Chapter 672 Part of the Test
Seeing Zhong Nianyao's resolute attitude, Nalan Deyi still wanted to speak to persuade her to stay. However, before he could open his mouth, he was interrupted by Zhong Nianyao.
"Your Majesty, there's no need to try to persuade me to stay." Zhong Nianyao raised her head. Although her tone was calm, her attitude was extremely firm. "I won't change my decision. I came here today just to say goodbye to you."
For a moment, Nalandeyi didn't know what else he could do.
After a long moment, he sighed and said helplessly, "Since the Imperial Master's attitude is so resolute, it would be embarrassing for me to continue to persuade him to stay. However, before I leave, I have one more thing I would like to ask the Imperial Master for help."
It was obvious that he could not bring back the person who was leaving. In this case, he could only take advantage of this last chance to ask the other party for one more favor.
"Oh?" Zhong Nianyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Then tell me! I need to know what it is before I can decide whether to help."
Now she didn't know what Nalandeyi would ask her for, so she naturally couldn't agree to it easily. Although she knew that Nalandeyi was a good king, her trust in him was not very deep. Therefore, she would not agree to it lightly.
"Master, this matter won't be difficult for you." Nalan Deyi also saw Zhong Nianyao's distrust, but he was not angry. Instead, he continued, "I am not young anymore, and I don't know how much longer I can sit on this throne. Therefore, I want to take advantage of my health and personally train a successor. I hope-"
When he said this, he raised his head and looked at Zhong Nianyao, his eyes full of determination, "Master, you can choose the best successor for me."
He didn't make this decision on impulse, but after careful consideration. He had seven sons, each of whom was very capable and filial. Of course, he didn't know whether this was their true nature or just a pretense.
Because these children were all so outstanding, he was still a little hesitant in choosing an heir. Now, he handed the choice over to the Imperial Preceptor, and he believed that the Imperial Preceptor would be able to select the most suitable next king.
"Do you trust me so much?" Zhong Nianyao was a little surprised. "Aren't you worried that I might have selfish motives when choosing the next king?"
She had never expected Nalandeyi's request. She had considered many possibilities, but not this one. She had never imagined that Nalandeyi would trust her to such an extent.
Hearing Zhong Nianyao's question, Nalan Deyi shook his head and said with a smile, "It may not be possible for others, but you, the Imperial Master, are the one I trust the most. Because I believe that in your heart, you still care about the millions of people of the Li Kingdom."
Although he had once forced the Imperial Master to sacrifice himself to Heaven, he knew that if the Imperial Master had not agreed, he would never have succeeded. After all these years, he knew the Imperial Master's abilities. If the Imperial Master had not agreed, he would never have been able to force the Imperial Master to sacrifice himself to Heaven.
Therefore, he was well aware of the Imperial Master's kindness and would always consider the people's perspective in everything he did. He gave the Imperial Master the power to choose the next king, believing that he would be able to select the most suitable one.
After pondering for a moment, Zhong Nianyao nodded and said, "Okay, if that's the case, then I won't refuse. In two days, you can have all the princes come here. I'll take a look and then give you the answer."
Finally getting Zhong Nianyao's consent, Nalandeyi breathed a sigh of relief, then nodded gratefully towards Zhong Nianyao, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Imperial Master."
Zhong Nianyao's eyes rolled, and then, as if she had thought of something, she continued, "There's one more thing. There's no need to hide our conversation today. It's best to let someone leak the news."
Nalan Deyi was stunned for a moment, "Master, why is this? Aren't you worried about——"
Zhong Nianyao smiled slightly, "How do you know this isn't part of the test?"
Hearing this, a hint of understanding flashed in Nalandeyi's eyes, and he said nothing more.
With Nalandeyi's connivance, although the news that the next king of Li would be selected by the national teacher was not widely spread, everyone who should know knew about it.
The seven princes all knew the news, and each had a different reaction. Some were already very anxious, while others were still calm and composed.
Inside Prince Yu's Mansion——
Nalan Chenyu was originally handling official business in his study when he received a message from Concubine Wan in the palace. Immediately, he fell into deep thought.
After thinking for a moment, he directly ordered, "Come here, go and invite the princess over now."
Soon, Han An hurried over. After entering the room, she spoke anxiously, "Your Highness, what happened? Why are you so anxious?"
Looking at Han An who came hurriedly, Nalan Chenyu's eyes flashed with a deep feeling. Then he stood up, walked to Han An, took out a handkerchief, gently wiped the sweat from Han An's forehead, and said softly, "Why are you leaving in such a hurry? Didn't I tell you? No matter what happens, don't be too anxious!"
Watching Nalan Chenyu's actions, Han An remained motionless, with a hint of trance in his expression.
She couldn't remember how long it had been since they had such an intimate gesture, or rather, it had been a long time since Nalan Chenyu had treated her so gently. The last time they had done this, they hadn't even gotten married yet.
Now, in a trance, she seemed to have returned to the time when their love was at its peak.
For a moment, a hint of joy flashed through Han An's eyes, but she did not forget the important matter.
"I heard that His Majesty had an urgent matter, so I hurried here. Your Majesty, has something happened?"
Nalan Chenyu looked at Han An and smiled, then continued, "Indeed, something big has happened. Mother just passed on the news from the palace. Father is planning to appoint a crown prince."
"What?" Han An was also shocked. "How could it be so sudden? There had been no rumors before! Moreover, father is in the heyday of the Spring and Autumn Period, so why did he think of appointing a crown prince?"
"Is there any misunderstanding in this news?"
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