The Beautiful CEO's Dragon Blood Bodyguard-Chapter 2019 - 2018: Our Sovereign’s Wisdom
The political situation in the court was fraught with undercurrents, and many were puzzled by the matter of the Seventh Princess becoming Emperor.
The Divine Race Army and Demon Army officially ascended Celestial Realms City, but in this battle, the two armies suffered losses of over a hundred thousand soldiers.
Nonetheless, everyone was very happy because, since ancient times, this was the first time the two armies formally scaled Celestial Realms City.
In the past, Celestial Realms City was strictly guarded against them, leaving no such opportunity.
When they reached the citadel, not only did they not face hostility from the Human Race but were welcomed as heroes lining the streets.
Nancheng celebrated all night, with wine and meat set out, cannons fired, and music played endlessly.
At the Prime Minister’s Residence, a group of officials gathered within, discussing heatedly, with expressions as unpleasant as could be.
Now the new Emperor does not touch them because the throne has not yet stabilized.
Once the Seventh Princess secures her position, she will immediately target them.
Their interests are tied with the Prime Minister’s.
Soon, an old man dressed in plain clothes came out from the inner room, and the group immediately bowed with clasped fists, "Greetings, Prime Minister!"
Yao Chong gestured with his hand, "Please refrain from calling me that, esteemed officials; I am now but a commoner, unworthy of the title of Prime Minister." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
He sat in the main seat with the assistance of his servants, appearing indifferent to trivial affairs.
The officials looked at each other, clasped their fists sincerely, and said, "Prime Minister, at such a critical moment, you are the one to make decisions, aren’t you? As the saying goes, when a woman rules, the house falls apart. The Seventh Princess is young and merely a woman; how can she bear the burden of ruling Heaven-Piercing Palace?"
"Minister Pei is absolutely right, Prime Minister, you are our backbone. You cannot just abandon us now; what are we supposed to do?"
"Prime Minister, this is not the time to rest; stand up and lead us to find a solution!"
"..."
The crowd was in chaos, each person speaking over the other, creating a scene of chaos within the room.
Prime Minister Yao Chong held onto his cup of tea, remained silent in the Taishi Chair, and once they had made enough noise, he spoke, "Why didn’t you dare argue with reason in the court just now? Now here, you spout nonsense and push me to be your spearhead; you truly are playing a clever game!"
The group flushed red, standing awkwardly and clearing their throats.
Yao Chong glared at them and sneered, "Why are you all silent now? Weren’t you all just clamoring fiercely?"
An official clasped his fists and apologized, "Prime Minister, now is not the time to criticize us. Everyone was fearful of the Imperial Guards’ power earlier, not daring to act recklessly! Now, discussing the throne is urgent; delaying any further would leave us no room for maneuver once the throne is secure!"
"Yes, Prime Minister, clearly the Seventh Princess has been bewitched by that scoundrel. That rascal plainly seeks to command the feudal lords by manipulating the Emperor, pushing the Seventh Princess to the forefront while he controls everything from behind! If they secure their position, there will be nothing left for us."
"Prime Minister, why don’t you speak to the Empress Dowager? Though she resides deeply within the palace, her words still carry weight."
Someone suggested.
Someone said, "The crucial factor now is that the command of the Imperial Guards is in their hands."
"Arguing over these minor issues is futile; to capture the traitor, we must capture the king—it’s essential to take down that scoundrel!"
Someone anxiously gestured a decapitation sign.
Someone said, "Minister Wang is absolutely right; we should bring forth the ancestor and capture that little scoundrel first. Then Li Daoxun and the others, mere brutes, are not worth worrying about!"
"..."
They argued loud and long, yet Yao Chong remained silent.
Someone signaled with their eyes, and only then did the group snap out of their fantasies.
Yao Chong gave them a disdainful glance and said, "You’re all incredible! Capturing traitors and kings, how come I haven’t known you were so capable before? Now the Seventh Princess doesn’t only have the support of the Imperial Guards, but under her command are also a hundred thousand elite from the Ma Army, as well as support from the Divine Race and Demon Race—how can you handle that?"
The officials blushed and nervously furrowed their brows before saying, "Prime Minister, then tell us what to do? We are all ears for your guidance."
"Yes, yes, everyone listens to the Prime Minister."
The crowd nodded vigorously, looking expectantly at Yao Chong to make a decision.
Yao Chong toyed with his teacup, furrowing his brows and said, "There is still room for maneuver; do you know why the Crown Prince’s position has never been secure? Why the Emperor has not allowed the Crown Prince to ascend the throne?"
The crowd exchanged confused glances and curiously asked, "Isn’t it said the Crown Prince is weak and unfit for heavy responsibilities?"
Yao Chong took a sip of tea, shook his head, and replied lightly, "No, you are unaware of the truth. The throne of our dynasty’s Emperor is not decided by the Emperor, but chosen by Heaven.
The coronation of a new Emperor mandates a grand ceremony of heavenly worship. At the Altar of Heaven stands a Nine Dragons Divine Cauldron, imbued with Dragon Qi, the coalesced spiritual energy of billions from the Immortal King Star. Only a True Dragon Emperor can harness this Dragon Qi and utilize it for cultivation.
Our Crown Prince cannot absorb this Dragon Qi, which is why he has been neglected until now. Initially, the Emperor had his children tested, but none managed to gain the Dragon Qi.
Although the Seventh Princess holds an Emperor Mandate now, as a mere woman, she certainly won’t receive heavenly acknowledgment—this is unchangeable.
We can use this excuse to oust her, leaving her no words against it. After all, ancestral law is immutable; this rule was left by our ancestors, and she must adhere to it."
Upon hearing this, all the officials nodded in agreement. The court is not a marketplace; rules are paramount.
With this rationale, everyone could petition the Empress Dowager, giving her grounds to make a decision.
Someone furrowed their brow and said, "Prime Minister, that Long Fei must be removed! With him present, even if we have reason on our side, success is not assured!"
"Yes, yes, that boy is a thorn; we must find a way to eliminate him!"
"..."
Prime Minister Yao Chong smiled and said, "Do not worry; proceed with handling the coronation ceremony. This boy has offended the interests of the Nine Clans and won’t remain arrogant for long."
The group listened intently, then joined in a somber chuckle, finally feeling assured.
Early the next morning, the morning bell sounded.
Zhang Ziling, clad in luxurious attire and a regal crown, with a Phoenix Robe dragging on the floor, attended the court formally for the first time.
Li Jinxuan accompanied her on either side, helping her ascend and sit on the throne of the grand hall.
A class of civil and military officials entered in order according to their rank.
The highest-ranked military officers were led by Long Fei, followed by Li Daoxun, the Fourth Son of the Li Family, and various leaders of the Ma Army.
On the civil side, the Prime Minister’s position was vacant and temporarily led by the Chief of Staff of each department.
"Gentlemen, greet the Emperor!"
Once inside, the procession bowed in unison to Zhang Ziling, performing the rites of subjects to their sovereign.
"Rise!"
Zhang Ziling lightly raised her hand; as a Royal Family princess, she was well-versed in court etiquette.
She furrowed her brows and addressed the assembly of ministers, "Our Heaven-Piercing Pavilion, since ancient times, has been ruled by thousands of Emperors, diligently working to sustain the Human Race’s destiny, even at the cost of their lives. In these perilous times, I, Zhang Ziling, have been enjoined with this grave responsibility to become the new Emperor of Heaven-Piercing Pavilion. My heart is restless, fearing to fail my ancestors’ trust. From today forward, I shall work tirelessly to lead the Human Race against this Demon Calamity. I hope you will support me—those who make meritorious contributions will be richly rewarded, while those who shirk their duties will be severely punished without mercy!"
Her voice was not loud, yet it resounded throughout the court.
Solemn, assertive, regal—her presence exuded imperial majesty both fair and formidable.
The ministers exchanged glances, then with Long Fei leading, they clasped their fists and exclaimed in unison, "Wisdom to our master!"
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