Who would have thought that Emperor Shunwu would act in a completely different manner today.
He did not ask those ministers to rise, nor did he display the anticipated rage. Instead, he took the lantern from the palace maid beside him and strode toward the altar.
Nan Rui and Nan Yu followed suit, taking lanterns from the palace maids as well.
The three scrolls bearing the names of the princes had been placed on the altar by Emperor Shunwu himself. Unless someone had deliberately altered their positions, they would not be misplaced.
The Jade Seal was placed at the center, right on top of the scroll bearing Nan Yu's name.
Emperor Shunwu eagerly picked up the Jade Seal, but instead of inspecting it immediately, he kept staring at the scroll beneath it.
Everyone present could clearly see that the scroll bore Nan Yu's name, written by Emperor Shunwu himself.
Emperor Shunwu stared at Nan Yu for a long while.
No matter how incompetent and tyrannical he might be, as the ruler of an era, his piercing gaze exerted an invisible pressure on Nan Yu.
Just as Nan Yu was about to speak, Emperor Shunwu burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha... Heaven has not forsaken me, allowing me to witness a wise ruler who can succeed the throne in my lifetime."
As he spoke, he slapped Nan Yu's shoulder heavily with his large hand.
"Since this is the will of Heaven, how could one defy it?
Today, I hereby proclaim the Third Prince Nan Yu as the Crown Prince. Three days from now, I shall officially abdicate in his favor and become a Retired Emperor, peacefully enjoying my remaining years without concerning myself with state affairs."
These words stunned the entire court of civil and military officials.
Throughout history, no emperor had ever willingly abdicated while still hale and hearty, especially Emperor Shunwu, who was notorious for his incompetence and disregard for the people's welfare.
Even if today's events were the will of Heaven, his actions were beyond everyone's expectations.
Nan Yu was indeed interested in the throne, but he had not expected to inherit it so soon, as he had only recently acknowledged his heritage, and his father's health had not yet deteriorated to the point of necessitating abdication.
He had merely hoped to secure the position of Crown Prince and gain political power, knowing that the throne would eventually be his.
Little did he expect his father to make such an unexpected move today.
"Father Emperor, you are in good health, and there is no need to abdicate. Your son is still young and in need of learning the ways of governing from you."
Emperor Shunwu waved his hand dismissively, his tone resolute: "I must follow the will of Heaven. This matter is not up for discussion."
With a single sentence, Emperor Shunwu silenced the ministers who had been about to speak.
Seeing that the matter had been resolved, Daoist Priest Yuan Qing bade farewell to Emperor Shunwu and prepared to leave. Before departing, he cast an appreciative glance at Nan Yu and bowed respectfully.
"May blessings be bestowed upon the common people..."
As his words trailed off, Yuan Qing waved his duster, and its long tassels swayed as he left.
Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran, who had been hiding in the shadows, had achieved their desired outcome. They also returned to the Minister's Residence under the moonlight.
This was the way He Zhiran had enlisted Yuan Qing's assistance.
Originally, Yuan Qing had only intended to advise Emperor Shunwu, with no plans to construct an altar or the like. However, upon learning that the Jade Seal was in He Zhiran's possession, he saw it as the greatest aid to the will of Heaven, as he perceived it.
Thus, he did not hesitate to agree to He Zhiran's request, and their cooperation was seamless, allowing the Jade Seal to appear before everyone in the most advantageous manner.
What Nan Yu had gained today was an unexpected stroke of luck for him.
After seeing Emperor Shunwu back to the palace, Nan Rui congratulated him wholeheartedly, and the brothers decided to share the good news with Mo Jiuye.
He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye had just been about to enter their space to rest when they heard Minister Hao's voice.
Since they had come to the Capital city under concealed identities, Minister Hao had specifically instructed that no one was allowed near their residence. Even if the two princes were to visit, he would personally escort them inside.
Minister Hao felt quite moved by the day's events and had initially intended to discuss them with the others. However, considering that the young people might find an old man's presence intrusive, he wisely took his leave.
Nan Yu was particularly excited that day, as he had never dreamed that his greatest goal would be achieved so effortlessly.
Upon seeing Mo Jiuye, Nan Yu made no attempt to hide his emotions and let out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha... Ninth Duke, I never expected things to go even more smoothly than I had anticipated. You must have heard from Minister Hao – Heaven has truly favored me."
Mo Jiuye clasped his hands in a salute: "Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Nan Rui smiled contentedly as he watched the scene unfold. Although his ability to assist the Mo family during this visit to the Capital city was limited, he had still managed to help them to some extent and had gained a close brotherly bond. For him, this journey had been quite fruitful.
After some friendly banter, Mo Jiuye broached the main topic.
"Now that matters in the Capital city have been resolved, my wife and I plan to depart for the Northwest tomorrow."
Undoubtedly, even if Mo Jiuye had not mentioned it, Nan Yu would have urged him to return as soon as possible, without wasting a single moment on the road.
"This matter indeed needs to be addressed urgently. The envoy carrying the imperial decree will set out for the Northwest at first light tomorrow."
His meaning was clear: the Mo family was currently unaware of the specific situation in the Capital city, including Mo Jiuye's agreement to return to court. If the envoy arrived in the Northwest and Mo Jiuye was not present, the Mo family would be left bewildered.
Nan Rui had also been away from the Northwest for a long time and missed Consort De dearly.
"I plan to leave after the Third Prince's enthronement and the settling of all affairs. Mother has been alone in the Northwest and must miss me terribly. She is elderly now, and in her youth, she never enjoyed much happiness. We should not let her heart remain unsettled in her old age."
If Nan Rui had not elaborated so much, Nan Yu would have certainly kept him in the Capital city to assist him.
He cherished the brotherly bond between them.
However, he did not wish to prevent his brother from fulfilling his filial duty because of him.
"It seems the saying in the books is true – emperors of all dynasties ultimately become lonely figures without family."
Seeing Nan Yu's melancholic expression, Nan Rui patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"Have no worries, Third Brother. The friendship between you, me, and Ninth Duke is not mere words – we have gone through hardships together.
If you ever need us, we will come to your aid without hesitation."
In fact, when Nan Rui said "we will come to your aid without hesitation," instead of using the singular "I," there was an ulterior motive.
Apart from his mother, Consort De, Nan Rui had never experienced familial affection from others since childhood. He had a deep yearning for such bonds.
Although he and Nan Yu were not born of the same mother, they shared a sense of instant kinship.
Nan Rui's words were an attempt to help his brother one more time before leaving the Capital city.
