Xiao Yu's seemingly casual question jolted Mu Zi'an, who was in a daze, to his feet!
Inside the side hall, everyone's eyes instantly focused on Mu Zian.
The Second Prince, Xiao Zi, in particular, perked up instantly.
Inside the side hall, you could hear a pin drop.
Seemingly sensing Mu Zian's nervousness, Xiao Yu said softly.
"No need to be nervous, today's year-end is just a casual chat."
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian inwardly groaned, knowing that being called over tonight was bound to be bad news.
In feudal dynasties, the succession to the throne was a very sensitive and complex issue.
Because the succession to the throne often involves the interests of powerful families and clans within a dynasty, as well as political stability.
There can only be one emperor, and who should be the one to inherit the throne is a question worth pondering.
After all, looking at history books, it can be summarized in one sentence: striving to become emperor.
Furthermore, since ancient times, there has been a relationship of mutual distrust between the emperor and the crown prince; in the imperial family, there are no fathers and sons, only rulers and subjects.
The emperor was a lonely figure, and no matter how much power and land he possessed, he ultimately had only one goal: to protect the dragon throne he sat on.
To the emperor, everyone is his enemy.
The reason why those ministers and aristocratic families submitted was not because they respected the emperor's personal charisma, but because they succumbed to the pressure brought by the throne.
And who is the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation.
Throughout history, many emperors have caused chaos in the court and discontent among the people, ultimately leading to the decline of the country, because they delayed in establishing a crown prince or frequently deposed and reinstated crown princes.
Just like Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji, he killed Crown Prince Li Ying, Prince E Li Yao, and Prince Guang Li Ju in a single day, which shocked the court and the country.
This directly marked a turning point in Emperor Xuanzong's rule, as the prosperous Kaiyuan era began to decline and politics gradually became dominated by power struggles.
The crown prince is the second emperor of the country; he can ascend to the throne as soon as the emperor dies.
Therefore, even between biological fathers and sons, there is a vast and beautiful land separating them; who wouldn't be moved?
Moreover, once the crown prince is established, a faction of the crown prince will inevitably emerge in the court.
This will inevitably have a certain impact on the imperial power.
Since Xiao Yu was not in line to the throne, he was very afraid that his descendants would follow in his footsteps.
Therefore, Xiao Yu was extremely cautious in the matter of establishing a crown prince.
Today, taking advantage of the year-end, Xiao Yu also wanted to sound out Mu Zi'an's opinion.
After all, judging from Mu Zi'an's current performance, he will inevitably become a powerful figure in the court who can influence the entire country in the future.
Therefore, Xiao Yu's visit was both a request for opinions and a test.
However, Mu Zian was not stupid. He understood that if he expressed his opinion now, it would be suspected of forming cliques for personal gain.
Xiao Yu had always hoped that Mu Zian could be a loyal subject who was devoted only to him.
A loyal subject must never take sides.
Xiao Yu's question seemed calm on the surface, but it was actually fraught with murderous intent.
If Mu Zian cannot give Xiao Yu a satisfactory answer, then this favor will gradually dissipate in the future, and may even bring about his death.
Sitting to the side, Xiao Xiuning looked at Mu Zian with a heavy heart.
After a long silence, Mu Zian took a deep breath and said.
"The crown prince is the foundation of the nation!"
"Your Majesty's choice of a ruler for the nation cannot be discussed with the empress, the eunuchs, or even with close ministers and nobles."
"Because everyone has selfish desires and does not put the country and its people first."
"Therefore, the one who is popularly supported should be chosen as the crown prince."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu looked at Mu Zi'an with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Because the central message Mu Zian conveyed, both in words and in sentences, was simply this: You are the emperor; you can install whomever you want.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu fell into deep thought before speaking.
"I wish to have a private conversation with the Duke of Zhenguo. Let's end the banquet here today."
Upon hearing this, everyone present was somewhat disappointed.
But no one dared to disobey Xiao Yu, so they could only get up and leave.
Soon, only Xiao Yu and Mu Zi'an remained in the side hall.
Xiao Yu went straight to the point.
"What do you think, Second Prince?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian remained calm and cupped his hands in greeting.
"No one knows a son better than his father. Since His Majesty has chosen him, he must be the most suitable one."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu frowned slightly.
"When did you become so cunning?"
Mu Zi'an was all smiles on the outside but cursing under his breath!
But there was nothing he could do; as the saying goes, "when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head." Mu Zian could only smile and say that.
"No matter who Your Majesty appoints as Crown Prince, I will always be loyal to the Great Li!"
Xiao Yu glanced at Mu Zi'an, who was bowing respectfully, and after a long while, he sighed.
"It's a pity that Xiao Jiu is not a boy."
After speaking, Xiao Yu's figure seemed somewhat lonely under the candlelight. After a long while, Xiao Yu waved his hand and said...
"Step down."
Mu Zian bowed with his hands clasped.
"Your humble servant takes his leave."
Mu Zian slowly stepped back.
Mu Zian finally breathed a sigh of relief the moment he left the side hall.
Regardless of the final outcome, Mu Zian has managed to get away with it today.
It was naturally impossible for men to stay overnight in the imperial palace.
As soon as Mu Zian stepped out of the Tiangan Palace, he encountered Xiao Xiuning, who had been waiting for him.
"How was it? Did Father make things difficult for you?"
At this moment, Xiao Xiuning asked somewhat nervously.
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian reached out and gently stroked Xiao Xiuning's cheek.
"Tell me, in the whole world, who can truly subdue your husband?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiuning's face, which had been pale with worry, instantly flushed red.
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