Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 397: King Chen
Everyone present looked somewhat dazed. Even the most imaginative among them dared not accept the way things were unfolding.

Weren't they supposed to be at the palace to participate in the celebration ceremony of presenting captives, which was also Prince Rui's victory banquet? How did such an irreversible turn of events suddenly occur while they were eating and drinking?
A very few officials opened their mouths, wanting to deny everything before them. But they were forcefully pulled back by their colleagues. Now, there was ample evidence and witness testimony, even Lin Wei had confessed. What were they, an outsider, doing jumping around?
To put it bluntly, this is a private matter for the royal family.

Besides, no matter what, Ying Jiuque is just a woman. Even if she is recognized as His Majesty's daughter, it will only mean another princess. His Majesty isn't without sons now. Although the Fourth Prince's actions are outrageous, he is still a male heir. Wait! Some ministers suddenly realized that His Majesty's dissatisfaction with the Fourth Prince has been hidden for a long time, and he hasn't even brought the Fourth Prince out to vent his frustrations yet. Now that he has gained such a precious daughter as Ying Jiuque, who is both scholarly and martial, wouldn't he be able to have Ying Jiuque assist his brothers and nephews in ascending the throne in the future?
Although everyone harbored some resentment towards Ying Jiuque's ascension to a high position, they were all impressed by his abilities. If future rulers could learn even half of Ying Jiuque's skills, it would be a blessing for the world.

What a coincidence! At the palace banquet, someone whom General Ying had previously shown favor to was willing to step forward and explain the matter on behalf of Prince Rui, and they had even prepared witnesses and evidence. Moreover, those present today included not only the emperor and his ministers of the Great Jing Dynasty, but also foreign envoys. With so many people watching, even if Emperor Jingtai didn't want to acknowledge Jiu Que's identity, he couldn't deny it.

Even if one wanted to silence those foreign envoys, judging from their excited, gleaming eyes, it was impossible. After all, this was an unprecedented event. Human beings are naturally inclined to gossip; these foreign envoys might remain quiet in Daijing's territory, but once they returned to their own countries, how could they possibly hold back? Putting everything else aside, they would have to tell their own king what had happened today, wouldn't they?

In the midst of the silence, Emperor Jingtai stroked the dragon and phoenix jade pendant he had lost and found again, trying his best to calm himself down. When he finally calmed down, he looked down and found that everyone in the room was looking at him or Jiuque, whether openly or secretly.

Looking at Jiu Que's expression now, the poor child looked completely bewildered, never expecting such a change to happen today, and I couldn't help but feel heartbroken.

"When we first met, I felt that Jiu Que looked very familiar, much like an old friend from my memory. But at that time I didn't dare to be sure. I never thought that the world would be so strange. Just when I had given up hope, a sudden turn of events occurred."

Upon hearing His Majesty's words, the assembled officials understood what choice His Majesty would make, but it was not unexpected. They simply held their breath and listened quietly to what the Emperor would say next.

"I previously bestowed upon you the title of Princess because I regretted not having a daughter in my life. Seeing how intelligent and clever you are, I made an exception and bestowed upon you the title of Princess. I never expected that, after all this time, you would actually be my daughter."

Li Moran, who had been desperately trying to break free of his restraints, suddenly felt a surge of wild joy. He understood His Majesty's meaning. Now that Ying Jiuque had been recognized, he was bound to give her the status of a princess instead of the title of prince. This was killing two birds with one stone! It demonstrated the emperor's benevolence and averted a potential danger to the dynasty.

A hen crowing at dawn is something no man can tolerate. Who would willingly let someone take away their birthright?

Not only him, but many others thought the same thing. Chunyu Shuang and the others all changed their expressions. If being recognized as a princess by His Majesty only resulted in a meaningless title, it would be better not to be recognized at all. How could being a princess without real power compare to the joy of being a prince with real authority?
However, Emperor Jingtai's next words not only surprised them, but also caused a great deal of discussion among the ministers, who tried to stop His Majesty's irrational behavior.

"For eighteen years, a full eighteen years, I have not fulfilled my duties as a father for a single day. Today, I am finally able to reunite with my son, but I do not know what to say to make up for the debt I have owed."

"Nine Blessings!" "Your servant is here!"

Only then did everyone realize that, without anyone noticing, Eunuch Jiufu had already stood beside His Majesty, bowing respectfully and obeying His Majesty's orders.

"By imperial decree, Prince Rui Jiuque is my precious jewel, whom I have lost and then regained. Moreover, his civil and military achievements are both of the highest caliber, which greatly pleases me. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon him the title of Prince Chen, grant him the Prince Chen Rui Mansion, allow him to reside in Qiuwu Palace, and grant him the fiefdom of the Northern Frontier..."

Wait, wait! This series of rewards left everyone bewildered. Even those ministers who had been prepared were finding it hard to believe. The endless stream of rewards from His Majesty was enough to bury Prince Chenrui alive.

Furthermore, can the title "Chen" be bestowed so casually? Isn't this a joke? Beichen is the imperial residence! To grant a princess such a title, and not just a princess, but a prince, and then to have her reside in the Eastern Palace—what's the difference between this treatment and establishing a crown prince? Has His Majesty forgotten that Ying Jiuque is a princess, not a prince? His Majesty still has a living, breathing fourth prince!
The most senior Minister of Revenue couldn't help but step forward, wanting to advise his emperor, who seemed to have lost his mind. However, even though he wanted to offer advice, he waited until the emperor had finished saying what he wanted to say before finding an opportunity to interject.

"Your Majesty, please hear what this old minister has to say."

Emperor Jingtai was interrupted in the middle of his enjoyment, and his expression turned sour.

"Why can't we say this later? Why do we have to do it when I'm in such a good mood?"

"Your Majesty, what I say may not be to your liking, but it is my duty as a subject! Your Majesty, I understand your joy at finding your long-lost daughter, especially such a talented and virtuous child as Prince Rui. However, every country has its laws, and every family has its rules. There has never been a precedent of bestowing the title of Prince Chen upon someone in any dynasty! Moreover, have you forgotten that Prince Rui is a woman? Your previous bestowal of the title of Prince Rui already violated ancestral rules. Are you going to make another mistake?"

The Minister of Revenue was usually a smooth talker, but his sudden remark today startled everyone, especially his usual political enemies, who couldn't help but look at him in astonishment.

I didn't know that Old Chen was such a fearless person.

To point out His Majesty's mistakes in front of so many people, that's really bold!
However, with him leading the charge, the others weren't in a hurry for the time being. They decided to wait and see how His Majesty dealt with the Minister of Revenue before deciding on their next move. Indeed, they were opportunistic, seasoned officials after all.