son, don't mess around

When Lin Jiangnian woke up, it was already afternoon. He stretched and slowly sat up.

I glanced at the sky outside the window, judged the time, and called out as usual.

"anyone there?"

Soon, a commotion came from outside the door.

A short while later, the door was slowly pushed open.

A figure entered the room and tentatively asked in a soft voice, "Your Highness, you're awake?"

Hearing the sound, Lin Jiangnian looked up and saw a timid-looking wind chime.

"why you?"

Lin Jiangnian was somewhat surprised, but quickly realized that Feng Ling was guarding outside the door.
"This servant will assist Your Highness in changing clothes and washing up."

The wind chimes rang softly, with a hint of probing. A blush crept across her face as she cautiously approached the bedside, her head bowed shyly, but her gaze kept stealing glances at Lin Jiangnian.

"Aren't you asleep?"

"I went to sleep and will get up at noon," Fengling replied obediently.

Lin Jiangnian nodded, glanced out the window again, and stood up: "Has the snow stopped?"

"The snow stopped this morning, and it's very cold outside now."

Seeing His Highness rise, Fengling immediately stepped forward, her face flushed, and picked up the clothes beside her to drape over His Highness and help him dress.

This time, Lin Jiangnian didn't refuse, letting the maid help him change his clothes and tie his ropes. His movements were a little tense, resulting in awkwardness.

However, she still carefully helped Lin Jiangnian put on his clothes.

Lin Jiangnian looked down at the delicate, fair-skinned girl before him, with a pure and innocent air. He had to admit, this young woman did have a unique charm.

More importantly, the girl was somewhat deliberately seducing him.

Lin Jiangnian saw right through the little maid's thoughts. When Zhiyuan and Moli were around, she was quite well-behaved. But now that Zhiyuan had just left, this little maid seemed eager to curry favor?
However, Lin Jiangnian did not expose him. After Fengling helped him get dressed, she prepared hot water for Lin Jiangnian to wash up.

Afterwards, he instructed his servants to prepare food and deliver it to Lin Jiangnian's room.

Having not eaten all day, Lin Jiangnian was indeed quite hungry. He ate something in his room to fill his stomach while asking about the situation outside.

"His Majesty is dead!"

Fengling stood to the side and quietly recounted the events of the day.

"Your Highness, I heard that the news of His Majesty's passing was announced at the morning court session this morning... Subsequently, the court announced to the world that His Majesty left a will to pass the throne to His Highness the Eldest Princess."

"The news has now spread throughout the city, causing a huge uproar..."

"It's quite a scene outside right now. I hear a lot of people are shocked, and a lot of people are also resisting it..."

Fengling spoke with great enthusiasm, her eyes bright and her spirits high. She was young, in the prime of her life, and naturally excited and shocked to hear such news.

Your Majesty, you actually intend to pass the throne to Her Highness the Eldest Princess?
She was undoubtedly shocked and surprised when she heard the news.

Although they were from the Prince Lin's residence, the two sisters were unaware of Lin Jiangnian's plans, which is why they were so surprised.

A woman becoming empress—this is utterly shocking!
She was both shocked and excited.

A woman can become an empress?

...That's so cool!

"..."

Lin Jiangnian listened to Feng Ling's excited report while he ate.

This result was not unexpected for him.

The Prime Minister Zhao has decided to announce the Emperor's death and the succession to the eldest princess at the morning court session, which will inevitably cause turmoil throughout the land.

This is just the beginning.

The news has just spread throughout the capital and is currently only fermenting in the central region. The real excitement will come when the news reaches every corner of the dynasty in a few more days!
That will be the real showdown between the traditionalists and the innovators!
Whether the eldest princess can secure her throne ultimately depends on public opinion.

Judging from the current situation, since no major news emerged from today's court meeting, it means that things are going smoothly for Prime Minister Zhao and Elder Li.

At least for now, they seem to have the situation in the imperial court under their control.

Where is Qingqing?

Just as Lin Jiangnian asked about Lin Qingqing's whereabouts, he heard footsteps outside the courtyard. Soon after, Lin Qingqing walked in, looking travel-worn.

"Your Highness."

"You came just in time."

Lin Jiangnian saw Lin Qingqing and asked about the situation in the capital: "How is the situation in the capital now?"

"Everything is going according to Your Highness's plan."

Lin Qingqing looked somewhat tired, but her eyes still shone brightly as always: "The news of His Majesty's passing was too sudden, catching everyone off guard."

"The news of the succession to Her Highness the Eldest Princess has ignited public opinion in the capital. Since this morning, various rumors have been spreading throughout the city. As Your Highness previously instructed, I have already arranged for people throughout the capital to spread rumors and manipulate public opinion..."

Lin Jiangnian nodded in satisfaction. Lin Qingqing was always very reliable, so he didn't need to worry too much. Then, Lin Jiangnian learned from Lin Qingqing about what had happened at the morning court session that day.

At the morning court session, Chief Eunuch Chen announced the news of the Emperor's death and also announced the Emperor's will, which passed the throne to the Princess and appointed Prime Minister Zhao and Elder Li to oversee the country and assist the new Emperor in ascending the throne.

As expected, this edict caused a great uproar and aroused opposition from many ministers and officials in the court.

In particular, the conservative faction, led by Wu Ru, the Minister of Justice, resolutely opposed a woman becoming emperor, and I heard that they made quite a fuss at the morning court session.

However, Prime Minister Zhao and Elder Li had anticipated this situation and had no intention of discussing it with them from the beginning.

The elder Li had ordered the palace guards to guard the palace gates, and when all the ministers went to attend the morning court, he arranged for a large number of soldiers to guard the outside of the hall.

By the time the opposing ministers realized something was wrong, it was too late. They were left with only one path to take.

Many officials, though resentful, knew that things had come to this point and it was too late for them to object. After weighing the pros and cons, most chose to submit, supporting or acquiescing to the princess's ascension to the throne.

Of course, there were also a few stubborn conservatives who remained steadfast in their opposition to the princess becoming empress.

Among them was Wu Ru, the Minister of Justice.

However, Elder Li did not tolerate him at all, and directly dismissed Wu Ru from his post and imprisoned him in the imperial prison on the grounds of being a traitor.

This incident caused quite a stir.

The Minister of Justice, as a senior figure in the court, possessed considerable prestige and influence. Yet, he was arrested without warning, naturally causing considerable discontent.

On the other hand, even the Minister of Justice's swift arrest deterred those ministers who still opposed him. Most of the wavering officials became obedient at this point.

Prince Jing showed no mercy to the remaining stubborn old ministers, ordering them all to be arrested and imprisoned without any leniency.

It is said that Elder Li's original words were: "You have defied His Majesty's last edict and attempted to threaten the dynasty and the state. Your crimes are unforgivable. Since you are unwilling to submit to the new emperor, then don't stand here in the way. What my Great Ning Dynasty lacks least is talent."

"If you're not available, we'll just replace you with a new batch!"

"..."

Upon learning of this, Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but praise, "As expected of a senior, his words are indeed firm."

After all, the senior was a prince of the current dynasty. He already had considerable prestige in the court, and now he held immense power. In a sense, he could be considered the regent of the Great Ning Dynasty.

Although Elder Li no longer wished to participate in court affairs, he was still outmaneuvered by Li Cining this time. Although he did not hold the official title of emperor, the power he wielded was no less than that of the emperor.

He is the perfect person to play the villain in the court.

With the Emperor's passing and his will bequeathing the throne to the Eldest Princess, it's bound to spark widespread discussion. The court will likely descend into even greater chaos. In the capital, the coming days will likely be filled with unease, and even greater turmoil may ensue.

However, with the venerable Elder Li and Prime Minister Zhao presiding over the court, no matter how chaotic things get, the court won't face any major problems. The rest will depend on the edict of succession being delivered to the front lines and Li Piaomiao ascending the throne.

When the emperor passes away and the news of his succession to the eldest princess spreads throughout the land, that will be the true test for the court.

"..."

"By the way, where is Chen Changqing?"

Lin Jiangnian remembered him.

Before Lin Qingqing could speak, Fengling answered first: "Your Highness, he is still at the residence. He has been wanting to leave these past two days, but Sister Qingqing persuaded him to stay..."

That night, Chen Changqing was besieged by the Sixth Prince, but he escaped with his life on the line and brought Lin Jiangnian crucial intelligence.

He was also seriously injured and remained unconscious for several days. Later, at Lin Jiangnian's urging, he stayed at the Jiang residence to recuperate.

On the other hand, Chen Changqing had also handed over some of the power of the Secret Observatory to Lin Jiangnian these days, allowing Lin Jiangnian to mobilize the experts of the Secret Observatory, which could be regarded as a way of repaying Lin Jiangnian for saving his life.

Lin Jiangnian looked at Lin Qingqing and saw her nod.

"Okay, I'll go take a look."

After eating and drinking his fill, Lin Jiangnian got up and left the room.

Outside the gate and in the courtyard, the snow covered the world, and as far as the eye could see, it seemed to stretch to the horizon.

The wind and snow stopped, and all was quiet in the world.

The scenery inside the Jiang residence is quite beautiful.

Lin Jiangnian admired the snow scene as he walked to another courtyard.

Soon, under the eaves of the courtyard, Chen Changqing, dressed in black, was spotted.

"Your Highness."

When Chen Changqing saw Lin Jiangnian under the eaves, he stood up.

Lin Jiangnian came up to him and looked him over: "How is your injury healing?"

Chen Changqing glanced down and said, "He's almost fully recovered."

As he spoke, he glanced at Lin Jiangnian, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Lin Jiangnian cut to the chase, asking, "Have you heard the news from outside?"

Chen Changqing paused for a moment, then his face darkened, and he nodded.

"His Majesty has passed away. I witnessed it with my own eyes last night."

Lin Jiangnian spoke.

Chen Changqing's pupils suddenly contracted. Although the news was spreading like wildfire, after hearing the truth from Lin Jiangnian himself, his heart sank to the bottom.

My feelings are extremely complicated and heavy.

Chen Changqing held the new emperor, who had been on the throne for less than a year, in the utmost respect and affection.

Over the past year, Chen Changqing has gained the new emperor's deep trust, who has given him immense power, allowing him the opportunity to unleash his ambitions.

Over the past year, his many plans in the capital have all been supported by the new emperor. Without the emperor's strong backing, he would never have reached this point.

But now, the new emperor has passed away!
This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Chen Changqing.

"Is it related to Chen Zhao?"

A cold, murderous intent flashed in Chen Changqing's eyes. Chen Zhao had just assassinated His Majesty, and now that His Majesty had passed away, how could it not be related to him?
"It has something to do with him, but not much."

Lin Jiangnian glanced at him: "His Majesty's health was already poor before he ascended the throne. He has only managed to hold on until the very end. Even without Chen Zhao, he wouldn't have lived much longer."

"Of course, it must also be related to Chen Zhao."

The murderous intent in Chen Changqing's eyes grew stronger, but he concealed his fierce glint: "Chen Zhao, haven't you found him yet?"

Lin Jiangnian shook his head.

It would be too easy for a master of the first-grade grandmaster realm to hide, let alone in a place like the capital, where it would be very difficult to find him.

Chen Changqing paused for a moment, then calmly said, "Your Highness, my injuries have almost fully recovered."

Lin Jiangnian understood the meaning behind his words. As the leader of the Secret Observatory, Chen Changqing was clearly eager to try.

Only under his command can the Secret Celestial Bureau play a greater role.

Lin Jiangnian didn't say much, but asked him again, "His Majesty's will states that the throne should be passed to the Eldest Princess. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Changqing paused for a moment, then regained his composure: "Since it is His Majesty's will, we will naturally support Her Highness the Eldest Princess's ascension to the throne, do our utmost to assist the new emperor, and fulfill our duties as subjects."

Lin Jiangnian was very pleased: "If everyone could be like Chief Chen, the world wouldn't be in such chaos today."

Chen Changqing understood the implication in Lin Jiangnian's words, and his gaze sharpened: "Are there many people who oppose the eldest princess's succession?"

"What does Chen Kuishou think about a woman becoming emperor?"

A glint of understanding flashed in Chen Changqing's eyes.

"The eldest princess is exceptionally talented and will surely become a wise and benevolent ruler. So what if she is a woman? Who says a woman cannot be a wise and benevolent ruler?"

"Your Highness, please rest assured. No matter what the officials in the court think, we will do our best to assist Her Highness the Eldest Princess. With me here, no one can stop Her Highness from ascending the throne."

Chen Changqing's voice was deep, and his gaze was firm.

The late emperor had shown him great favor, and now that His Majesty has passed away, he has left a will bequeathing the throne to the eldest princess. In any case, Chen Changqing will certainly assist the eldest princess in ascending the throne.

As for anyone who dares to obstruct...

Chen Changqing's eyes were sharp and his gaze was fierce.

His secret police would never be polite to the court officials.

"Then I'll have to trouble Chief Chen."

Lin Jiang smiled; this was his goal. With the venerable Elder Li and Prime Minister Zhao in charge, there was no need to worry about any trouble.

Furthermore, the existence of the Secret Observatory ensures that no major upheavals will occur in the capital.

The elite guards of the Secret Observatory were more than capable of handling most emergencies. Furthermore, Lin Jiangnian had proactively spread public opinion and swayed the narrative, secretly paving the way for the princess's ascension to the throne.

The situation in the capital has basically stabilized. Once the eldest princess returns to the capital, everything will be settled.

Chen Changqing looked at Lin Jiangnian: "In that case, I will return to the Secret Observatory first!"

Chen Changqing bid farewell to Lin Jiangnian. He had been recuperating at the Jiang residence for the past few days and had been away from the Secret Observatory for several days. Now that His Majesty had passed away, it was time for him to return and take charge of the overall situation.

However, before leaving, Chen Changqing seemed to remember something and looked at Lin Jiangnian with a complicated expression: "Your Highness, there is one more thing..."

"What's the matter?"

Chen Changqing paused for a moment, then said, “I can guard the capital and clear obstacles for the Princess. But the realm is vast, and the influence of my Secret Observatory will be greatly diminished once it leaves the capital. There are prefects and governors throughout the land, various armies, and the rebel army of Prince Xu in the north…”

Lin Jiangnian understood the meaning behind Chen Changqing's words and chuckled, "Chief Chen, you don't need to worry about these things."

"After the eldest princess ascends the throne, the Xu Prince's rebellion in the north will soon be quelled. The Great Ning Dynasty will once again enjoy peace and prosperity!"

Chen Changqing remained silent, as if he understood something, and looked at Lin Jiangnian with a complicated expression.

I wanted to say something, but in the end I said nothing.

"Then, I shall take my leave!"

Chen Changqing turned around and left the Jiang residence.

...(End of chapter)