Throne Room.
All the civil and military officials were gathered here.
According to past practice, the civil officials sat on the left while the military officials sat on the right. They quietly listened to the Emperor's words and the other officials' words as they discussed state affairs.
Today, all the civil and military officials were here. It was as noisy as a market, arguing endlessly. There was no sign of the solemnity of a court meeting.
"The Eldest Prince, Tang Qinggeng, has been an adult for a long time. As the eldest son, he has long been conferred the title of Crown Prince. Him becoming the new Emperor is a matter of destiny. Why don't you respect the Emperor's will and the words of the ancients? Isn't it absurd to want to abolish the old and make the young?" An old official shouted loudly.
This old official was wearing an official's robe. He was already seventy years old with white hair and a white beard. His face was wrinkled like tree bark, but his eyes were still bright. He was Grand Preceptor Hua, who had long retired from the court.
Grand Preceptor Hua was an old official of two generations. He had retired from the court for ten years, but his influence in the court was still considerable.
"Grand Preceptor, you are wrong. If the Eldest Prince had long been conferred the title of Crown Prince, we would have been wholeheartedly convinced to help him ascend the throne. However, the Emperor never made him the Crown Prince. I'm afraid the Eldest Prince is not enough to bear the heavy responsibility of being the Crown Prince, so he delayed it until now." An official replied to Grand Preceptor Hua. Then he waved the holy paper in his hand and said, "This is the Emperor's holy will. He had long intended to make the Second Prince the Crown Prince, but he did not have the time to announce it until his unexpected death. Everyone can take a closer look. Is this dragon seal wrong?"
This person was the Minister of Revenue, Shang Liyou. He was about forty-five years old and was definitely the youngest person in the Six Ministries.
"Lord Shang, who doesn't know that you and the Second Prince are related by blood? You suddenly took out an imperial edict that we did not know about. Do you really think we are that easy to fool?" Someone immediately questioned.
"I think the Fifth Prince is not bad. He has already obtained the right to enter Mount Emei. When he returns from his cultivation, it is not bad to pass the throne to him."
"I support the Eldest Prince more. It is perfectly justifiable."
"Support the Second Prince. The Emperor's will not be fake."
…
These two days, the civil and military officials did not think about the Emperor's funeral. They were all arguing about who should take the throne. It was almost to the point of a fight.
Other than the Grand Preceptor, there were also Prime Minister Song, Wu Sanhao, and Third Master Qiao.
Prime Minister Song was the Prime Minister of the dynasty. He was the Emperor's most capable minister when he was alive. At least half of the civil officials were his favorite students.
There was no need to mention Wu Sanhao. He had led a hundred thousand soldiers to surround the city. As long as he gave the order, he could flatten the city. Fortunately, he hadn't said anything. Qiao San Ye glared at him, so he didn't say anything.
Third Master Qiao was more inclined towards the First Prince. The First Prince was kind-hearted, but it was a pity that his methods were lacking. He was too honest, and it would be difficult for him to control the officials when he took the throne.
The Second Prince's character was not good. The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince had already been killed by the rebels. The Fifth Prince had luckily escaped. He was at a disadvantage in terms of age, and he did not have enough support.
Currently, the battle between the First Prince and the Second Prince was the most intense, and they had the most support. Once they made their stance known, the final direction would be decided.
"Everyone, stop arguing. Let's listen to Prime Minister Song and Prince Wu's opinions." An official said.
Now it was finally time for the main event. Which prince would receive the approval of these top officials?
Wu Sanhao was the first to speak. "I don't care which prince becomes the Emperor. It's fine as long as he has Tang blood."
His words made it clear that he was in the middle. He did not support any of the princes.
"Hmph, I think the First Prince is very suitable. He is also the eldest son, so he should be the new Emperor. I have never seen the Emperor's will, so it's not trustworthy." Third Master Qiao snorted with dissatisfaction. He actually hoped that Wu Sanhao would support the First Prince.
"Grand Tutor Qiao, that's not right. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. This is an imperial edict, and we cannot go against it." Shang Liyou responded in a neutral tone.
Third Master Qiao was the Emperor's teacher. He had a very high status, but unfortunately, he didn't have any real power. Now that the Emperor had left, Shang Liyou was even less afraid of him.
"Lord Shang, everyone knows how the Second Prince's character compares to the First Prince. Moreover, you are the Second Prince's uncle. It's natural for you to protect him, but I will never agree." Third Master Qiao fumed with anger.
"Grand Tutor Qiao, us old officials should agree with the Emperor's decision. I support the Second Prince." Song Lirui said indifferently.
After he spoke, many civil officials began to agree with him. It was clear how powerful his appeal was.
Without Great General Luo Gongming, there were not many people who could speak for the military officers. Their opinions were ignored.
The civil officials had the final say in many important matters of the imperial court.
Cao Jianda hesitated and said, "Shouldn't we listen to the Empress's opinion?"
Just as he finished speaking, someone said, "I don't think it's necessary. We, the Medicine King Pavilion, support the Second Prince."
Unknowingly, the Medicine King Pavilion's Pavilion Master, Yao Lingyu, walked in from outside the hall. Beside him was a mysterious person wearing a cloak.
Yao Yanhai was dead, but the Medicine King Pavilion hadn't disbanded. Their position in Great Xia hadn't been shaken. Yao Lingyu's words still carried considerable weight.
"You people don't follow the ancient teachings and play the zither recklessly. Only the First Prince can become the Emperor." Old Grand Tutor Hua said agitatedly.
Perhaps because Old Grand Tutor Hua was too agitated, he couldn't catch his breath. His eyes rolled back and he actually fainted on the spot.
This time, many people were scared out of their wits.
"Old Grand Tutor Hua isn't young anymore. He should have stayed at home for a thousand years. What's the point of meddling in the affairs of the imperial court?" Someone sneered.
Third Master Qiao and Old Grand Preceptor Hua had a grudge against each other, but that was all in the past. Now, they were both worried about the important matters of the imperial court. Seeing someone laughing at Old Grand Preceptor Hua, Third Master Qiao threw the two jade balls in his hands at the official and shouted, "How dare you mock me? Do you want all of us old bones to die so that you can take control of the imperial court and overthrow it?"
The official was hit by Third Master Qiao's jade balls and was in great pain. He wanted to curse back, but he didn't dare. Wu Sanhao's sharp eyes made him panic.
"The Emperor's body hasn't even been cold yet, and you're already making a ruckus here. Don't you feel ashamed?" Yang Zhennan, who hadn't spoken until now, said faintly.
Although he was an Earl, he no longer had an official position. In fact, he couldn't discuss matters in the imperial court. It was only because he had protected the Emperor that he was allowed to stay.
Everyone's eyes fell on Yang Zhennan. For a moment, they didn't know how to respond.
Yao Lingyu and the Yang family had an irreconcilable feud. He said loudly, "The country can't go a day without a ruler. Only when a new ruler is chosen can we preside over the Emperor's funeral. I suggest that the Second Prince ascend the throne immediately." Then he pointed at Yang Zhennan and asked, "Yang Zhennan, I heard that you were the first to know that there was a rebellion. Is that true?"
Yang Zhennan didn't even look at Yao Lingyu. He replied, "Yes."
"That night, did you force your way into the palace?" Yao Lingyu asked again.
"Yes!" Yang Zhennan's expression was normal as he replied. He knew that the other party was here to cause trouble.
"It's good that you admitted it. In fact, you're also a rebel. Everyone, quickly take him down." Yao Lingyu said with certainty.
This time, everyone was stunned.
Yao Lingyu didn't have much skill in slandering this person. He had tried his best to protect the Emperor and was almost killed. Now he was accusing him of being a rebel. Did he think they were retarded?
"If you want to avenge your father, then say it. Why do you have to accuse me of something like this? Do you think everyone is blind?" Yang Zhennan replied domineeringly.
"Haha, do you think I said that on purpose?" Yao Lingyu laughed. He then said to the mysterious person next to him, "Jiang Kang, you can testify for me."
The mysterious person stood up and took off his cloak, revealing his true face. He was a middle-aged man with a cut on his face. The hideous scar was shocking to look at. Anyone who saw it would feel afraid and disgusted.
Jiang Kang knelt on the spot and said: "Jiang Kang greets Daren."
"Jiang Kang, the housekeeper of Prince Fu An's Mansion?" Song Xiang asked in doubt.
Yes, this lowly one is the housekeeper of Prince Fu An's Mansion. This lowly one did not know about Prince Fu An's rebellion, but the night before the rebellion, I saw Yang Daren and Prince Fu An had a private meeting. I also vaguely heard that Prince Fu An wanted to kill all the members of the royal family. After this lowly one heard it, he was so scared that he fled the mansion overnight. However, I was soon caught by Prince Fu An. My face was cut off, and I was imprisoned. Fortunately, Medicine Pavilion Master saved me. Jiang Kang said while trembling.
"Yang Zhennan, what else do you have to say?" Yao Lingyu once again questioned Yang Zhennan.
"Yao Lingyu, you have a problem with your brain." Yang Zhennan said while pointing his finger at Yao Lingyu.
"Yang Zhennan!" Yao Lingyu's eyes almost spewed out fire. He looked at the others and said: "Jiang Kang is the housekeeper of Prince Fu An's Mansion. You don't believe his words?"
"Everyone knows that my Yang Family and Prince Fu An are not on good terms. You still want to throw this matter on me? I have to say, you really have a problem with your brain." Yang Zhennan emphasized again.
The others also thought the same. Yao Lingyu did not do a good job.
"No, Prince Fu An is not on bad terms with you. All of this is just a trick between you and Prince Fu An. Prince Fu An was also used by you. You want to be the emperor." Jiang Kang shouted.
This time, everyone's mind was shaken.
This time, the Yang Family was in the limelight. If the Yang Family wanted to be the emperor, it will not be difficult.
Song Lirui said to Wu Sanhao: "Wu Wangye, whether this is the truth or not, please take him down first."
"Yes, Yang Zhennan is a big suspect." Shang Liyou quickly said.
Then, several people followed and pointed their spears at Yang Zhennan.
Yang Zhennan frowned and straightened his body, then said: "I, Yang Zhennan, have a clear conscience."
"If that's the case, benwang will take care of you first. When you are cleared of your crimes, benwang will let you go." Wu Sanhao said.
At this time, a voice sounded outside the door: "Who dares to touch my father, benwang will kill his nine generations!"
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