Zhu Yunying, the crown prince, has not appeared in court for nearly a month. Even on his birthday, he only celebrated with his relatives and the imperial clan. Even some trusted ministers could not see Zhu Yunying, as he remained secluded in the Eastern Palace.

Even though many people knew that the imperial memorials were still approved by the Crown Prince, everyone tacitly turned a blind eye to these matters.

The sudden appearance of the Crown Prince in court excited many, who knew the tide had turned. The Crown Prince's previous seclusion was, in reality, merely a way to avoid suspicion. Even if it seemed somewhat unnecessary, everyone knew that according to certain etiquette, Zhu Yunying, as the Crown Prince, should also avoid any appearance of impropriety.

But there's no need to worry about those things now, because the die is cast. If nothing unexpected happens, His Majesty the Emperor will issue the abdication edict in the next few days. In a few days, we'll see the new emperor ascend the throne, and the Ming Dynasty will finally welcome its second emperor.

Previously appearing to be in good health, Emperor Zhu was now walking with a limp, leaving many civil and military officials feeling numb. This emperor could fall ill whenever he wanted, and become seriously ill whenever he wanted. One day he could be full of energy, commanding everyone in the court, and the next day he could be too sick to get out of bed.

It's better to play dumb than to be too shrewd. Everyone is happy to play dumb and just play along.

Zhu Yunying, expressionless and unapproachable, showed no intention of speaking or communicating with his ministers. Since he was putting on an act, he wanted to go all the way; it wasn't really appropriate to say much to everyone right now. Keeping things simple was best.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Emperor Zhu coughed a few times and slowly spoke, "These days, I have also thought it through. Clinging to power is not a good thing. Take Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang, for example. They were both valiant and extraordinary rulers in their youth, but they became muddleheaded in their later years. Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, was even more suspicious in his later years, slaughtered meritorious officials, and deposed the crown prince, which led to the demise of the Sui Dynasty after only two generations."

The Fengtian Hall was completely silent, with only Old Zhu's voice echoing continuously.

Looking at the court, Emperor Zhu said, "I abdicate today, and the edict has been written. Minister of the Imperial Clan Court and Minister of Rites, proclaim the decree!"

The officials immediately knelt down, and Ren Hengtai, the Minister of Rites, kowtowed before receiving the imperial edict. Prince Zhu Gang of Jin stood aside, carefully examining every word of the edict; he dared not be careless at this moment.

Zhu Yunying knelt on the ground, though he had been mentally prepared for this moment. However, at this moment, his mind was a complete mess, and he was so dizzy that he could barely hear anything.

"Imperial Grandson Zhu Yunying, ascend the throne at an appointed time!"

"Long live the Emperor!"

After Ren Hengtai delivered the imperial edict with great vigor, the cheers of "Long live the Emperor!" from the assembled officials brought Zhu Yunying back to his senses.

Zhu Yuanzhang has officially announced his abdication, and the abdication edict has been issued. The next major event, naturally, is Zhu Yunying's ascension to the throne.

Old Zhu smiled as he looked at Zhu Yunying, who still seemed dizzy, and stepped down from the dragon throne. He grabbed Zhu Yunying's wrist, and Zhu Yunying followed Old Zhu somewhat mechanically.

Pressing hard on Zhu Yunying's shoulder, and looking at Zhu Yunying's red eyes, Old Zhu also felt a little emotional, "Don't act like a child and make yourself a laughing stock. We've all abdicated, it's your turn to sit on the dragon throne. Let us watch, let your imperial grandfather watch the ministers pay homage to their new emperor."

Zhu Yunying's voice choked with emotion as she gripped Old Zhu's arm with both hands, "Grandpa, please sit down."

Old Zhu couldn't help but burst into laughter, and then said, "Alright, let's sit down!"

Old Zhu and Young Zhu sat side by side on the dragon throne. Looking at the upright Zhu Yunying, Old Zhu also became serious, "All civil and military officials, kowtow to the new emperor!"

At this moment, Zhu Gang was very perceptive. He left his post early and knelt down. When Zhu Yunying subconsciously tried to stand up, Old Zhu grabbed him and prevented him from getting up.

At this moment, Zhu Gang shouted loudly, "Hush!"

All the civil and military officials immediately knelt down, placed their hands on their foreheads, and responded loudly, "Long live the Emperor!"

Zhu Gang said again, "Hush!"

"Long live!"

"Hail!"

Long live the Emperor!

When Zhu Gang led the officials to kneel and pay homage to the new emperor, the musicians and military officers shouted in unison.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

The sound emanating from Fengtian Hall was loud enough to travel past Fengtian Gate and out of Wu Gate.

Old Zhu laughed heartily, took the jade tablet from the tray that Fu Gui had brought, and said, "Ying'er, I entrust this empire to you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately stood up, knelt down, and raised his hands above his head, saying, "Your subject Zhu Yunying will remember your teachings."

Watching Zhu Yunying accept the imperial jade tablet, the old Zhu showed no reluctance whatsoever. The empire he had painstakingly built was meant to be handed over to his descendants; he simply hoped to see his offspring achieve great things, to witness the orderly succession of the Ming Dynasty, and for the dynasty to last for ten thousand years!

Turning to the kneeling officials, Old Zhu said, "I have had it checked, and three days from now is an auspicious day. The new emperor, Yunying, will ascend the throne in three days! My beloved ministers, do your jobs well and do not disappoint the new emperor's expectations!"

After saying this, Old Zhu turned around with a flourish. He walked with a majestic stride, a far cry from his previous unsteady gait when attending court.

Zhu Yunying remained kneeling, as did the assembled officials; none of them dared to raise their heads to watch Zhu's departing figure.

After about half an incense stick's time, Zhu Yunying slowly rose. He did not sit on the dragon throne. He had just been allowed to sit on the dragon throne under the guidance of his father, but the enthronement ceremony had not yet begun, and young Zhu did not want to be criticized for these matters.

"My beloved ministers, rise," Zhu Yunying said slowly. "These days, state affairs have been busy. All departments must remember to perform their duties well and not let any matter interfere with state affairs. That's enough for today. Court adjourned."

After saying this, Zhu Yunying turned and left. He was so overwhelmed with emotion that he had no mind to deal with state affairs.

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