Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity

"Since the matter is to be announced, it’s improper for the Fourth Prince, as a royal prince, not to be present."

The Emperor turned his head to De’an, "Summon the Fourth Prince to the hall."

The officials exchanged glances secretly, their expressions varied.

"Your Highness, the weather is exceedingly cold today, you must put on this cloak!"

Xiao Chengzi saw that his master, Prince Jing, was hurriedly changing into his court attire to leave, and he quickly grabbed the cloak and chased after him.

Prince Jing walked briskly out of the residence, indifferent to the cold. He had used the excuse of being unwell to skip court today.

This sort of situation happened frequently, so his father only asked a few questions and then granted permission.

But he hadn’t expected that missing today’s court would result in such a major event.

His father had urgently summoned him, and Xiao Quanzi said the officials in the court were waiting for him because something was to be announced.

No matter how much Prince Jing inquired, Xiao Quanzi wouldn’t say more.

He only mentioned that as a servant, not serving closely by the Emperor’s side or working in Taihe Palace, how could he know the details?

Prince Jing hurried into the carriage, which headed towards the Imperial Palace.

Prince Jing calmed his mind and began to ponder carefully. First of all, he wasn’t that important; the court could proceed without him.

Secondly, it definitely wasn’t because he had made a mistake. If it were a mistake, it wouldn’t be just Xiao Quanzi who came; and although Xiao Quanzi spoke urgently, his expression wasn’t stern, just a bit peculiar.

As for why it was peculiar, Prince Jing didn’t have the mood to guess. There was no need to guess a servant’s thoughts.

But he thought of a possibility. The Father Emperor urgently summoned him to court, it certainly must be about the matter of succession.

Suddenly, he sat up straight, his face solemn. Could it be that his father would announce the Crown Prince today? The more he thought about it, the more it seemed possible.

No matter what Prince Jing was thinking, Taihe Palace remained deathly silent.

But despite the Ministers having been lively just now, they knew that was because the Emperor hadn’t made a decision yet, and naturally, he was tolerant.

However, now the Emperor had made up his mind, and since the candidate hadn’t been announced, if they still didn’t keep quiet, it would be rather ungrateful.

The Emperor looked at the silent ministers below, then glanced at the three princes standing in front, letting out a cold grunt in his heart.

Now they were all silent, but once he announced the result, those ministers were sure to stir things up.

However, this was a necessary part of establishing a Crown Prince. The Emperor now slightly regretted not establishing the Crown Prince earlier; he wasn’t abdicating anyway, so the Crown Prince couldn’t possibly usurp him.

"Your Son greets Father Emperor, long live the Emperor!"

After about half an hour, Prince Jing hurriedly arrived at Taihe Palace.

Seeing the slightly breathless Prince Jing, the Emperor’s gaze was complex.

"Rise!"

"The matter of establishing the Crown Prince has been debated by all for a long time. As for the candidate, everyone has had differing opinions. But the Eastern Palace has been empty for too long, it cannot be delayed any longer. Today, with everyone present, I shall announce the candidate for the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Prince Jing’s face sunk; it was indeed about establishing the Crown Prince. Otherwise, why would his father be so eager to bring him to court?

He speculated in his heart who his father would choose as the Crown Prince, and after a moment of reflection, felt a deep bitterness.

No matter who it was, it certainly couldn’t be him. So, who it was didn’t really matter to him.

"To whom does the Emperor intend to confer the title of Crown Prince?" Xia Qing stepped forward, asking the question everyone had on their minds.

In fact, Xia Qing already had an idea; judging from the Emperor’s previous actions, who else could it be but the Eldest Prince?

The Emperor pondered for a moment, then finally spoke under the eager gazes of those present, "The Eldest Prince Zhao Xian has outstanding talents, exceptional abilities, and his handling of affairs has long won my heart. Furthermore, he has always been loyal and filial to me, these are beyond reproach. As the eldest son, he has already fulfilled his duty."

These few words of praise from the Emperor brought joy to some and worry to others among those present.

Upon hearing this, the Eldest Prince couldn’t help but show a hint of joy. The smile at the corner of his lips signaled that his father indeed valued him.

This kind of praise surely meant that in his father’s heart, he was the chosen one for the position of Crown Prince, right?

Thinking of himself soon becoming the master of the Eastern Palace, the Eldest Prince felt a great joy. Even his hands, hidden in his sleeves, trembled slightly with excitement. What an exhilarating moment this was!

Meanwhile, the Second and Third Princes had a completely different reaction.

Their hearts sank. Had their father settled on their big brother? Was the position of Crown Prince really out of their reach?

Especially for the Second Prince, his legs felt week. The thought of being the son of the Central Palace yet having to make a living under his illegitimate brother left him feeling hopeless.

Would his mother still be able to hold the Inner Palace in the future? A legitimate son bestowed a title and sent to his fief, even if being the Empress, would still be ridiculed.

How incapable must a legitimate son be for the Emperor to pass the Crown Prince title to an illegitimate son?

Previously, he had wanted to show his father his capabilities, which is why his actions in Hejian Prefecture were not overly concealed. He wanted to prove to his father that he was not mediocre.

But unfortunately, he didn’t manage to obtain the treasure map. Yet, as far as he knew, the treasure map must have been in his father’s hands. Otherwise, how could Gu Chengyu have returned so calmly?

He was somewhat disheartened; no matter how hard he tried, his father never saw him.

Officers aligned with the Eldest Prince were all beaming, and who could blame them? This was the position of Crown Prince!

When the Eldest Prince ascended the throne in the future, and those officials who followed him long before he became the master of the Eastern Palace, wouldn’t they have a bright future?

Just as the Eldest Prince was about to step forward and express his modesty, the Emperor spoke again.

"However, Zhao Xian’s nature is too ruthless. Though decisive, he lacks compassion. If Dayan were to expand its borders, Zhao Xian would indeed be suitable. But what Dayan needs now is stability. The Second Prince Zhao Dun, with a pure disposition, is gentle and benevolent. Should he ascend the throne in the future, he would surely cherish the people and bring blessings to the world. Therefore, the Second Prince Zhao Dun is the best choice for Crown Prince."

The Emperor slightly closed his eyes, then continued, saying something completely unexpected.

The Eldest Prince was dumbfounded, wondering if he’d heard wrong. His father had just praised him, hadn’t he? How could it be that in a mere instant, he seemed to have heard his father say the Second Brother was the best choice for Crown Prince?

He shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

This was impossible. How could his father’s choice be the Second after all? He must have heard wrong.

The Second Prince was truly incredulous, watching his father’s mouth open and close in a daze. Was it that simple for the position of Crown Prince to become his with just a few words?

He looked at his father in bewilderment and found his father smiling warmly at him.

He was in a stupor, seemingly unable to believe that this heavenly opportunity had indeed landed on his head.