Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 4 The Merit of Saving the Emperor
"Cough, cough, cough!"

Seeing that things were not going well, the old emperor almost coughed up his lungs. The top scholar looked around in a sorry state, then simply tilted his head to the side and fainted!

Alas! Ying Jiuque could almost hear everyone's regretful sighs. It was understandable, it was understandable. Pretending to faint at such a crucial moment was really not the behavior of a gentleman!

However, since the girl had already fainted, continuing the argument wouldn't be wise. The old emperor, slightly disappointed, ordered the top scholar to be taken to a side hall to recover. Because so many people wanted to watch the spectacle, the scene was chaotic. Ying Jiuque, somehow, was swept along by the crowd and slowly moved to the old emperor's side. The old emperor glanced at Ying Jiuque, but didn't seem to mind. This young girl looked rather frail and weak; she lacked any of her mother's strength. It was somewhat disappointing.

Ying Jiuque, oblivious to the old emperor's gaze, was jostled about, tripping over a protruding blue brick. She stumbled several steps before regaining her balance. After a moment's hesitation, she bent down to pry the brick off, intending to tear it to pieces. Just then, a flash of white light appeared in the corner of her eye. She instinctively closed her eyes, and looking up, she saw a gleaming dagger thrusting towards her with lightning speed, its target the old emperor to her left!
"Qiang!"

A metallic clang rang out as a guard, appearing out of nowhere, managed to temporarily stop the attack. However, the assassin who suddenly appeared possessed considerable martial prowess. After only being temporarily halted, the guard was stabbed to the ground, blood spreading amidst a piercing scream.

Many people have thought about saving someone in a crisis to secure their future, but when danger actually strikes, few can react in time. Even if they can react, most people cannot control their fear when facing a life-or-death crisis.

Even the battle-hardened old emperor's pupils shrank at this moment. But after years of fighting, he still had the skills he needed and nimbly dodged the second attack. However, there were too many people around him at this moment. The palace maids, eunuchs, officials and the like screamed and ran away in all directions. Some loyal ministers simply couldn't get through. Then the fatal blow came.

Seeing the gleaming blade rushing towards him, the old emperor had nowhere to dodge and his eyes widened in disbelief.

Ying Jiuque, who witnessed the old emperor hiding on his side, was speechless.

He casually picked up the blue brick he had just pried off and swung it at it.

"Boom!"

Because the distance was so close, the old emperor clearly heard a muffled thud, and then watched up close how the head of the assassin dressed as a eunuch with fierce eyes flattened and then exploded with a bang!
Hot, viscous blood spurted out, inevitably staining the old emperor as well. Unlike the eunuchs and maids who screamed even louder, he seized the opportunity, grabbed the assassin's hand, and plunged the dagger into the assassin's neck. The already severely wounded assassin froze, blood gushing out like a fountain, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud!

Only then did everyone realize that the assassin had been subdued.

The crowd gradually quieted down, realizing what a crucial opportunity they had just missed—a chance to save the emperor! A feat worthy of being recorded in their family genealogies! How could they have missed it?! Yes, some people wouldn't think they had been cowardly; they would only think someone had blocked their way. Especially since the person who saved His Majesty was a frail-looking man…

He glanced at the still-bleeding hole in the assassin's forehead and silently swallowed the word. What happened to that girl? She looked so slender, yet she had such strength, smashing his head flat!
"..."

The old emperor, having survived the ordeal, calmed himself for a moment, then expressionlessly waved his sleeve. Even with Ying Jiuque's composure, he could feel the air suddenly turn cold, and a chilling aura suddenly erupted!

Ying Jiuque blinked, quietly savoring the sensation of the bristling hair on the back of his neck, a hint of amusement flashing in his lowered eyes. [This is true imperial wrath! But the old emperor's anger is understandable; after all, his palace is riddled with holes! Assassins can even appear openly at his birthday banquet—will he resort to poisoning next time? The old emperor can't die. Though a bit rude, he was still diligent and cared for his people, far better than the last emperor of the previous dynasty!]

Old Emperor: “…”

For a moment, he didn't know whether to be happy or angry, but he still tried his best to maintain his dignity. He issued a few orders and quickly cleaned up the scene. Before long, the high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, had finished their investigation and silently reported to the old emperor.

Ying Jiuque was not far from the emperor, and no one would be so foolish as to let this hero who saved the emperor leave at this time. On the other hand, Minister Lin received countless envious and jealous glances. It's really strange, with so many people present, how come this man surnamed Lin was so lucky? Not only did he not have to take any risks, but he also gained the merit of saving the emperor?
That little girl will certainly receive His Majesty's reward, but she is, after all, just a little girl. At most, he might bestow another title upon her, but the actual benefits will all go to the Lin family.

Over here, the old emperor listened to his ministers' reports, his expression as deep as the sea. How could such a powerful person appear out of nowhere without leaving a trace? Putting everything else aside, where is the little eunuch he impersonated? Where is he?
"Search every palace room for me!"

I refuse to believe I can't find even the slightest clue!
After a moment of deliberation, the old emperor summoned Ying Jiuque, his every word and action displaying kindness and benevolence.

"Nine Palaces, you saved my life! Tell me what you want or need, and I will grant it!"

Ying Jiuque's eyes gleamed faintly. Before she could speak, Minister Lin, who was standing to the side, had already stepped forward, and was very humble.

“Your Majesty, this is my daughter’s duty. How can you bestow such a great reward upon her? Moreover, she has already been granted the title of County Princess, which is already an immense favor! Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, and Teachers—Your Majesty is the sovereign of all. We, your subjects, should devote ourselves to the utmost and die for you! I believe my daughter thinks the same way.”

The old emperor silently glanced at the seemingly obedient Ying Jiuque, and for some reason, he felt that this little girl probably wouldn't think that way...

[Hey old man, you're ugly but dreaming! Why don't you rush up and dedicate yourself to the cause, even unto death? Anyone can talk big. Besides, would anyone believe me if I said I just did it on a whim?]

Old Emperor: “…”

I feel like I've been silent for an unusually long time today!

Just as Ying Jiuque was about to speak, a little eunuch rushed over in a panic, his eyes and expression as if he had seen his ancestor, who had been dead for hundreds of years, come back to life!
"Your Majesty! The top scholar, the top scholar is dead!"

(End of this chapter)