

Emperor Jingsheng struggled to keep eye contact with Jun Zechen, his cloudy eyes holding the last flicker of light.

Using all the strength left in his body, he spoke slowly and firmly: “I want you to swear.”

Jun Zechen frowned deeply, his gaze filled with confusion and reluctance. He pressed his lips together and remained silent.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“Father, why must the princes fight so cruelly? I believe that with my own abilities, I can raise an outstanding heir.”

“Cough, cough.“

Hearing these words, Emperor Jingsheng suddenly coughed violently, his face flushing with anger.

“Crown Prince, you may be able to raise an outstanding heir, but can you guarantee that every future generation will do the same?”

Though weak, Emperor Jingsheng’s voice carried undeniable authority.

“Our ancestors learned from history. By allowing the princes to compete and fight, the strongest heir is chosen. That is why the Kingdom of Jun has lasted for ten generations, growing stronger instead of declining.”

He paused, then continued.

“If you break this rule, your future descendants will be uncontrollable. Besides, an emperor’s cold and ruthless nature cannot simply be taught—it must be experienced!”

Without going through it firsthand, how could one truly understand?

Mere words on paper were nothing but empty theories—just illusions.

Jun Zechen slowly lowered his gaze, his face heavy with thought.

He knew his father was right. Ever since he had personally killed his eldest and second brothers, he no longer held any expectations for family affection within the royal court.

If there were still other brothers standing in his way, he would not hesitate to eliminate them.

Only after experiencing life and death did he truly understand—self-interest must always come first, and emotions could be abandoned when necessary.

“Father, I swear to follow the ancestral teachings and ensure the Kingdom of Jun lasts for generations.”

Emperor Jingsheng stared at him intensely. After hearing his oath, he let out a long breath, as if a heavy burden had finally been lifted.

“Good. I trust you. Help me up.”

Jun Zechen quickly stepped forward and carefully helped Emperor Jingsheng out of bed.

Though his steps were weak, the emperor walked with determination toward the innermost wall of the chamber.

Upon reaching it, he struggled to turn a hidden switch. With a soft click, a secret compartment appeared before them.

Emperor Jingsheng slowly walked over and, with trembling hands, took out a jade box adorned with intricate ancient patterns. He held it close to his chest.

Jun Zechen supported his father as they made their way to the Dragon Throne in Qianqing Palace. The emperor’s frail body trembled slightly, carrying the weight of a lifetime of hardships.

By now, many officials had gathered in the grand hall—Eunuch Dehai had summoned them according to Emperor Jingsheng’s orders.

Among them was Minister Su, the head of civil officials, with a solemn expression. Beside him stood the Grand Marshal, a towering figure exuding authority.

Also present were the Crown Prince’s tutors, along with the six ministers of the court.

“Crown Prince, receive my decree.”

Though weak, Emperor Jingsheng’s voice remained commanding.

Jun Zechen stood tall in the hall. The moment he heard these words, he immediately knelt down, followed by all the officials behind him.

“My son, Crown Prince Jun Zechen, today, I pass the Imperial Seal to you.”

Emperor Jingsheng slowly scanned the gathered officials before his gaze finally rested on Jun Zechen, filled with hope and trust.

t”This is the most sacred relic of our nation, carrying the honor of our ancestors and the responsibility of the empire.

Since ascending the throne, I have weathered many storms and deeply understand the hardships of ruling.

But I have seen your wisdom and ambition—you have the talent to govern the world.

Now, I pass the throne to you, hoping that you will follow my path, care for the people, and expand our lands.

May our dynasty remain strong and our people live in peace and prosperity.

Do not disappoint me. Do not disappoint the people of this land.

By accepting this seal, you bear the immense weight of responsibility.

I pray you will become a wise and noble ruler, leaving your name in history.”

Jun Zechen knelt solemnly, his face tense. He raised both hands above his head, full of respect and reverence.

“Father, I am deeply honored by your trust and the great responsibility you place upon me.

I swear to uphold our ancestors’ legacy and prioritize the welfare of the people.

I will dedicate myself fully to governing with diligence, ensuring that our dynasty prospers and remains peaceful.

I shall repay your kindness and honor our ancestors’ spirits.”

His voice was firm and powerful, echoing through the hall.

After he finished speaking, Eunuch Dehai took the Imperial Seal from Emperor Jingsheng and, under the solemn gaze of all the officials, placed it in Jun Zechen’s hands.

Emperor Jingsheng looked down at his son with deep affection and satisfaction.

A peaceful expression slowly appeared on his face.

His final duty in life was complete.

Then, he gently closed his eyes.

Eunuch Dehai returned to Emperor Jingsheng’s side. But when his eyes fell upon the emperor’s still face and closed eyes, his heart trembled.

His complexion turned deathly pale.

His lips quivered as he softly called out, “Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”

His voice was filled with uncontrollable fear and sorrow.

However, Emperor Jingsheng did not react at all, as if he had fallen into a deep sleep.

With trembling hands, Dehai cautiously placed his fingers near the emperor’s nose, only to discover that there was no breath left.

His body suddenly went limp, and an overwhelming wave of grief drowned him.

With a loud thud, he fell to his knees, his voice hoarse and filled with sorrow as he cried out, “His Majesty… has passed! His Majesty… has passed!”

Hearing those words, Jun Zechen’s head snapped up in shock. He stared blankly at his father, who lay there with eyes peacefully closed.

It felt as though an invisible force had struck him, causing his body to tremble violently. In an instant, sorrow and pain surged within his eyes, and his expression became as heavy as frost.

Even with a heart as firm as steel, the loss of his father still brought him a deep, wrenching pain.

After a long silence, he finally forced out a few words through clenched teeth. “Your son… solemnly bids farewell to Father.”

The assembled ministers immediately followed suit, their voices filled with grief as they knelt in unison.

“We humbly bid farewell to Your Majesty!”

In the Kingdom of Jun, after the emperor passed away, his remains were to be kept in the palace for twenty-seven days.

During this period, a posthumous title ceremony would be held, mourning rituals conducted, and the body placed in state before the final burial.

After twenty-seven days, the new emperor would ascend the throne, and a grand coronation ceremony would take place.

~Xiyan Palace~

Su Jingyao sat on a couch, a gentle smile gracing her face as she cradled a child in her arms.

In just over a month, Xingxing had grown into a delicate, rosy-cheeked baby, as exquisite as a porcelain doll.

His big, bright black eyes sparkled like two gleaming gemstones.

His tiny nose was slightly upturned, and his little cherry-like mouth puckered now and then—utterly adorable.

He had inherited the finest features from both his parents.

Su Jingyao’s slender fingers lightly played with the child’s soft cheeks, making him giggle joyfully.

Suddenly, an endless tolling of bells rang through the air, as if they were piercing the sky itself.

Her expression remained calm, but deep within her eyes, a faint ripple of emotion stirred.

She let out a quiet sigh, tinged with melancholy.

Such bells tolled only when the emperor passed away.

Upon the emperor’s death, the palace of Jun would ring the bells ten thousand times, while temples across the kingdom would chime thirty thousand times.

Su Jingyao slowly shifted her gaze outside, watching as pristine snowflakes drifted down, like scattered fragments of silent thoughts.

A great ruler had now quietly faded into history amidst the falling snow.

And Jun Zechen was about to become the next supreme sovereign.

“Master, shall I take the imperial grandson away? Meanwhile, Miaoxia should help you change your attire. The empress will likely summon the harem soon for the mourning rites.”

Miaoyun’s face was solemn, her voice tinged with solemnity.

Su Jingyao gave a slight nod and gently handed Xingxing over to Miaoyun before entering the bedchamber with Miaoxia to change her clothes.

Miaoxia carefully removed all the jade and pearl ornaments from Su Jingyao’s hair, then helped her take off her luxurious attire, replacing it with mourning garments.

These clothes had been meticulously prepared in advance under the empress’s orders.

“Master, you must be cautious during the mourning rites. An Liangdi and Tang Fengyi might try something.”

As she meticulously arranged Su Jingyao’s mourning attire, Miaoxia lowered her voice.

“Did the message come from Xiyun Palace?” Su Jingyao arched an eyebrow slightly.

“Yes, but we couldn’t uncover the specifics of their plan,” Miaoxia replied softly, her hands not pausing for a moment.

“They’ve joined forces?” Su Jingyao’s tone carried a trace of contemplation.

“No, it seems to be only a temporary alliance,” Miaoxia affirmed.

Su Jingyao nodded lightly.

They were truly daring.

But high risk often came with high rewards.

Causing trouble before the late emperor’s memorial altar—if they succeeded, not even the crown prince could protect Lingyue, and the empress would surely be furious.

Absentmindedly, Su Jingyao slipped off the gemstone ring from her finger. Miaoxia, quick-eyed and deft, caught it and placed it into the jewelry box.

To preserve her own life, Tang Fengyi had certainly become bolder.