The palace banquet arrived as scheduled. In the magnificent hall, even though Zhou Li acted amiably, the atmosphere was anything but relaxed. Every official in the court was shrewd and cunning, and today's banquet was likely not so simple.
And that has indeed proven to be true.
“These pastries are very sweet.” Zhou Xing placed a plate of pastries in front of Feng Guang and said with a smile, “Feng Guang will like them.”
Feng Guang clearly noticed that many people were focusing their attention on Zhou Xing, but he acted as if nothing was wrong. She silently picked up a piece of pastry and took a bite, suddenly realizing that the emperor wasn't worried but the eunuch was, and she was that eunuch.
"As all my ministers know," Zhou Li, who was in a superior position, began, "I have always had two things on my mind: the Crown Prince's injury and the Second Prince, who was separated from me many years ago. Now that they have both returned to my side, I can finally rest assured."
"His Majesty's deep affection for his children is truly touching." The speaker was General Li Rong, Zhou Li's trusted confidant for many years.
Zhou Xing said apologetically, "It is my fault for causing Father Emperor worry."
Sitting on the other side, Chen Hongdou glanced at her husband. She thought that since everyone else had spoken, Yang Jie, as one of the parties involved, should also say something. However, Yang Jie was a taciturn person and didn't understand humor at all. He couldn't understand why Chen Hongdou was looking at him... oh, now she was glaring at him.
"The Crown Prince was injured while suppressing the rebellion, what wrong has he done?" Zhou Li sighed as if in pain. "Your leg was also injured because of this... It truly pains me."
Li Rong said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is loyal and courageous, which is admirable. However, with all the civil and military officials present today, I have no choice but to stand up and say some treasonous things."
"General Li, please speak freely..."
“Your Majesty.” Li Rong boldly interrupted Zhou Li, stood up upright and unyielding, walked to the center of the hall, knelt down and said, “Your Majesty knows that you cherish the Crown Prince, and I also admire His Highness’s character. But Your Majesty, the position of Crown Prince cannot be decided by emotions. If His Highness becomes the ruler of our country in the future, it may damage our country’s standing in the eyes of other countries. So even though I know it is treasonous, I must loudly request Your Majesty to reconsider the position of Crown Prince.”
"Outrageous!" Zhou Li slammed his fist on the table and stood up. "The Crown Prince injured his leg for the sake of our country's interests and should be considered a meritorious official. You want me to depose the Crown Prince? How will the common people view me?"
Zhou Li was furious, but Li Rong was not afraid. He knelt down before Zhou Xing again and kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness, you know that the throne is not a game. His Majesty refused to accept my suggestion. Your Highness is a man of principle..."
“General Li, there’s no need for further explanation. I understand what you mean.” Zhou Xing put down his teacup and said calmly, “I am also well aware that it is not appropriate for me to sit in the position of Crown Prince. Therefore, I have seriously accepted General Li’s suggestion.”
Zhou Li called out, "Crown Prince..."
"Father," Zhou Xing said, his smiling eyes looking at his father, "for the sake of the court, I hereby request that you remove me from my position as Crown Prince."
"You are the current crown prince, how can you be deposed so easily?"
“Father, there’s no need to insist anymore. I think General Li is right. I shouldn’t be sitting in the position of Crown Prince, both morally and logically.” Zhou Xing smiled and said, “Besides, now that we have found the Second Prince, there is a more suitable candidate for the position of Crown Prince.”
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