The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 19 The Great Court Meeting

"Prince!"

"Prince!"

……

Shen Ye, who was sleeping, was awakened by this gentle voice and slowly opened her eyes.

The candlelight flickered, the Crown Princess's long hair flowed freely, her cheeks flushed, her eyes lowered, like a dewy crabapple unable to withstand the spring breeze, a completely different look from her usual noble and dignified self.

At this moment, Shen Ye's gaze fell on the Crown Princess's slender waist, giving him the feeling of admiring a beauty under the lamplight.

He reached out and put his arm around the Crown Princess's shoulder, asking, "What time is it?"

"It's already past four in the morning, Your Highness. You should prepare for court. There is a grand court assembly today." Shi Jingrong said softly, "This time, you absolutely cannot be late."

Shen Ye naturally understood the meaning behind Shi Jingrong's words.

Whether it was because she had accepted Yun Ye's identity or not, Shen Ye felt that most of the barrier between her and Shi Jingrong had disappeared in an instant.

Two people's fates are intertwined, and of course, there's also the lingering intimacy of staying overnight last night.

To be honest, Shen Ye really didn't want to go to this morning court session.

However, even if he was determined to lie down, he couldn't offend Emperor Qianxi too much, lest he make his life even more difficult.

Skipping the morning court session would be tantamount to disregarding Emperor Qianxi's orders, making it easy for others to find fault with it.

"I really want to sleep a little longer," Shen Ye said casually.

Upon hearing this, Shi Jingrong blushed involuntarily.

Although various thoughts were flashing through her mind, she still solemnly advised, "Your Highness, the morning court session not only includes His Majesty, but also foreign officials. You must not be negligent."

"When you attend the grand assembly, no matter what problems you encounter, do not speak rashly."

"If I absolutely have to speak up, then I'll leave everything to Your Majesty's discretion!"

Listening to Shi Jingrong's advice, Shen Ye felt even more admiration for her.

Her approach was actually quite similar to the idea that Suo'etu gave him: "Know nothing."

"I understand." Shen Ye squeezed Shi Jingrong's hand and said, "I'm going to court in a bit. It's still early, so you should rest a bit."

Shi Jingrong didn't speak again, but her movements became even gentler.

The distance from Yuqing Palace to Taihe Hall was not too far, so Shen Ye did not intend to ride in a palanquin. Instead, he strolled over with Zhou Bao and a few other eunuchs.

Although she was a little tired last night, Shen Ye still felt quite light on her feet.

The former crown prince had maintained a very solid physical condition.

When he arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, many ministers who had come to attend the morning court session had already gathered there, and many others quickly bowed respectfully upon seeing his apricot-yellow robe.

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Greetings to the Crown Prince!"

……

Watching the high-ranking officials and dignitaries quickly bow to him upon his arrival, Shen Ye felt a strange sense of satisfaction rise within him.

A sense of satisfaction that everything bows down before you.

However, the moment this sense of satisfaction arose, he became wary.

If even the crown prince is like this, what about the emperor?

Emperor Qianxi reigned for over thirty years. Was he willing to give up this feeling of absolute power?

"Greetings, Your Highness!" A civil official who looked to be in his fifties, with a serene face and graying hair, bowed respectfully to Shen Ye.

This person's voice was mellow and very pleasant to listen to.

However, upon seeing this person, Shen Ye felt a deep sense of disgust. The reason for this was that the person's name was Nalan Mingzhu.

The good uncle mentioned by Prince Zhi!
He was also the courtier who most wanted to bring him down.

In the past, although Crown Prince Yunye was very unhappy with Mingzhu's insincerity, he still maintained a courteous demeanor.

However, Shen Ye was different; he didn't want to compromise himself in this regard.

Anyway, he's already laid down his principles. Apart from a few rules that he wouldn't dare to challenge Emperor Qianxi, he doesn't care about anything else.

After Nalan Mingzhu bowed, he glanced at the Grand Secretary indifferently, and then said in a serious tone, "Mingzhu, we find each other repulsive. I think it would be better if we kept a little distance from each other."

Without waiting for Mingzhu's reaction, he turned around and left.

Although Nalan Mingzhu was the leader of the Crown Prince's faction, he always maintained a respectful demeanor when facing the Crown Prince.

If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "honeyed words and a dagger."

Although the crown prince was extremely disgusted, he was helpless.

But now, the Crown Prince is saying without any hesitation that the two of them hate each other!

This surprised Mingzhu and made her tremble slightly.

If it was just that the Crown Prince disliked him, he could still explain that to Emperor Qianxi.

But now, the Crown Prince is saying that the two people are mutually disgusted with each other, how can he bear that?

Moreover, there are still quite a few court officials here!
The Crown Prince is...

Just as Mingzhu was feeling unwell, Shen Ye, dressed in an apricot-yellow robe, arrived at the gate of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Those who could stand near the palace gate, besides the Grand Secretary, included princes who had already been granted titles, as well as several top nobles.

Although they were all aware that today's grand court assembly might involve something targeting the Crown Prince, they all bowed respectfully.

During the ceremony, the burly but serene-faced Suo'etu came to Shen Ye's side and said, "Your Highness, I know nothing."

Soetu spoke these six words very softly.

Clearly, this was Songgotu's way of reminding the Crown Prince again, fearing he might forget his instructions.

Shen Ye glanced at Suo'etu and nodded slightly.

This person is the leader of the Crown Prince Party, but his main purpose in supporting the Crown Prince is to elevate his own family's status.

And everything proved that he had no way to make himself, the crown prince, ascend the throne as emperor.

Therefore, Shen Ye wasn't very close to him.

Just as the two were talking, the crisp sound of a whip cracked, and with that sound, the gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony slowly opened.

The ministers waiting outside quickly lined up according to their respective ranks and entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony in turn.

As the crown prince, Shen Ye walked at the front. The moment he entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he saw the Nine-Dragon Throne under the plaque of "Establishing the Ultimate Standards and Pacifying the Way".

The throne was empty, and upon seeing it, which symbolized supreme power, Shen Ye felt a surge of emotion.

An urge to sit on it.

This impulse did not come from him, but from the memories of the former crown prince.

The former crown prince harbored a deep longing for this chair.

But now, this chair doesn't belong to him.

Following the original crown prince's memory, Shen Ye slowly walked up to the imperial platform, stood in front of an embroidered stool below the throne, and waited silently.

Just then, a ray of sunlight shone through the window and fell on him, making him feel a little dazzled.

"Your Majesty is here!"

After a slightly hoarse voice, Emperor Qianxi, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly walked up to the imperial platform and sat down on the throne.

Almost simultaneously, all the ministers knelt down and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

After the ceremony, the ministers who had come to court stood on the left and right, and Shen Ye also sat down on the embroidered stool.

At this moment, only two people were sitting in the main hall: Emperor Qianxi and him.

Shen Ye felt it was better not to sit, but the rules regarding the Crown Prince were all set by Emperor Qianxi.

Now, Shen Ye can only act according to the rules.

The grand court assembly proceeded in an orderly manner under the auspices of Emperor Qianxi, and each decision was made and then promulgated throughout the land.

Just as Shen Ye was starting to feel drowsy, someone said, "Your Majesty, your subject, Censor Yu Hualong, has a memorial to present!"

Upon hearing this, Mingzhu, who appeared confident, trembled slightly with her hand.

The big scene he'd planned is finally here!

My new book needs your support, please add it to your favorites, and please keep reading!


(End of this chapter)