The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 546 - 513: Establishing the Crown Prince (2nd update)
Previously, Song Wei laid the groundwork for a long time, and when these veteran officials spoke up, they easily pushed the birthday banquet’s atmosphere to its peak.
Who could still remember that today was the Longevity Festival, the Emperor’s birthday?
The eyes of everyone could only see those twelve mechanical beasts of different shapes.
His Highness is in charge of the Divine Soldier Bureau, and the surprise presented by the Divine Soldier Bureau today owes much to his efforts, especially as he personally designed another set of mechanical beasts.
Although none of them understood the design, it did not affect their determination to request the appointment of the heir.
To put it bluntly, the talents of the Eldest Prince far exceed half of those of the Emperor, and not appointing him as Crown Prince is asking for the people’s discontent.
More and more ministers knelt down, loudly congratulating the Emperor and celebrating with him.
What to congratulate, what to celebrate, the meaning was clear — in the hearts of the ministers, His Highness is already the Crown Prince, so it was up to the Emperor to weigh the decision!
Emperor Guangxi closed the booklet, looking at the row of kneeling ministers, deeply shocked.
Throughout dynasties and ages, he had never seen nor heard of a prince so highly acclaimed that the court ministers sided unanimously.
This current situation is not due to a lack of offspring in the Zhao Family, leaving the ministers with no choice.
If Zhao Xi were an unremarkable and idle prince, there would have been much wrangling and dispute.
Emperor Guangxi turned his gaze to Zhao Xi.
The young prince stood quietly there, even when faced with such passionate support from many ministers, there was not a hint of arrogance in his demeanor, showcasing a composure unmatched by ordinary people.
Emperor Guangxi sighed; this son was too perfect, so perfect it felt unreal. If he ever wanted to accomplish something, given time, he would surely achieve it brilliantly and astoundingly.
For instance, the mechanical beast design he came up with just now, something the Liu Family head of the Jin Dynasty spent much effort researching, not only did he transform it into another form but also another style. He considered every detail and the practicality of each mechanism, ensuring that once this set of mechanical beasts is made into reality, it would not lose to the twelve models Song Wei brought.
At only fifteen, he is already so extraordinary; for a moment, Emperor Guangxi felt old.
In front of this son, his only commendable strength was his chess skills.
However, Emperor Guangxi believed that with enough time for Zhao Xi to study and practice, it won’t be long before the boy surpasses him in chess.
This prince, exceptional from a young age, seemed never to tire, never to know what difficulty was. With the same twelve hours a day, he learned several times more than others.
Even Emperor Guangxi sometimes felt envy towards that brain of his.
Having Mr. Cui put away the design, Emperor Guangxi placed his hands on the armrests of the dragon throne, his expression solemn and earnest, "Since the founding of Great Chu, there has been a rule to appoint the eldest and rightful heir. The first son, Zhao Xi, is the primary heir of the imperial lineage, bestowed with talents capable of great national responsibility, ordained by the heavens, favored by the people. Proclaim my decree, ordering the Astronomical Bureau to select an auspicious day, to grant the title of Crown Prince to the first son Zhao Xi, position him in the Eastern Palace, and elevate Wenhua Hall to assist me in handling state affairs. His mother, Princess Consort Qi, shall rise in rank as Empress, gracing the Central Palace, as the mother of the nation."
Zhao Xi knelt down, his voice resonant and firm, "Your son thanks Father Emperor for the great favor."
The ministers shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! A thousand years to the Empress! Blessings and peace to the Crown Prince!"
The loud voices overflowed Qingliang Palace, resonating above the Imperial Palace, lingering for a long time.
Emperor Guangxi raised his hand, "All ministers may rise."
"Thank you, Emperor—"
When Zhao Xi returned to his seat, he saw Song Yuanbao had slightly red eyes and asked, "What’s the matter?"
Song Yuanbao pursed his lips, looking at him for a long while, then spoke, "The Crown Prince can do anything."
Zhao Xi silently chuckled.
Song Yuanbao was momentarily stunned; he still remembered last time when he said that Zhao Xi could do anything, Zhao Xi looked at him as if looking at a fool.
But today...
"Zhao Xi, did you just laugh?"
Song Yuanbao, afraid of having seen wrong, stared at him unblinkingly.
Zhao Xi toned down his emotions, adding a touch of seriousness in his eyes, returned the gaze, "Thank you."
Song Yuanbao was a bit bewildered, "Thank me for what?"
Over two years, seven hundred days and nights of companionship, Song Yuanbao had helped him countless times imperceptibly, a fact Zhao Xi never forgot.
He said, "Thank you for believing I can do anything."
Song Yuanbao suddenly laughed, his eyes sour with emotion, "I was merely speaking the plain truth."
He continued, "The remarks I occasionally make about your faults to others are all to rile you up; truth is in my heart, you are invincible, and none are more fitting than you to inherit the Eastern Palace."
...
Princess Consort Qi was utterly bewildered.
She couldn’t grasp how things developed like this; weren’t they discussing birthday gifts earlier? She secretly disdained the scorpions and tigers for being inauspicious. How did it suddenly happen that Xixi was made Crown Prince, and she herself became Empress?
This scene was more dreamlike than a dream; she had to secretly pinch herself, and it hurt.
Princess Consort Qi still found it hard to believe, asking Gu Yu beside her, "Am I not dreaming?"
Gu Yu enthusiastically responded, "Your Highness, it’s not a dream, it’s true. His Highness achieved great merit, and the Emperor, complying with the officials, named him Crown Prince, making you Empress through his prestige. After choosing an auspicious day and receiving the golden seal and treasure, you will be the new master of Kunning Palace."
Listening to Gu Yu, tears welled up in Princess Consort Qi’s eyes.
For so many years, she hoped, and Xixi finally lived up to expectations and climbed to that position.
Gu Yu hurriedly said, "Your Highness, on such a joyous day, you mustn’t shed tears, lest it brings ill fortune."
Princess Consort Qi nodded, "I cannot shed tears; I must stand up for Xixi."
Saying this, she dabbed her eye corners with a kerchief, a smile tugging at her lips.
...
The Eldest Prince was the first to present a gift that stole the show; no matter how grand the subsequent gifts were, they couldn’t create such a stir. However, the ministers still followed order, offering sincere blessings to Emperor Guangxi.
When it came the concubines’ turn, after Princess Consort Qi presented her gift, a thought occurred to her, and she cleared her throat, "The Emperor has another piece of good news today."
Emperor Guangxi turned his gaze, "Oh, beloved concubine, what other surprise do you have for me?"
Princess Consort Qi inclined her body in salute, "Reporting to the Emperor, Consort Qing is expecting."
Emperor Guangxi was taken aback, "Is this true?"
Princess Consort Qi smiled, "Concerning the imperial lineage, your concubine does not dare jest lightly."
Emperor Guangxi slightly turned his head, Consort Qing was hidden among the concubines, not very conspicuous. Upon hearing her name called, she gently stood up.
Emperor Guangxi asked her, "Consort Qing, is what Princess Consort Qi said true?"
Consort Qing bowed and replied, "Reporting to the Emperor, I am indeed nearly four months pregnant, but I didn’t dare announce it until the pregnancy was stable."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Guangxi was greatly pleased, "This year’s Longevity Festival of mine, indeed full of surprises, deserves a reward!"
