Gu Yifeng had anticipated the show of force that Prince Cheng was putting on, so he didn't try to stop it. Everyone knew that these were all empty gestures, and that the final decision on the throne would not be based on these vague and unrealistic things.
Compared to these things, he would much rather stay in the prison and continue to clock in.
...
The capital city was greatly improved.
A tall, imposing figure, clad in dark red armor and wielding a long spear, slowly rode his horse, leading a group of cavalrymen, into a large mansion. After signaling the cavalrymen behind him to enter, he, holding a military flag, rode his horse toward the palace.
As they sped along, the military flag fluttered in the wind. The black and red flags swayed like a burning flame, with a large "承" (Cheng) character in the center, making it look quite imposing.
This person was none other than the Third Prince, Prince Cheng.
"Big brother, second brother, your little brother is back!"
Upon seeing the group of people standing outside the palace, Prince Cheng shouted loudly, then rode his horse to them with a beaming smile. He braked suddenly, kicking up a cloud of dust, then planted the military flag on the saddle and dismounted.
He was greeted by Gu Ran and Gu Yifeng.
Gu Yifeng originally did not want to come to greet him, but the old emperor sent Chang Fu with an imperial edict, so he had no choice but to come to the palace gate.
"Hehe, our Prince Cheng has returned. This battle was a resounding victory. I just wonder what military report he brought back. He must return to the capital to report to the Emperor?"
Gu Yifeng asked with a forced smile.
“That’s right, that’s right, Third Brother, you underestimate your elder brother. Now that the Crown Prince is in charge of the government and overseeing the country, even if there is an urgent report, he should inform the elder brother first.”
Gu Ran, seemingly supporting Gu Yifeng but actually mocking him, stood with Gu Cheng.
"This was my oversight. I've been busy with military affairs lately and haven't had time to check the official reports from the capital. I didn't even know that you were acting as regent, elder brother. To be honest, I only found out after I returned that Father Emperor was seriously ill?"
"Why didn't you inform me of such an important matter sooner?"
Gu Cheng, also with a smile on his face, responded to the two men's questions first, without mentioning the military report at all. He calmly walked into the palace. The three of them talked as they walked, and at this moment he even started to find fault with the eldest and second eldest brothers.
"While it is true that Father is ill, he is not bedridden, so there is no need to inform Prince Cheng. On the other hand, I heard that Prince Cheng has been praising your deeds all the way here?"
Gu Yifeng sneered, even changing how he addressed Gu Cheng.
"Isn't Your Majesty being a bit too harsh? Third Brother is a great war god. He was sent to the battlefield by Father to kill enemies when he was just over twenty. Now that he has had a fortuitous encounter, what's wrong with him spreading the word and saying that the strong are respected?"
Gu Ran spoke at the opportune moment, his tone full of disdain and sarcasm towards Gu Ran.
“My two elder brothers don’t need to pretend. Do you really think I don’t know about Father’s illness? To put it bluntly, now that Father has passed away, the succession to the throne should naturally be determined by strength.”
Prince Cheng, however, disregarded many things. Before they even reached the vicinity of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he grabbed Gu Yifeng and his companion, his eyes filled with ambition.
Upon hearing this, the three fell silent in unison. Putting everything else aside, the old emperor's lifespan was indeed running out. He was seriously ill, experiencing a brief moment of lucidity before death, and it was inevitable that his days were numbered.
Without realizing it, the three of them arrived in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Naturally, there was no reason for them to hesitate. They entered the hall one by one, and under Chang Fu's guidance, they knelt down beside the dragon bed.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty!"
The three of them said it in unison.
"Rise. Cough cough cough! Cheng'er, I know your intention to come back. Now that your days are numbered, the three of you no longer need to put on this act of brotherly affection. I find it only boring."
"Tell me, Cheng'er, what are your plans? Let your two older brothers hear it and see for themselves."
The old emperor immediately exposed their act, speaking calmly and composedly, clearly having been mentally prepared.
“Since Father has spoken, I will not hide anything. Indeed, I have returned to compete with my two elder brothers for the throne! Since ancient times, there has been the saying that the capable should rule, and I have made countless military achievements and defended the borders.”
"There is absolutely no possibility that I will be dethroned from this throne. However, for the sake of fairness, no trickery will be tolerated. I beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to set up a martial arts arena so that we can settle our differences in a duel!"
Prince Cheng spoke slowly, his tone full of determination. The moment his words fell, his cultivation level burst forth, revealing him to be at the early stage of the Opening Mansion Realm!
With such cultivation, it's no wonder that Prince Cheng dares to publicize his deeds so ostentatiously; he can be considered to be on par with the Second Prince, Gu Ran.
"The victor is king? Your Majesty, I am willing! Please grant my request!"
Gu Ran was taken aback at first, but then her face lit up with joy, and she immediately expressed her opinion.
Now, everyone's attention fell on Gu Yifeng. Gu Ran and Gu Cheng even looked at him with mockery, knowing that this Crown Prince's cultivation was low and his aura was only at the mid-stage of the Dingyuan Realm, making him utterly vulnerable.
The old emperor was also looking at Gu Yifeng, but unlike the previous two, he knew the strength and realm of this crown prince. Although there was a gap between him and Gu Ran and the other two, he was not without a chance of winning. He was still maintaining the aura of the Dingyuan Realm, which meant he was by no means simple.
"Why not agree to such a good deal?"
Gu Yifeng shook his head and smiled, which dispelled the doubts of Gu Ran and the other person.
"In that case, I will personally announce the decree to the three of you at the morning court tomorrow, with all civil and military officials as witnesses. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, the old emperor revealed a relieved smile. He had toiled and schemed for half his life, and now that there was such a simple way to resolve the conflict between his sons, it was naturally a good thing.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yifeng and the other two bowed to the old emperor again. Then, at Chang Fu's signal, they slowly turned and left, exiting the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
...
Nothing was said that night.
By the early hours of the morning, it was time for the morning court session. The civil and military officials had received the news well in advance and stood outside the Hall of State Affairs, waiting for the morning court session.
As soon as the bell rang, officials filed in and entered the council hall.
Five figures were already waiting inside the hall. The old emperor sat on the dragon throne, dozing with his eyes closed. Chang Fu stood by his side, while Gu Yifeng, Gu Ran, and Gu Cheng changed into their court robes, holding jade tablets, their expressions calm.
Only after everyone had stood still and quieted down did the old emperor slowly open his eyes, scan the room, and then slowly stand up.
"My lords, I have been unwell recently and am now as fragile as a candle in the wind. Fortunately, my three sons are all virtuous and capable men. Now, I wish to pass the throne to my successor. To determine who will inherit the throne, I have decided to hold a grand competition for the princes in one month."
"The three princes shall fight each other, and the strongest among them shall inherit the throne from me!"
The old emperor's voice rang out firmly.
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