Chapter 458 Empress Zheng barges in

Could it be that Minister Nong knows everything about the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion?!

The Duke of Zhenguo was in a panic. His intuition told him that he couldn't let Minister Nong say a single word in front of everyone, or things could turn out very badly.

The Duke of Zhenguo was thrown into disarray. Before he could even think of what to do, Xie Yunshang shoved the Minister of Agriculture aside and knelt before the Emperor.

"Father, my second brother and I put on this show to expose those in the court who harbor ulterior motives and are trying to incite conflict. Now that the list is in your hands, my mission is complete."

Xie Yun's gaze was resolute, with a hint of lightness. "Now, I beg Father Emperor to do as you said before: if I still have the same idea after returning to the capital, please allow me to hand over the position of Crown Prince to someone more suitable for me!"

Xie Yun-yang spoke each word with utmost seriousness. This was the first time Xie Yun-yang had revealed these words to the public in public, which shocked almost everyone present.

The gasps continued for a long time, and many people reacted even more strongly than when they learned that the rift between the Second Prince and the Crown Prince had actually been an act all along.

The crown prince voluntarily abdicated, which is the first time in the entire history of the Yu Kingdom that such a thing has ever happened!

Some people were even heard muttering something like, "We're witnessing history."

Xie Yuxiao rubbed his temples. He had figured it out in the past few days. Xie Yun's heart was never on the dragon throne within these four palace walls. Forcing it would only backfire. It was better to grant his wish and let him do what he wanted.

Wasn't he forced to kill his brothers back then?

If Xie Yuxiao hadn't figured things out, he wouldn't have stopped being so strict with Xie Yunqi's studies, and he certainly wouldn't have gone out of his way to speak to Consort Li yesterday.

He looked up at the young man kneeling upright below, his eyes swirling with complex emotions—reluctance, relief, and the weight of being an emperor.

Although he was a father, he was more of an emperor.

Like most people, judging from a rational perspective, Xie Yunyang's personality does indeed lack the decisiveness and ruthlessness of Xie Yunchuan.

For an emperor, ability and benevolence are not enough; when necessary, ruthlessness can also be a compliment.

Xie Yunchuan is indeed more suitable to be the crown prince than him.

"Do you know that once the position of Crown Prince is relinquished, there is no turning back?"

The hall fell silent instantly, so quiet that you could hear someone breathing.

Xie Yunyang smiled with relief, straightening his back even more: "Your subject understands that my ambition lies elsewhere, and it is also because I am ashamed of my own inadequacy. I believe everyone can see that my second brother is superior to me in every aspect, and is more suitable for this position. I feel truly ashamed for failing to live up to Father's expectations and trust. However, I humbly request that Father grant my request, and I will work with my second brother to safeguard the peace of the people of Yu Kingdom. As for the position of Crown Prince, my second brother has the world in his heart, is calm and composed, and is more suitable than me."

Xie Yun-yang spoke earnestly and with resounding force, his clear voice echoing among the beams and pillars of the hall.

"What I seek is not the power of the emperor, but a peace in the Yu Kingdom and an end to the displacement of its people. My second brother has assisted the government for many years, and he dared to go to the northern border alone when he was only seven years old. I admire his courage and determination. Passing the throne to him is a decision I have made after careful consideration, and it is for the long-term stability of the Yu Kingdom. It is not a decision made on a whim."

As soon as he finished speaking, he bowed and kowtowed, his forehead lightly touching the gold brick. His posture was respectful yet firm, without the slightest hesitation.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The officials who had been whispering earlier had all composed themselves, and their gazes toward Xie Yunyang had gradually lost their shock and gained more respect.

Throughout history, there have been countless people who have pursued money and power.

The desires fueled by power will only grow stronger for some.

It is already a rare occurrence for a crown prince to voluntarily relinquish power; such a magnanimous spirit of not coveting power and having the country at heart is even more precious.

What is most amazing is that genuine feelings can actually arise within the royal family.

Minister Li silently lowered his head and drank his tea, sighing, "As the saying goes, when brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal."

Xie Yunchuan had been watching Xie Yunyang's figure the whole time.

He and Xie Yun-yang are the closest in age among all their siblings.

Their relationship naturally became the best.

Over the years, he had never heard Xie Yunyang complain to him, but he could always sense it.

Because they are brothers, blood brothers who have been together since childhood.

With just a glance or a gesture, Xie Yunchuan could sense the emotions hidden in his heart.

Seeing Xie Yun-yang standing in the main hall today, fiercely breaking free of his shackles, Xie Yun-chuan felt an indescribable joy for him.

The fluttering of butterflies and the swishing of fish are all for the sake of reaching a freer world.

For Xie Yun, the status of Crown Prince had long been a shackle under the oppression of Empress Zheng.

Today, Xie Yun-yang finally broke it himself.

Just as Xie Yuxiao was about to speak, a scream suddenly rang out, interrupting everything.

"Can't!"

A figure rushed in, dressed simply, with a very basic hairstyle, and even her makeup and jewelry were sloppy, clearly indicating that she had come in a hurry.

The person who arrived was none other than Empress Zheng, who should have been under house arrest.

Empress Zheng stormed in, looking somewhat disheveled, but more than anything, she was in a state of hysterical madness.

Behind Empress Zheng, several panicked and frightened palace maids and eunuchs followed in.

"What's going on!" Eunuch Hou immediately demanded in a stern voice.

The palace maids answered tremblingly, "We...we couldn't stop Her Majesty the Empress, and we dared not interfere..."

Xie Yuxiao's gaze darkened. He didn't blame anyone, waved for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave, and then kept a close eye on Empress Zheng's movements.

Ignoring the guards' attempts to stop her, Empress Zheng was overjoyed to see that Xie Yuxiao did not dismiss her. She stumbled and fell to the foot of the dragon throne, clutching the hem of Xie Yuxiao's dragon robe tightly, her nails almost digging into the brocade: "Your Majesty! You must not allow the Crown Prince to resign! He is the heir apparent of the Eastern Palace, the future ruler of Yu Kingdom. How can he just give up his position like that?! This is against the rules, and it is a disservice to our ancestors!"

Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were red-rimmed, and then she turned her head and stared intently at Xie Yunyang, her voice full of heartache and resentment: "Are you confused! The position of Crown Prince is something that so many people dream of, how can you just throw it away like that? Do you know what this position carries? It is the honor and disgrace of the Zheng family, your bright future, and the foundation of the entire Yu Kingdom! How can you ruin all of this because of a moment of willfulness?! How can you face me, how can you face the Zheng family, how can you face your third brother?!"