Chapter 579: Succession
This news was like a thunderclap, instantly reversing the situation.
When Chu Jinxuan heard that the emperor had woken up, his defenses completely collapsed and the sword in his hand dropped weakly.
When the prince's private soldiers saw that the situation was hopeless, their morale immediately fell into chaos.
Wang Meng seized the opportunity to launch a general attack, leading his elite cavalry and loyal guards to defeat the prince's forces in one fell swoop.
Prince Chu Jinxuan was captured alive and collapsed to the ground with a blank look in his eyes.
He looked desperate, knowing that everything was over.
The emperor, supported by his palace maids, slowly walked out of his bedroom.
His face was pale, but his eyes were filled with majesty and anger.
Chu Jinxuan raised private soldiers, engaged in corruption, and colluded with court ministers. How could he not know all of this?
I used to pamper him because he lost his mother at a young age, and I always gave him opportunities to grow.
But he was disobedient and unfilial, daring to poison himself, and even wanted to kill his brothers and usurp the throne...
Such wolfish ambitions must not be tolerated.
Emperor Chu closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, a hint of determination appeared in his eyes. "Chu Jinxuan, you have committed the crime of treason. I hereby depose you from your position as Crown Prince, demote you to a commoner, and exile you to Ningguta. You will never set foot in Kyoto again."
Chu Jinxuan's body went limp and he collapsed to the ground. "Father, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this time!"
"Drag it on, set off today, no delay." The King of Chu waved his hand, not allowing any objection.
Chu Jinxuan wanted to say something when he was dragged away by the guards who came over.
Three days later.
The palace hall was solemn and dignified, with civil and military officials lined up on both sides.
Chu Jiuqing and Chen Qingqing also stood among them, waiting for the Emperor Chu's commendation.
Following a long and drawn-out "The Emperor has arrived," everyone knelt down in salute.
The King of Chu, supported by the eunuchs, stepped onto the throne with steady steps.
Although he had just recovered from a serious illness and his face was still pale, his eyes had regained their former majesty.
Emperor Chu glanced at the people in the palace and slowly said,
"This time I was poisoned, but fortunately Chen Qingqing brought me back to health, and Prince Ning was loyal and devoted, so I was able to turn the danger into safety."
After saying this, he looked at Chu Jiuqing with eyes full of satisfaction.
"Qing'er, you have traveled thousands of miles to find a good doctor to save my life. This is how you foiled the Crown Prince's conspiracy to kill my father and usurp the throne. To reward you, you can ask for anything, and your father will grant it."
Chu Jiuqing quickly knelt on the ground, "Father, you are so kind. I do not ask for any reward, but only for your health."
"Alright, my son, please stand up quickly." The Emperor of Chu looked kindly at the eunuch beside him and said, "Announce the decree."
The eunuch took two steps forward, flicked his whisk, and unfolded a roll of yellow silk that he had already held in his hand. He shouted in front of everyone, "Prince Ning, receive the decree.
By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:
I have received the mandate of heaven and ascended the throne.
In the 56th year of Daning, he first inherited the throne.
I am extremely fearful and afraid that I will fail to live up to the trust of our ancestors and the expectations of the people.
For decades, we have devoted all our energy to the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people.
Fortunately, we have been blessed by the gods of heaven and earth, our country is safe, the court is united, the four directions are peaceful, and all industries are thriving.
Today I feel that I am short of energy and cannot handle the heavy workload of government affairs.
At this moment, after careful consideration, I have decided to abdicate the throne to Prince Ning.
Chu Jiuqing has been intelligent since childhood, has lofty ambitions, and cares about the world. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership and wisdom in governing the country during his experience, making him the best candidate for the throne.
After I abdicate, I will be called the Supreme Emperor and will stay away from court disputes and enjoy my old age.
However, I am still concerned about the fate of the country and the well-being of the people. I hope that after the new emperor ascends the throne, he will uphold justice, govern the country with benevolence, be close to wise ministers, stay away from villains, and create an even more glorious era for our dynasty.
At the same time, I strictly order all princes, royal relatives, and civil and military officials to assist the new emperor with all their strength, not to form cliques for personal gain, and not to disobey the imperial order.
Anyone who violates the law or plots treason or usurps the throne will be punished without mercy.
This decree shall be promulgated throughout the country, so that all people may know it."
"Your son accepts your order and thanks you." Chu Jiuqing's face was solemn. He knew very well how heavy the burden of an emperor was, but he would never let the people of the world down, nor his father down. He vowed to be a virtuous and wise ruler.
"Good, good, my son, please get up soon." After the Emperor of Chu finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Chen Qingqing and said with a smile, "Miss Chen has superb medical skills. You have cured me of the strange poison. This is a great achievement. I will reward you with a luxurious mansion, ten thousand taels of gold, and a thousand acres of fertile land. I will also confer upon you the title of Medical Saint of the State, and the head of the Imperial Hospital."
Chen Qingqing's heart tightened. She didn't want to stay in the palace. She had knelt down so many times all day long that her knees were almost peeling.
Besides, serving a king is like serving a tiger. If you are not careful, you will get into trouble. The best thing to do is to find an excuse to go home quickly!
She endured the pain in her knees and knelt down to pay her respects.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gift. I am deeply grateful, but I am a free spirit by nature and do not understand the rules of the palace. I am truly unfit to serve in the Imperial Hospital. It would be best if I could return to my ordinary life."
The King of Chu frowned slightly, feeling a little surprised that there were people in the world who did not covet wealth and power.
"Don't worry, Miss Chen. Since you think the palace has too many rules, I can exempt you from the etiquette between monarch and subject. You can do whatever you want, and you can even go out and benefit the people when you have nothing to do. Is that all right?"
Chen Qingqing shook her head. "Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness. Practicing medicine is what I have pursued all my life. In the vast fields, there are many more people in need of treatment. I would rather use my medical skills to relieve their pain than to enjoy wealth and glory. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this."
Chu Jiuqing, who was standing by, heard this and felt both admiration and reluctance towards Chen Qingqing's choice, but he never dared to say what was buried in his heart.
The King of Chu frowned slightly. In the brief contact over the past few days,
He felt that Chen Qingqing was a rare and extraordinary woman in the world, with superb medical skills and a very lovable personality.
What he said always makes people feel fresh and new.
He was reluctant to leave, and glanced at Chu Jiuqing inadvertently, and suddenly realized something.
A perfect match, a match made in heaven.
Perhaps the two of them have already secretly decided to spend their lives together, so why not take this opportunity to make it happen?
Having made up his mind, the King of Chu smiled and nodded.
"Very well, since Miss Chen is unwilling to accept this reward, I will grant you the title of concubine to Qing'er and we will marry on a chosen date."
As soon as the Emperor of Chu finished speaking, Chu Jiuqing's excitement was beyond words. He raised his head and looked at Chen Qingqing with excitement, excitement and joy in his eyes.
I was both excited and anxious during the days I spent with Chen Qingqing.
He had long harbored feelings for this unique woman, but he had never found the right opportunity to express his feelings.
Chu Jiuqing's eyes were filled with anticipation as he looked at Chen Qingqing intently, waiting for her to nod in agreement...
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