Yang Jie paused. He had never lived in the palace before, so he was unaware of some of the palace's shady dealings. Before today's banquet, he had simply thought it was a banquet. But now he understood that for Zhou Xing, this was a trap, a banquet set against him, with the aim of removing Zhou Xing from the position of crown prince and making him the new crown prince.
Yang Jie was not an ambitious person. He wanted to stand up and object, but Zhou Li didn't wait for him to speak. He sighed and looked helplessly at Zhou Xing, saying, "Since you insist so much... then I will reluctantly agree. But Xing'er, you can rest assured that even if you step down from the position of Crown Prince, I will still bestow upon you the title of Prince of Virtue. When Jie'er ascends the throne in the future, you will be second only to the emperor and above all others."
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty." Zhou Xing smiled and nodded, his gentle expression revealing nothing else.
Under the table, Feng Guang held his hand tightly. Even if she wasn't smart, she could understand why the general would bring up the topic of deposing the crown prince at this time. All the civil and military officials were present. If Zhou Xing took a tough stance and refused to step down from the position of crown prince, perhaps Zhou Li wouldn't dare to say anything, since he was putting on the act of a loving father. However, everyone would still have some complaints about Zhou Xing.
Indeed, Zhou Xing is a crown prince with the talent to govern the country. When he became crown prince, no one in the court opposed him. But now it's different. His legs have been crippled, and the imperial physician said that he will never be able to stand up again. How can a country allow a person with crippled legs to sit on the throne?
Therefore, even if some people in the court knew in their hearts that Zhou Xing would inevitably be a benevolent ruler in the future, they would not stand up and say a word.
With the removal of Zhou Xing from his position as Crown Prince, the matter was settled. Zhou Li ordered him to step back, and General Li Rong returned to his seat.
Zhou Li was not in a hurry to immediately make Yang Jie the crown prince. He said with a smile, "The banquet is not over yet. Please enjoy yourselves."
The main hall was instantly transformed back into a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.
“A-Xing…”
"I'm fine." Zhou Xing turned his head slightly, gave his wife a faint smile, and gently stroked his hand under the table to reassure her.
Feng Guang didn't say anything more. She knew it wouldn't be appropriate to say anything here, but seeing that he didn't seem to care about the position of Crown Prince, she felt much better.
The palace maid holding the wine beside her slipped and accidentally spilled the wine on Feng Guang's dress. She quickly knelt down and said, "Please forgive me, Your Highness, I didn't mean to!"
Before the official edict is issued, it is still proper to address Fengguang as the Crown Princess.
Zhou Li looked over and shouted, "You audacious servant! How can you do such a thing?"
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" The palace maid was terrified and could only kowtow desperately.
Zhou Xing said, "Father, don't be angry. It's just a dress. You can change back at the East Palace."
Feng Guang nodded in agreement.
Zhou Li's anger subsided a little. He looked at the palace maid and said, "Aren't you going to properly serve the Crown Princess as she returns to the East Palace?"
"Yes..." The palace maid lowered her head and stood up again, "Your Highness, this servant will escort you back to the East Palace."
Feng Guang glanced at Zhou Xing, and seeing him nod, she stood up, bowed, and said, "Daughter-in-law will take her leave now."
Stepping out of the main hall, the cool breeze outside made Feng Guang feel a little better. As she walked along the corridor back to the East Palace, two palace maids were behind her. Thinking of the maid's frightened appearance just now, she turned around to comfort her. Suddenly, a wet handkerchief was covered to her mouth and nose.
She lost consciousness moments later.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com