In terms of both talent and character, Yuan Zhan is undoubtedly the rightful heir apparent.
In fact, it wasn't that no ministers had doubts about what happened back then; they were simply too afraid to speak out because of Emperor Xuanwu's ruthless methods.
Now, a rumor has spread from who knows where, that the former crown prince is not dead!
As a result, some people inevitably had ulterior motives.
His Majesty has been ill for a long time and remains unconscious. If the former Crown Prince is still alive, we should secretly bring him back to the capital to help him ascend the throne. Then, in the future, we will have the merit of supporting the emperor.
Just as everyone was speculating and feeling uneasy, an imperial edict establishing an heir suddenly appeared in the palace.
—I have heard that ancient kings all placed great importance on establishing an heir, as it concerned the safety of the state and the well-being of the people. My sons each have their own strengths, but the one who possesses both talent and virtue and is capable of shouldering great responsibilities is my eldest son, Yuanzhan.
I observe that this son is exceptionally intelligent, possesses both benevolence and filial piety, and has the bearing of a king.
All those past events were due to the machinations and instigation of treacherous individuals.
It has now been determined that this was a miscarriage of justice.
I hereby appoint my eldest son, Yuanzhan, as Crown Prince, which is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the will of the people.
I am aware that the position of Crown Prince carries great responsibility.
Therefore, I hereby bestow upon the Crown Prince an important responsibility, ordering him to assist me in governing the country, in order to observe his talents. I hope that the Crown Prince will live up to my high expectations, diligently attend to state affairs, bring peace to the people, and secure the nation.
This decree is as if I were present in person. All ministers should jointly assist the Crown Prince to fulfill my last wishes.
So be it!
The imperial edict appeared suddenly, and some people believed it without a doubt, because in their view, Yuan Zhan was indeed the only one who could be chosen besides the Crown Prince.
However, some people are skeptical about this.
After all, it was rumored that the Crown Prince had died, but now he has come back to life while His Majesty is seriously ill, which inevitably makes people wonder if there is some conspiracy behind this.
until--
The Empress Dowager intervened!
Speaking of this Empress Dowager, she can be described as a legendary figure.
When she married the late emperor, she was still an infant in swaddling clothes.
The tragedy began with the power struggle between the late emperor and his adoptive mother, Empress Dowager Xiao.
Taking advantage of the late emperor's obsession with magic in his later years, Empress Dowager Xiao tricked the already confused late emperor into agreeing to this foolish marriage by claiming that the baby girl's life was tied to the fate of the nation.
Therefore, it has been criticized by the world.
Later, when the late emperor passed away, that child, at such a young age, had already become the Empress Dowager!
And this Empress Dowager was none other than Yan Shu, whom Shen Qiyin had previously encountered by chance at the bookstore!
She had always stayed in her Cining Palace, living a secluded life, spending her days with poetry and books, and never getting involved in outside affairs. But this time, she unexpectedly appeared.
She said, "The emperor had discovered earlier that the crown prince was still alive. He originally wanted to investigate who had the audacity to conceal the matter back then, but unexpectedly, the case back then was all orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives to sow discord between the emperor and his subjects, father and son."
"Now that all the thieves have been brought to justice, everything will finally see the light of day."
"However, to avoid leaking the news beforehand, the emperor kept it a secret. In addition, due to his constant worry about state affairs, the emperor felt that his health was not as good as before, so he told me about it."
"This imperial edict was written by the Emperor himself in front of me. All ministers may verify it for themselves."
After she finished speaking, she handed the imperial edict to a young eunuch standing nearby, who then passed it around among the regents.
There is absolutely no problem with the handwriting.
With His Majesty seriously ill, the Crown Prince returning, and the Great Zhou Dynasty's political situation stable, they naturally had no objections.
only……
Something feels off.
After learning the whole story, Shen Qiyin was filled with shock and doubt. She pulled Xiao Yan aside and asked, "Why would Yan Shu help you? Wasn't her father the Marquis of Qingyang who strongly supported His Majesty's ascension to the throne? Why didn't he object?!"
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