Noticing that Ji Wuyu had stopped, Eunuch Zhao quickly turned around and asked, "Your Highness, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, I've just been away for a while and I'm a little out of sorts."
Ji Wuyu casually replied that when he passed by Eunuch Zhao, he casually slipped the silver into Eunuch Zhao's pocket through his wide sleeve.
Upon receiving the silver, Eunuch Zhao was overjoyed and immediately followed behind Ji Wuyu. He would never have accepted bribes from Ji Wuyu before, but now things were different, as Ji Wuyu had an army behind him.
Eunuch Zhao smiled and said, "Your Highness the Ninth Prince has been away from the palace for a year. If you have any difficulties adjusting, you are welcome to tell me."
"How has Father been feeling lately?"
Eunuch Zhao paused, then said, "Well... the Imperial Medical Academy has been coming quite frequently lately, but their medical skills are poor, and several batches have been replaced."
Upon hearing this, Ji Wuyu narrowed his eyes. Although Eunuch Zhao had spoken rather cryptically, he understood what Eunuch Zhao meant. Ji Hao's health had been poor recently, and undercurrents were surging within the capital.
Before he arrived, Ji Wuyu's subordinates had already reported to him on the recent situation in the capital. Ji Hao, who always clung tightly to power and was reluctant to let go, was now assigning tasks to several princes, which had a strong sense of testing.
If we're talking about what Eunuch Zhao said, then it must be that Ji Hao's health is failing, he urgently needs an heir, and... to resolve the two potential threats: Ji Wuyu and the Yongle Marquis's Mansion.
With these thoughts in mind, Ji Wuyu entered the imperial study.
Ji Hao sat at the top, leaning back in his chair. His sickly appearance was becoming increasingly obvious, and he looked much older.
Looking at the four people bowing below, Ji Hao nodded slightly, his satisfied gaze sweeping over the First Prince, the Third Prince, and the Sixth Prince. But when his gaze fell on Ji Wuyu, he couldn't help but frown.
Ji Hao coughed and said, "Alright, get up, everyone."
"How's everything going with the tasks I've assigned you lately? Third brother, you took over the canal transport business, has it gone smoothly?"
The third prince immediately replied, "It's all taken care of, Father."
Ji Hao inquired about the situation of the three of them one by one, clearly verifying the results of the investigation. He nodded in satisfaction, but these were all "tasks" completed under his supervision, which were in essence far inferior to Ji Wuyu, who had slaughtered Daqing on the border.
But Ji Hao just couldn't stand him, and he only felt intense fear of Ji Wuyu, just like he did of the Yongle Marquis's mansion.
Ji Wuyu + Yongle Marquis's Mansion = Rebellion Reserve
Although he was wary, Ji Hao didn't really think they were going to rebel. Back then, Ruan Changhong's order was more effective than his imperial decree, and now they were all subdued and didn't dare to rebel.
After praising the eldest prince and the others, Ji Hao turned to Ji Wuyu and said, "Ninth Prince, you did a good job this time too. The border is very stable."
Ji Wuyu cupped his hands in thanks: "Father, you flatter me."
Ji Hao nodded: "No, you did a good job. However, the matter of a ceasefire still needs more discussion. A hasty ceasefire now would not be good for our Great Liang. After all, you are still too young and not prudent or meticulous enough in your work."
Ji Wuyu, who bowed his head in greeting, sneered inwardly upon hearing this. As the one who had made the greatest contribution, he only received a word of praise, followed by criticism. On the other hand, the three people next to him, whose contributions were like children playing house, were praised again and again.
Ji Wuyu didn't speak, but just kept his head down in silence.
Ji Hao continued, "But you did not do anything wrong. This is to give the people of Daliang a peaceful life. It is normal for a general to disobey the emperor's orders when he is in the field. This can be considered as you making up for your mistakes with merits. I will not hold you guilty of overstepping your authority to sign the ceasefire agreement."
"Ninth Brother, is there anything you're unhappy about?"
"...Of course not."
Ji Wuyu bowed slightly, without the slightest flaw, except for his dark eyes, which were filled with only coldness.
With just a casual remark from Ji Hao, all of his military achievements over the past year were wiped out, giving the impression that if he hadn't won the battle, Ji Hao would have used the overstepping of authority to get rid of him.
Seeing that Ji Wuyu did not argue, Ji Hao was somewhat satisfied and nodded slightly: "Hmm, you're the most sensible one, Ninth Brother."
"By the way, third brother, come here."
Ji Hao suddenly raised his hand, and the Third Prince quickly stepped forward, knelt down before him, and respectfully bowed: "Father, what are your orders?"
"You did a good job with the grain transport this time. I have decided to make you the crown prince. I will announce it on a chosen day. You should prepare yourself, Third Prince."
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Study fell into complete silence.
Even the Third Prince himself was stunned. Ji Hao was the emperor; he couldn't possibly make such a joke so casually. Could it be that he called them all here just for this?
Nevertheless, the Third Prince was overjoyed. He bowed his head and said, "Thank you for your appreciation, Father. Your son will serve you wholeheartedly!"
"Yes, get up."
Ji Hao nodded, giving a rare, kind smile.
Standing to the side, watching the scene of fatherly love and filial piety before him, Ji Wuyu narrowed his eyes, feeling that something was not right—this was not something Ji Hao would do. He was indeed senile, but not to the point of being so confused as to let the Crown Prince be appointed so hastily.
But clearly, neither the Third Prince, who had received such a windfall, nor the First Prince and the Sixth Prince, who were very dissatisfied with it, felt that anything was wrong.
At this moment, Ji Hao looked at Ji Wuyu and said, "There is one more thing, Ninth Prince. You have led the troops in battle for a year. It must have been very hard. Don't overwork yourself. When I was young, I pushed myself too hard."
"Go back and get some rest. I heard things are going well between you and Qing'an, so spend more time with that girl."
Having said enough nice things, Ji Hao changed the subject: "It just so happens that your third brother is about to become the crown prince and needs more training. You can hand over your army to your third brother to lead for now, and you can rest more."
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince, who was kneeling in front, had a gleam in his eyes.
This is military power!
Two unexpected windfalls fell from the sky today, making the Third Prince so happy he was overwhelmed and almost unable to contain himself.
Ji Wuyu stood still, meeting Ji Hao's seemingly kind gaze. He lowered his head slightly, his eyes filled with a fierce and sinister emotion, like a frozen wasteland.
He offered no reward whatsoever, and then turned around and tried to seize power.
Ji Wuyu was almost laughing in anger, but he suppressed his emotions, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Father. Since that's the case, then let my elder brother, the Emperor, take responsibility. Your son thanks you, Father and Third Brother."
"No, no."
The Third Prince was overjoyed. His eyes were filled with mockery and disdain as he looked at Ji Wuyu. So what if Ji Wuyu could make great contributions on the border? In the end, he would still be the one to benefit him.
When Ji Wuyu met the Third Prince's gaze, he simply lowered his head.
To make wedding dresses for others?
Is this some kind of windfall?
A falling pie might kill someone, Your Majesty.
Ji Wuyu's smile remained unchanged, replaced by a sneer.
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