Before Gu Cheng could react, Gu Yifeng pointed again, and the hurricane instantly dissipated. The Prince Cheng was then thrown heavily to the ground, creating a huge crater.
As the smoke and dust cleared, Gu Cheng, though not unconscious, had slumped down and was too weak to move.
"The Crown Prince wins the third round!"
With Changfu's announcement, the imperial prince competition officially came to an end. Without a doubt, the new emperor's throne belonged to the crown prince. In the audience, the faces of the royal family members were grim.
Especially the lord who started the gambling den, he has now lost all his money. It's basically impossible to renege on a gambling deal made by an underground bank.
The crowd had no choice but to leave. Of the three, Gu Yifeng and the other two, except for the unconscious Gu Ran, were both summoned by the old emperor and returned to the Hall of Supreme Harmony together.
"My two sons, I have asked the Imperial Observatory to calculate the auspicious date. Three days from now will be an auspicious day. At that time, I will read the abdication edict in front of all the officials and pass the throne to the Crown Prince."
"I have also read the recent military reports. Great Chu and Great Han seem to be colluding. We must not act rashly. Prince Cheng, you are the youngest prince. Now that your elder brother has ascended the throne, you must help him well. Do you understand?"
The old emperor spoke to the two brothers with a serious expression.
"Father, I will wholeheartedly assist my elder brother and defend our vast territory."
Upon hearing this, Gu Cheng immediately knelt down and addressed the old emperor.
“Father, I have another request. My brother Prince Cheng has guarded the border for several years and has now returned victorious. I request that you bestow upon him a three-clawed golden dragon robe, grant him the title of Prince of the South, change his fief to the three prefectures south of the Yangtze River, grant him the privilege of not having to bow when entering the court, not having to mention his name when being praised, and being allowed to wear a sword and shoes in the palace.”
At this moment, Gu Yifeng suddenly knelt down and pleaded with the old emperor.
Upon hearing this, not only Chief Steward Changfu and the old emperor, but even Gu Cheng felt flattered. If the emperor had treated Gu Cheng this way after ascending the throne, it would have made people suspect that he had ulterior motives.
However, if the title were bestowed by the old emperor, it would naturally be interpreted by the court officials as a way to check and balance the crown prince and prevent major changes in the political situation.
Furthermore, the old emperor's actions could even incite those who support Prince Cheng to plot a rebellion. Once the old emperor passes away, there will definitely be people who use the pretext of "purging the court of corrupt officials" to rebel against Gu Yifeng.
How could this crown prince not know the consequences of such behavior?
However, he still said it, and he said it himself. If there was no other meaning, then there is only one interpretation: Gu Yifeng really admires his third brother, Prince Cheng.
"Your Majesty! I absolutely cannot accept such an honor! Throughout history, very few have received such a title. Father, please withdraw your advice!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Cheng felt a sudden unease and panic. Not being entirely foolish, he immediately declined.
The old emperor stared at the two men without saying a word, seemingly lost in thought.
"My son, have you thought this through? If we bestow a title upon Prince Cheng, aside from anything else, the Second Prince will definitely cause a scene."
The old emperor pondered for a long time before speaking to Gu Yifeng.
“Father, my mind is made up. My third brother will be my right-hand man and a pillar of the nation in the future. Why should I not grant him this title? As for my second brother, he is cunning and manipulative and has made many mistakes. I have evidence of this. I beg you, Father, to grant him a fiefdom.”
Gu Yifeng continued speaking, his tone neither humble nor arrogant. He calmly took out a memorial from his sleeve. This was Fang Xuan's work. He had been secretly investigating the crimes of the second son, Gu Ran, and finally presented this memorial.
Originally, according to the old emperor's thoughts, Gu Ran should have granted the second prince a fiefdom and allowed him to take up his post when he was nearing the end of his life. However, if it was done ahead of schedule, it would make the court understand the general trend and also save face for Gu Ran.
"Very well, as you say, I will summon them all in three days."
The old emperor nodded slightly, then waved his sleeve. Changfu immediately understood and left the Hall of Supreme Harmony with the two princes.
Outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"Big brother, you're different now."
After the two came out, Gu Cheng said to Gu Yifeng.
"What, you've gotten more handsome?"
Gu Yifeng raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this, then smiled and said.
"No, he's become more shrewd. Brother, now it's just the two of us brothers. Give me a straight answer: what you said to Father just now, were you sincere?"
Gu Cheng seemed to have made up his mind, and then looked at Gu Yifeng and asked seriously.
"How could this be faked? Since the founding of the dynasty, Emperor Taizu has made it clear that bloodshed among the imperial family is not allowed. A struggle for the throne is permissible, but bloodshed is not permitted. Yet how many dynasties have actually managed to do so?"
"Although we have different mothers, we are both princes of the Emperor and brothers. I sincerely hope that you can help me, help Da Gan, and create a peaceful and prosperous era."
Gu Yifeng spoke very seriously, looking at Gu Cheng with a clear and pure gaze, devoid of any selfish motives.
He was just that kind of person. Although he initially intended to subdue Gu Cheng, something seemed to have been touched by his predecessor's memories. This brotherhood was one of the emotions he longed for most.
"Okay, brother, I believe you."
Upon hearing this, Gu Cheng nodded vigorously and, without further hesitation, gave Gu Yifeng a high five. The two princes then burst into laughter on the palace road.
...
Three days is but a fleeting moment in the eyes of a cultivator.
Gu Yifeng continued to diligently check in at the Heavenly Prison. During this time, Gu Cheng also came several times, bringing news about Gu Ran and the border. He genuinely treated Gu Yifeng like an older brother.
Gu Ran was still unconscious. After all, the Ice Explosion Technique was too terrifying, directly injuring his internal organs. Without a 6th-grade or higher elixir to treat him, he could not wake up immediately.
Although he was not awake, the Second Prince's Consort was there and could take his place. They had already arrived in front of the Hall of State Affairs. Gu Yifeng was wearing the dragon robe prepared by Chang Fu and a golden crown on his head.
As the bronze bell rang, all the civil and military officials solemnly entered the Hall of State Affairs. Gu Yifeng stood directly in front of the hall, just a few steps away from the dragon throne.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."
"The Crown Prince is virtuous and wise, close to the wise and benevolent. I have observed the Crown Prince's intentions, and because my health is failing, I am no longer fit to lead the great affairs of state. Therefore, I hereby propose to pass the throne to Crown Prince Gu Yifeng. In accordance with the order of succession, he shall be enshrined in the ancestral temple. This is my decree!"
As Changfu read out the abdication edict of the old emperor, Gu Yifeng, dressed in a dragon robe, received the edict. In the presence of civil and military officials, the old emperor passed on the imperial seal and, supported by Changfu, returned to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The succession was not a complicated matter, and with the old emperor in poor health, many elaborate rituals were omitted. As for the matter of the ancestral temple's failures and the inclusion of his name in the ancestral temple, these were matters that the Ministry of Rites would need to discuss with the current emperor.
"Long live the Emperor!"
As Gu Yifeng ascended the throne, all the officials immediately knelt down in obeisance.
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