I play the role of Jiajing in Zongwu: What crime have I committed?

The emperor, who had always treated him coldly and with a cold expression, had surprisingly shown such a kind face today.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

He cautiously cupped his hands in greeting, his voice steady yet carrying a barely perceptible hint of hesitation.

"Hehe, no need for such formalities."

Zhu Houcong smiled and waved his hand, "Compared to your two good-for-nothing elder brothers, you are the one who worries me the most!"

These words were like a sharp blade, sending shivers down the spines of the Crown Prince, Prince Yu, and Xiao Jingyan.

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu's kneeling posture became increasingly humble.

Xiao Jingyan, however, felt extremely uneasy and didn't know how to respond.

"Jingyan!"

Zhu Houcong suddenly sighed and lightly stroked the military report on the table with his fingertips.

"I have witnessed your experiences abroad over the years. Seeing your growth now fills me with great joy."

He gazed intently at Prince Jing.

"Now that you're back, don't go out again. Serve in court and assist me well. I have high hopes for you."

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Houcong's eyes.

Didn't you, Mei Changsu, want Prince Jing to hide it?

Wasn't the plan to use the Crown Prince and Prince Yu's rivalry as a pretext for Prince Jing to reap the benefits?

A meaningful, cold smile curled at the corner of his lips.

Then I will insist on bringing Prince Jing into the public eye.

"Your subject is terrified!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingyan suddenly knelt on one knee, the clanging of his armor making a crisp sound.

He lowered his head, but his heart was in turmoil.

Is this still the same father who treated me coldly?

In my memory, when had my father ever looked at me with such loving eyes?

When have you ever said such heartwarming words?

We have high hopes for it!

These four words carry immense weight.

Xiao Jingyan felt a burning sensation in his chest, and his heart, which had been as calm as an ancient well for many years, began to beat wildly uncontrollably.

Could it be that the Emperor's sudden "high expectations" are for... the position he never even dared to dream of?

The thought exploded in his mind like a thunderclap, making his chest feel tight.

An idea I had never dared to think of before sprouted from the ground and spread in my mind like wildfire.

Yes!

Why?

Why can't I, Xiao Jingyan, ascend to the throne?

The image of my brother, Prince Qi, is still vivid in my memory, his moon-white python robe still spotless.

This empire should rightfully belong to Prince Qi.

Now that my brother Wang has died unjustly, I, Xiao Jingyan, shall naturally carry on his legacy.

Zhu Houcong stared at Xiao Jingyan's stunned expression, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes, but his face became even more amiable.

"Yan Song, draft the imperial edict."

The sound was neither too loud nor too soft, yet it resounded like thunder within the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Prince Jing, Xiao Jingyan, has fought many battles abroad, achieving great merit and hard work. He is hereby granted the title of Five-Bead Prince and appointed to participate in the administration of state affairs."

Before the words were even finished, the air in the hall seemed to freeze instantly.

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu were struck dumb, and they sat up abruptly, forgetting all manners, staring in disbelief at their father, the Emperor, on the dragon throne.

Consort Yue's fan fell to the ground with a "thud," and Consort Hui was so shocked that she covered her mouth.

A prince with five pearls!

This is a prestigious title, second only to the Seven-Bead Prince!

Apart from the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, no one else in the court had ever received this honor.

Now, Prince Jing has risen to the rank of a five-bead prince, his status being only slightly lower than that of Prince Yu.

Xiao Jingyan felt a ringing in his ears, as if he were in a dream.

He subconsciously pinched his palm, the sharp pain reminding him that it was all real.

The next second, Zhu Houcong's gaze swept coldly over the Crown Prince and Prince Yu's disheveled appearance, and his dragon brows suddenly furrowed.

"What? Are you two planning a rebellion?"

It has to be Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan. His reaction is extremely quick, unlike the Crown Prince, who is so dense.

He immediately bowed his head: "Your Majesty, I am overjoyed and was just thinking of properly congratulating Jingyan."

His face was full of smiles, but there was no joy in his eyes.

Crown Prince Xiao Jingxuan quickly echoed, "That's what I think too."

"Okay, approved. Get up."

Zhu Houcong's expression softened, and he raised his hand in greeting.

The two men felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and immediately surrounded Xiao Jingyan after getting up.

Prince Yu patted him affectionately on the shoulder: "Jingyan, you've worked so hard all these years, and now the hard times are finally over."

The prince then reached out to straighten out non-existent wrinkles on his armor.

"It's time to change out of this military uniform. Your brother will send you some good armor another day."

Seeing the three men's feigned politeness, Zhu Houcong couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"My two beloved consorts, look! The brothers are so harmonious; it brings me great comfort!"

Consort Hui quickly bowed: "It's all thanks to Your Majesty's excellent guidance."

Consort Yue, not to be outdone, parted her lips slightly and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and the princes will naturally be friendly and respectful to each other."

As she spoke, her fingernails unconsciously dug into her palms.

"Yeah, you two have such sweet talk!"

Zhu Houcong was immediately overjoyed.

Xiao Jingyan then seemed to wake from a dream and knelt on one knee to express his gratitude.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

"Get up."

Zhu Houcong said with a gentle smile, "When you enter the court to participate in government affairs in the future, you should consult with Jingxuan and Jinghuan more often."

"Your subject understands."

"Yes, after you enter politics, you'll have even more responsibilities."

Zhu Houcong said casually, "Here's what you'll do: temporarily hand over your military duties to Jingting. His leg injury has healed, and it's time for him to gain some experience."

"Is Third Brother's leg healed?"

Xiao Jingyan could not hide his surprise.

The Crown Prince and Prince Yu exchanged a knowing glance.

They had already received a secret report that Xiao Jingting had miraculously recovered.

"good."

Zhu Houcong laughed and said, "You know that your elder brother has been listless for many years. Now that his leg is healed, he can't just be a prince who does nothing but eat and wait to die. It's good to have him help you out."

"Therefore, I hereby grant you permission to retain your personal guards. I have heard that your deputy general, Lie Zhanying, is as close to you as a brother, so let him continue to follow you and serve as the commander of your personal guards."

"Another day, let him take up a post in the Ministry of War. Such a talented general should rightfully enter the court and serve the imperial court."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

Chapter 13 Disgusting Mei Changsu

Compared to the empty title of Prince of the Fifth Rank, Zhu Houcong valued military power more.

As for Lie Zhanying, let's first make promises, and as for when to deliver...

Ha ha!

Seeing Xiao Jingyan present the heavy military tally with both hands, Zhu Houcong's smile deepened.

"Good son!"

"You are all my good sons!"

Zhu Houcong laughed heartily, then suddenly stood up and walked to Xiao Jingyan.

First, she grasped Xiao Jingyan's hand, then pulled up the Crown Prince's hand, and finally placed Prince Yu's hand on top of hers.

Three hands overlapped beneath his palms.

Zhu Houcong patted the backs of the three men's hands, his voice suddenly choked with emotion: "Seeing you all so loving and respectful to each other, my heart is sweeter than if I had drunk honey."

Prince Yu's eyes darted around, and he suddenly smiled, "Father, now that Jingyan has returned to the capital, it's time to put his marriage on the agenda."

He put his arm around Xiao Jingyan's shoulder in a seemingly affectionate manner.

"I have heard that the daughter of Minister He Jingzhong is dignified, virtuous, and exceptionally beautiful; she and Jingyan are a match made in heaven."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince immediately responded.

"What a coincidence, I also have a good match here."

"Lou Zhijing, the Minister of Revenue, has a daughter who is both beautiful and talented, proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, making her a perfect match for Jingyan."

Zhu Houcong chuckled; he could easily see through their intentions.

He Jingzhong, the Minister of Personnel, was a staunch supporter of Prince Yu. In the original novel, he helped Prince Yu install his cronies, but later fell from power due to a corruption scandal in the performance evaluation.

Lou Zhijing, the Minister of Revenue, was a member of the Crown Prince's faction and was framed by Mei Changsu because of the case of the corpse hidden in Lan Garden.

These two clearly wanted to use the marriage alliance as an opportunity to bring Prince Jing into their camp!

Don't even think about it.

Zhu Houcong's gaze lingered on Xiao Jingyan's resolute face for a moment, and the name Mei Changsu suddenly flashed through his mind.

Then, a glint flashed in his eyes, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

"I know you are all thinking of Jingyan, but I have already made a decision on this matter."

His tone suddenly became serious.

"Jingyan, you have indeed reached the age to settle down. After much consideration, I have decided to betroth Princess Nihuang to you."

boom!

These words were like a thunderclap from the heavens, shaking everyone in the hall to their core.

The teacup in Consort Yue's hand shattered on the ground with a "crack".

The smile on Prince Yu's face froze instantly.

The crown prince was so shocked that he immediately withdrew his hand.

Xiao Jingyan trembled violently and immediately knelt on one knee.

"Your Majesty! This is absolutely unacceptable!"