As General Xu was ill, the Duke's Mansion did not offer him any food. Half an hour later, Yang Yanzong and the other two said goodbye and left.

He strode out of Duke Xu's mansion, jumped on his horse, said goodbye to Ji Yuanhao and went back to their respective homes. At the moment he pulled the reins to turn the horse's head, Yang Yanzong drooped his eyelids.

The sound of horse hooves could be heard behind him. Out of the corner of his eye he could still see the two black lacquered doors of Duke Xu's mansion and Xu Wenkai, who had personally escorted them out and was standing by the door. Yang Yanzong pulled the corner of his lip slightly.

His expression was still indifferent, no different from usual, except that his eyes were deep and unfathomable.

——Of course he understood the implication of General Xu’s words.

How should I put it? There is a feeling that is both unexpected and reasonable.

Yang Yanzong was an extremely perceptive person. When the emperor's successor had not been decided for a long time, he had a vague premonition that something unexpected might happen.

After all, he has known General Xu for many years and has had many contacts with him. This man is not a person without any prospects.

He has been resolute and vigorous all his life. Now he is old and sick, but his mind is not confused.

It’s true!

Ji Yuanhao, the throne?

Yang Yanzong had a calm expression, showing no emotion at all. He whipped the horse and a group of horses galloped out.

The snow fell heavily at night, and not a trace of it disappeared after a while.

Xu Wenkai stood there for a long time, feeling somewhat complicated. After a while, he shook his head, turned around and told his family to close the door.

The red painted gate closed with a bang. The spring snow had not stopped, but it was clear that the sky in Yangdu City would soon turn over a new leaf.

…

However, compared with Yang Yanzong's unpredictable mood and Xu Wenkai's complicated mood, Ji Yuanhao, as the person involved, was much more cheerful.

The snow was falling heavier at night, the north wind was howling, he was galloping on the cold and chilly streets in the spring, but he had an indescribable feeling of blood boiling!

He was sweating all over because of the fever! My face and chest couldn't help but feel hot.

Ascend the throne? proclaim oneself emperor!

This thought was like a spring thunder, a flash of lightning in the dark night, and the sky and the earth suddenly became clear.

Certain resentment and ambitions that had been hidden deep in his heart suddenly began to burn fiercely, like a prairie fire, unstoppable, as if they could dry up his blood in the next moment, making his heart surge and beat!

——Yes, they are all descendants of Taizu, so how can he be worse than anyone else? The old emperor could adopt the eldest son from the younger clan, so why couldn't he!

The horse galloped back to the mansion and strode in. The mansion was still in mourning, and everyone's face was still sad. However, Ji Yuanhao swept away all the sadness and depression he had previously felt. His steps were so powerful that his breathing was even a little rapid. He walked quickly into the ancestral hall on the west side and burned incense on the two brand new tablets. He murmured, "Do you know?"

He finally waited until today!

In the past, he lost his father and mother in his childhood. As a member of the royal family, he lived worse than ordinary people. He finally met an uncle and adoptive father, but he was as fierce as a wolf and harbored evil intentions. He has come to where he is today step by step, struggling through blood and tears along the way. Today's things are not easy to come by, and when he thinks about it carefully, he can't help but burst into tears.

But today, he has finally lived up to himself, he will reach the pinnacle of glory, above millions of people!

Those eyes, which had always been unfathomable, could no longer conceal their excitement at this moment.

After all the hardship comes happiness.

Everything that has happened over the past twenty years has been worth it!

…

Mansion of Duke Xu.

After Xu Wenkai personally saw off the two distinguished guests, he returned to his father's main courtyard. The strong smell of medicine filled the room. General Xu asked, "Have they all left?"

"Yes, father."

Xu Wenkai carefully helped his father lie down, massaged his chest to help him breathe, and helped him use the spittoon. However, he couldn't hide his worry: "Dad, will the old Prince Su agree? Will the royal family agree?"

He was not very optimistic. After all, Ji Yuanhao's blood relationship was too distant, while the old Prince Su and the royal family were all eager to support the legitimate branch.

"What should we do then?"

General Xu asked in return, if there was anyone among the direct or close relatives who could support and suppress Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao, he would not have to consider it for so long.

Seeing his eldest son speechless, General Xu couldn't help but sigh: "Actually, convincing the old Prince Su is not the most difficult thing."

The most difficult one is still Yang Yanzong!

Yang Yanzong is not a person who is easy to deal with. If the relationship between him and Ji Yuanhao is not handled properly, I am afraid that disaster will occur in the future.

"Dad, you should rest first. If you have anything, we can talk about it when you wake up tomorrow."

Seeing that his father was seriously ill but still had to work so hard, Xu Wenkai felt sad and distressed, so he quickly persuaded him to rest quickly.

General Xu felt dizzy and could hardly hold on any longer. He nodded, lay down for a short while, and fell into a deep sleep.

Xu Wenkai stayed on guard for half the night before he took over shifts with his brother and went to bed in his clothes.

General Xu was indeed a man of swift and decisive actions. After a night's rest, he felt a little better the next day and immediately asked someone to find King Su.

The cousins, who were over fifty years old, had a fierce argument, but General Xu persuaded them with both reason and emotion, and finally succeeded in convincing the old King Su after several days of effort.

In the end, the two of them joined forces to suppress the fierce opposition from the royal family.

At this point, time can no longer be delayed.

The court and the public could no longer suppress the discussions, and the successor to the throne had to be announced immediately.

However, before announcing it to the outside world, General Xu still had a very important thing to do.

…

It was three days later that General Xu saw Ji Yuanhao again.

When Ji Yuanhao entered the room, General Xu had just come out of the toilet in the separate room with the support of Xu Wenkai. Ji Yuanhao quickly stepped forward and supported General Xu's other arm.

General Xu looked even weaker. The mental exhaustion of the past few days had made his body almost exhausted. When he touched him, he found that his arms were shaking and he was as thin as a stick, which made people's heart tighten.

Even so, General Xu's eyes were still extremely sharp.

After being helped back to the bed and sitting down, he dismissed Xu Wenkai and ordered all outsiders not to approach, and anyone who violated the order would be beaten to death. General Xu's cheeks had become so sunken that one could even see the shape of his skull, but his old eyes were still bright and clear.

The footsteps gradually faded away. He stared at Ji Yuanhao for a long time before saying, "I hope I'm not mistaken about him."

Old General Xu looked at Ji Yuanhao in front of him with a scrutinizing gaze. He had looked through all the royal family members of the right age, and there was no one better than the young man in front of him.

Ji Yuanhao had his sources of information and guesses, and he knew what was going on, but when he really heard what General Xu said, he couldn't help but feel his blood boiling. Ji Yuanhao brushed his skirt, knelt on one knee, and said in a loud voice: "Yuanhao will definitely live up to the old general's expectations!"

"The old general is so righteous, Yuan Hao will never forget him!!"

General Xu smiled and slowly leaned back on the pillow. "Half of my blood is from the Ji family. My grandfather took good care of me when I was young. This is the last thing I can do for the Ji family."

It’s not a question of whether it’s high-righteous or not.

General Xu's old voice slowly said: "Daqing has been established for hundreds of years. Now, there is the Ten Kings Rebellion, and then there is the Kun family's chaos in the palace and the government. It has lasted for more than ten years and has had a profound impact. The country is not prosperous and urgently needs a wise ruler."

Ji Yuanhao took a deep breath, his expression solemn, and said in a loud voice: "Yuanhao will definitely do his best in the future!"

General Xu had no doubt about this. After all, this world would be his kingdom from now on.

"I'm only worried about one thing," Old General Xu looked down at Ji Yuanhao. He was not worried about anything but that Ji Yuanhao was too impatient. The country was now facing internal and external troubles and could not withstand any more turmoil! Of course, he was concerned about the other person and didn't say it explicitly, but I think Ji Yuanhao would understand!

General Xu stared at Ji Yuanhao, his old eyes as sharp as an eagle's. He said word by word: "I only want to ask you one thing. If Yang Yanzong has no act of disloyalty, can you live in harmony with him in the future?!"

Ji Yuanhao said without hesitation: "Yes!"

"Shen Xing and I have been working together and helping each other for a long time, and we will continue to do so in the future!"

General Xu said sternly: "Do you dare to swear?!"

Ji Yuanhao raised his right hand without hesitation and pointed to the sky: "I, Ji Yuanhao, swear again that if I ascend to the throne in the future, I will abide by what I said to General Xu today, otherwise!" He paused, "The spirits of my parents, wife and brother in heaven will not rest in peace!!"

Sonorous and powerful, with a resounding voice!

"very good."

General Xu nodded, and he slowly leaned back on the pillow, "Let's go back, I'm tired."

Ji Yuanhao tucked in the quilt for General Xu and bowed respectfully to take his leave. After he left, General Xu tilted his head for a long time and asked, "Did you hear it clearly?"

After a while, the door curtain moved and a slight rustling sound of clothes was heard. After a while, a man came out from behind the eight-panel landscape screen. It was Yang Yanzong!

Yang Yanzong slowly raised his eyes, and General Xu stared at him with a very stern look: "I also want you to promise me one thing, as a minister, you must never have any evil intentions!"

This old general on the sickbed was of noble birth but had been stationed at the border for a long time, eating and drinking the same food as ordinary soldiers. His flesh and blood was like a fortress barrier guarding the border for decades, protecting the peace of the country after his death. To be honest, Yang Yanzong always respected such a person from the bottom of his heart.

At this moment, under the other party's questioning, Yang Yanzong slowly turned the ring on his right thumb, and finally said: "If he doesn't touch me, I won't touch him."

He said calmly, but he thought this possibility was slightly smaller.

General Xu was silent for a long time, then nodded: "I hope you can do what you say."

After Yang Yanzong left, Xu Wenkai came in and looked at his tired father worriedly, "Dad?"

General Xu leaned back against the big pillow and shook his head: "I just hope he doesn't forget the oath he made today."

I'm talking about Ji Yuanhao.

General Xu made an estimate, but he found that even he couldn't measure how deep Yang Yanzong was.

I just hope that kid never underestimates the other party.

It would be safer for Ji Yuanhao not to go back on his oath for at least ten years.

Otherwise, it’s hard to say.

General Xu sighed, but he had tried his best!

Now, he has done everything he can, and it is the best he can think of. No matter who takes the position, he will not be able to escape this situation. He may even have to add Ji Yuanhao. If these two join forces, no one can stop them.

…

On the 22nd day of the first lunar month, Ji Yuanhao officially ascended the throne and became emperor.

On this day, the snow had just stopped and the long-lost golden sunshine shone upon the earth. It was sunny for two consecutive days and the golden tiles and red walls reflected dazzling brilliance under the golden morning sun!

When the auspicious moment arrived, the chime stones were struck, and the melodious and solemn sound of Zhonghe Shao music resounded throughout the entire imperial city. After a while, drums sounded loudly and salutes blasted!

The imperial carriage left the palace gate and went along the quiet street straight to the Altar of Heaven, Earth and State. After offering sacrifices to Heaven, Earth and State, it returned to the Taimiao and kowtowed to the ancestors of the Ji family and the emperors and empresses of all dynasties.

Afterwards, changing into the twelve-layered imperial ceremonial robe, twelve colored pearls on it, and a bright yellow dragon robe with piping, the new emperor ascended step by step to the Yongle Hall, climbed the nine-story jade steps, turned around, and sat on the gold-painted nine-dragon chair.

The ceremonial officer returned with the imperial seal, and he stretched out his hand and took it.

After a while, the imperial edict was issued to the whole country, and the new emperor will accept the congratulations of all officials!

Today, the Yongle Hall is packed with people from royal family members to civil and military officials, all dressed in formal attire and standing solemnly inside the hall. The hall is also filled with people extending to the square outside the hall.

There were so many people, but it was completely silent.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the colorful pavilion holding the imperial edict being carried down from the jade steps and out of the palace gate. The royal family and a group of royalist court officials paused for a moment before they lifted their clothes and knelt down.

"Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty—"

"Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty—"

"Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty—"

The roars of the mountains gathered into a stream, like a huge bell, like a tsunami, and at this moment, the midday sun shone on the white marble platform in front of the Yongle Hall, and refracted just right, shining on the gold-painted nine-dragon chair on the nine-story jade steps!

Ji Yuanhao's blood boiled. He stood up, holding the jade seal in his hand, sitting on the supreme throne in the world, overlooking the picturesque landscape!

…

Ji Yuanhao finally ascended the throne on the 22nd day of the first lunar month and posthumously named his first wife, Ren, as Empress Yuan. He also conferred titles on all members of the royal family and many ministers who had made contributions in the extermination of Kun.

On the day of the coronation ceremony, a grand banquet was held for all the ministers.

This grand banquet was a tradition. Although the palace had no owner before, there were still supervisors in various places. It was expected that the throne would not be vacant for too long, so everything that needed to be prepared was prepared.

In addition, it hasn’t been long since we prepared for it, so everyone is still familiar with the process.

Therefore, although the new emperor had just entered the palace, the banquet was flawless. The etiquette was perfect, and the dishes were standard but rich.

The dancers for palace operas were all ready-made, with graceful dance moves and various styles of actors, all lifelike.

However, unlike the low-ranking officials who were enjoying themselves at the imperial banquet, the royal family and many ministers sitting in the front were much more silent. It was obvious that the new emperor was quite beyond their expectations.

They raised their glasses and toasted, but they exchanged glances in groups of three or four, their eyes were subtle and their moods varied.

Ji Yuanhao did not take it as an offense. He raised his glass and gave a speech with a smile. His former subordinates and party members responded loudly and were in high spirits.

The atmosphere was quite lively.

The banquet lasted until the second watch of the night.

The new emperor's face turned red and he was helped back to the palace.

After the royal family and court officials had bid farewell respectfully, they began to leave the banquet.

Yang Yanzong was half-helped out of the palace by his confidants. The new emperor had just personally toasted him and they had drank together many times. He had drunk quite a bit of wine, and his cheeks were flushed, seemingly drunk. However, after he left the palace, his drooping eyelids opened, revealing a clear and bright look in his eyes.

Of course Yang Yanzong was not drunk.

When Ji Yuanhao was walking with him a few days ago, he took the opportunity to pat him on the shoulder and solemnly said: "You and I will always be brothers."

However, I recall Ji Yuanhao, who was full of vigor and vitality and looked like he was dominating everything when he climbed to the top of the Yongle Hall today.

He chuckled with amusement.