Xiao Yuanshan personally visited Li Xiao's wife, Madam Li, and asked her to preside over Xiao Zhixing's coming-of-age ceremony.

Early in the morning, when the emperor's lavish gifts were delivered to the prince's residence, those who had been waiting on the sidelines immediately arrived, and the place was soon packed with guests.

Xiao Yuanshan looked very happy today, wearing brand-new casual clothes, and smiling at everyone.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the ceremony began. Watching Xiao Zhixing walk step by step towards the twelve-tiered platform, Madam Li tied his hair and gave him a speech.

Xiao Yuanshan's eyes were moist.

Finally, he personally carried a dragon and phoenix gold and jade crown up to Xiao Zhixing and placed the crown on his head.

That's a male crown.

The onlookers murmured to themselves that the young prince's twelve layers of clothing were different from what was worn for a proper woman's coming-of-age ceremony.

Besides the dragon cloud that belongs to the prince, it also strangely incorporates men's clothing and close-fitting clothes, and the immortal grass, birds and beasts on it are also commonly used by men.

However, Prince Xiao's attire was indeed handsome, possessing both feminine grace and masculine dashingness.

Xiao Yuanshan personally placed the ceremonial crown on her head, and then announced in front of everyone that he would step down from the limelight and that Xiao Zhixing would inherit the throne as the new generation of the supreme first-rank Zhengwang.

Xiao Zhixing was surprised, "Father?"

How can the throne be passed down while the previous generation is still alive? It's not like it's an imperial throne and you can become an emperor emeritus.

Xiao Yuanshan laughed and said, "I'm getting old, and I just want to live a simple life as a farmer and enjoy my retirement. I'm at ease leaving the Zhenguo Palace in your hands."

Xiao Zhixing lifted his robe and knelt in greeting, saying, "Thank you, Father."

Xiao Yuanshan deserved her kneeling.

Xiao Yuanshan personally helped her up, his smile radiant. "Good, good, my son has come of age and will surely become a phoenix. My heart is filled with joy."

Shortly after the ceremony, Luo Mangong suddenly arrived in person, holding an imperial edict. Everyone waited with their hands clasped in respect.

"...To celebrate his coming-of-age ceremony, Xiao Jia is hereby granted the title of First-Rank Prince of a Different Surname, with the honorary title of Yuansheng. This is the imperial decree!"

Those present were stunned for a moment before they realized what was happening.

Does Xiao Yuanshan not need to abdicate his throne?

The Xiao family actually has two princes?!

Is the emperor trying to fatten up the pig so he can slaughter it later?

Why is he, who is usually so stingy with titles, suddenly being so generous?

Some people couldn't help but frown; having two kings in one family was too illustrious.

Moreover, if it is not properly controlled, it will surely become a great disaster in the future. How could Your Majesty be so muddle-headed?

Or perhaps the emperor didn't really believe Xiao Zhixing was his daughter?

Why else would they treat the eldest prince like a stepfather, yet shower Xiao Zhixing with such favor?

Xiao Zhixing accepted the imperial edict with both hands, a complex expression flashing across his face. "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!"

Luo Mangong did not miss her expression and smiled, "Congratulations, Prince Yuansheng. Today is a joyous occasion for your family. His Majesty is too busy with state affairs to attend in person, so he specially sent this old servant to drink a cup of celebratory wine."

"Please, Eunuch Luo."

Those who listen intently: I'm numb, completely numb.

Looking at Xiao Yuanshan's sour face, they suddenly felt a little sorry for him.

The emperor looks like he's here to kidnap someone.

Then Luo Mangong took his seat, and the Empress Dowager's congratulatory gifts arrived.

The Empress Dowager came from the wealthy Li clan of Longxi and generously gave Xiao Zhixing 3,000 mu of fertile land, ten shops, and twenty sets of gold, silver, jewelry, spices, and cloth.

Everyone: Is this the Empress Dowager's private dowry?

They were completely numb.

Could it be that Xiao Zhixing is really the emperor's son?!

"Thank you for the Empress Dowager's gift."

Xiao Zhixing thought to himself that this mother and son were interesting; were they thinking the same thing?

"Your Highness, if you have time, please visit the Empress Dowager's palace. I'll head back to report now," the head maid, Madam Song, said with a smile.

"Yes, Yuansheng will definitely visit Your Highness another day."

After seeing off Granny Song, it wasn't quiet for long before several of the Emperor's concubines, who had a low profile, sent lavish gifts.

Immediately afterwards, the Northern Barbarian envoy An Wuxi arrived, followed by his attendants carrying a tray covered with a red cloth.

Xiao Zhixing's smile didn't reach his eyes. "So it's the Imperial Preceptor An. You must be tired from your long journey and you're getting on in years. Why didn't you get a proper rest?"

An Wuxi smiled, "Today is Prince Yuansheng's joyous occasion, how could I not join in the fun?"

He waved his hand, and the person behind him lifted the red cloth on the plate, revealing a blood-stained leopard talisman.

"This is the Song family army's leopard tally. His Majesty believes it is most appropriate to return this item to its rightful owner."

Others couldn't help but glare angrily; it was humiliating!

The Song family army suffered 50,000 casualties and 20,000 were captured. Their commander was dead and their unit name was completely wiped out. Such a "gift" is a blatant mockery.

Xiao Zhixing sneered, "Does Your Majesty not intend to cease hostilities? Very well, actually I don't want to cease hostilities either. How about I head north immediately to continue hunting on the grasslands?"

An Wuxi frowned. "Your Highness misunderstands. Song Kang was a traitorous general of Dasheng. His Majesty sent his belongings back as a gesture of goodwill."

Xiao Zhixing sneered, "Whether Song Kang is a traitor or not is a matter for our country to judge. It is not for you to make such a judgment and humiliate us."

With a flick of his sleeve, he drew the leopard talisman into his hand. "I'll take the leopard talisman. Grand Preceptor An is an unwelcome guest. Please leave. I won't see you off."

An Wuxi wasn't angry; he simply cupped his hands in greeting and left.

Xiao Zhixing frowned. It seemed she wasn't scared enough; she also had to attend this negotiation.

Everyone thought things had finally calmed down, but unexpectedly, someone came to give gifts again.

"To celebrate Your Highness's joyous occasion, we present you with 30,000 taels of gold, 50,000 taels of silver, a precious sword, and 30 fine steeds!"

The person who arrived was of average appearance. He stood at the door and shouted loudly to attract attention, while there was a long queue outside.

Xiao Zhixing asked curiously, "May I ask what your esteemed residence is?"

Who is giving such an important gift?

The middle-aged man smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. “Please forgive me, Your Highness. My lord has said that you will know this in the future. The gifts have been delivered. I will take my leave now.”

They left the gift and walked away very decisively.

Xiao Zhixing's heart skipped a beat. Could it be Xiao Yan?

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!