Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 175 That's an auspicious omen!

This letter wasn't long. Compared to the previous one, which was so detailed and meticulous, as if it wanted to explain the cause and effect of every single thing, it was as if it had been written by a completely different person. However, the things mentioned in it excited Emperor Jingtai, a long-time emperor, beyond measure.

He said the child was a divine gift, specially arranged by Heaven to assist him in achieving great things. And look at that! Whenever trouble arose, the child would provide a solution. Even though he had a vague premonition, he never dared to imagine that the child could come up with such a new salt-making method, so simple and convenient, with such a large output. Edible salt could be extracted from seawater; there was so much seawater, it was practically inexhaustible. Didn't that mean the Great Jing Dynasty had an endless supply of salt?
"No, no, I can't get too excited, lest outsiders notice something amiss." Emperor Jingtai clenched his fists tightly while trying to calm himself, but in the end, he couldn't help himself. A slight smile appeared on his lips, only to be pulled back immediately, resulting in his current facial expressions being extremely varied and exaggerated. The servants around him had initially wanted to sneak a peek to see what state His Majesty was in, but upon seeing his ever-changing face, they dared not think of anything and quickly prostrated themselves on the ground again. They inwardly lamented their bad luck, having encountered His Majesty in such a bad mood.

Emperor Jingtai's face was flushed, his fists clenched tightly, and he took several deep breaths to recover. He immediately realized this was a golden opportunity. Apart from the people in Yancheng, no one knew that they had acquired the new salt-making method and a large quantity of salt. Chaosheng had said in his letter that he had sent people to transport the newly produced salt to the capital, and judging by the time, it should arrive soon.

In other words, those who secretly stirred up trouble didn't know that he now had enough confidence.

"call--"

"Good! Very good!" He had said that Heaven wouldn't abandon Great Jing. They had worked so hard for so many years to barely allow the people to recuperate. How could they possibly fall into chaos so quickly? All of this was thanks to that child, Jiu Que. If it weren't for her, this would have truly caused turmoil, especially since it involved the Northern Barbarians. Just thinking about the Left Prince who had already been transported to the capital made Emperor Jingtai want to sneer. His former defeated foe had grown up now, daring to enter Great Jing without permission and even showing off in Yancheng. Not only did they take away their salt and ironware, but they even abducted their women. Their actions were utterly outrageous.

Although he harbored no goodwill towards the Left Prince, Emperor Jingtai couldn't help but think of his own son. While the Left Prince's actions were despicable, he had ultimately acted for the sake of the grasslands. His courage in infiltrating the Great Jing alone was indeed commendable. But what of his son? The Third Prince was already dead, so let's leave that aside for now. The remaining princes, who had seemed promising before, now appeared somewhat obscured by a thin mist, making it difficult for Emperor Jingtai to see them clearly.

Once upon a time, those children who used to follow him around calling him "Dad" have grown up and have their own ideas.

In truth, Emperor Jingtai did not reject his children having their own ideas. Even as emperor, he could not control what others thought. Moreover, how could the son of the emperor not want to contend for the supreme position in the world? Even if he did not want to, his maternal relatives and ministers would always drag him into it.

Emperor Jingtai had anticipated this, and therefore was not distressed. In fact, if his four sons had competed fairly, he would have been pleased, after all, such a vast empire needed a worthy successor. But what did he see? His own sons, as princes, did not consider the people's welfare, but instead interfered in trade with enemy countries. To call it trade was too kind; wasn't this simply selling the resources and people of his own country to enemy nations at low prices and reaping huge profits?

Doesn't it feel like spending money acquired this way is a waste? Can one truly rest easy while lying in a magnificent prince's mansion? Can one really ignore the countless white bones beneath the glittering gold and silver if one covers their eyes?
As he pondered this, an uncontrollable murderous intent flashed in Emperor Jingtai's eyes. He could tolerate his son eyeing the throne beneath him, and he could even tolerate his princes winning over the hearts of the people and currying favor with the ministers, but he could not tolerate anyone not prioritizing the interests of the Great Jing Dynasty!

Countless lives were lost on this land before it achieved its current state of barely peaceful peace. No more deaths are possible. Haven't we seen enough of the carnage that littered the fields? Whoever violates this principle cannot be forgiven.

He carefully folded the thin piece of paper, tucked it into his clothes, and pressed it firmly to ensure it was secure before composing himself and asking Jiufu to call someone in. The children had done all they could; now it was his turn. He had to clean everything up before the children went to the capital. He couldn't let them return happily only to find a complete mess.

Thinking of the kind child who offered this excellent way to make money for free, Emperor Jingtai felt a warm current in his cold heart. There are still people in this world who care about the people, aren't there?
Before long, several key ministers of the court entered the Hall of Nourishing Life one after another. They were all dressed in vermilion official robes and walked in with solemn expressions, bringing an aura of power that could not be described in words.

However, during the bowing, someone couldn't help but cough a few times and immediately apologized.

Emperor Jingtai's expression softened slightly, indicating that the other party should not take it to heart.

"Zhu Qing, please take care of yourself. Although the weather is getting warmer, do not overdo it with cold. The future of this great city still depends on everyone's support."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I am truly humbled. I am old and frail, and there are times when my strength is insufficient."

The Minister of Revenue was somewhat embarrassed.

"It's nothing, don't worry about it. Everyone gets sick sometimes. However, I see that Ministers Chen and Li don't look too well either, and the Left Prime Minister, you are both my trusted advisors. We absolutely cannot let anything happen to you at this critical juncture. Jiufu, have the Imperial Hospital prepare the best medicinal herbs and tonics. Take them with you when you leave the palace and take some tonics back home."

"I thank your Majesty for your kindness."

Emperor Jingtai looked quietly at the grateful and tearful ministers below, and when he recalled the matter of the mother-child Gu mentioned in Chao Sheng's letter, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

The moment the mother-child Gu poison was broken, a third of the court officials fell ill or were accidentally injured, all showing signs of poor health and paleness. This is too much of a coincidence! Is it just a coincidence, or is someone deliberately trying to stir up trouble and take advantage of the chaos?

Whatever your reasons, bring it on! I've never been afraid of anything in my life!
(End of this chapter)