Chapter 1143

「Your Highness, why are you sitting here alone? 」

Tingyang and Wan Zhou squeezed over, appearing as considerate elder brothers.

「What's troubling you? Tell us, is it because of what His Majesty just said? 」 Wan Zhou asked.

Xie Yuancheng came to his senses, worry propping his chin, "Yeah, how could Father Emperor say such a thing?"

Why else? Because he's unhappy that Jin Chen will be granted a marriage in the future.

The Young Crown Prince simply couldn't figure it out.

Indeed, that's the reason! Tingyang felt a surge of emotion and advised: "You shouldn't be too sad either; as the Crown Prince, it's only natural for His Majesty to have high expectations of you."

「Yeah, and even if your status isn't that different from Jin Chen's, after all there's still the issue of heirs; it's understandable that His Majesty can't immediately accept your love. 」 Wan Zhou sighed deeply.

「Don't give up either; maybe after the competition, His Majesty's attitude will loosen up. 」

The two of them chatted away, and only then did they notice Xie Yuancheng's astonished expression.

「You… what did you just say! 」

Xie Yuancheng widened his eyes, staring fixedly at Wan Zhou.

Being stared at by Wan Zhou made him scared, "Ah… I just said you shouldn't give up."

「No, the previous sentence. 」

Wan Zhou frowned, his expression doubtful, "I said… His Majesty can't immediately accept your love with Jin Chen…"

Before he could finish, Xie Yuancheng sprang up, suddenly realizing.

「So that's how it is! 」

No wonder he's unhappy, because… he likes.

In an instant, his mind filled with snapshots of his time with Jin Chen, plus a smile seemingly etched into his memory.

But Jin Chen doesn't seem to feel that way; what should we do?

Xie Yuancheng tilted his head, thinking of a plan.

The two seated people: "…"

Tingyang frowned, his heart complex.

Oh no, this matter is indeed too stimulating for him.

Made him sad into what state?

「Hey. 」 Ye Susu suddenly came over and patted their shoulders, "I feel things aren't quite right, you see."

Following Ye Susu's gaze, the expressions of the other royal family members were all solemn and grave.

——

「Father…… why do you always mention Yuancheng, what exactly do you want to say today. 」

Xie Beiyao felt that today the father king had changed greatly, not merely his usual kindness, but he also occasionally shifted the topic to Xie Yuancheng's position as Crown Prince.

「Even if the royal uncle doesn't mind, this isn't something we can discuss. 」

Prince Li stood with hands behind his back, his gaze ahead somewhat sinister.

Who would have thought the most difficult one would be this Heir Apparent.

「I, as father, just want to ask you: do you truly think Xie Yuancheng is worthy of the Crown Prince's position? Nowadays, senior officials all say the Crown Prince's character is flawed, yet you, though a Heir Apparent, already have considerable prestige in the court. 」

Xie Beiyao's heart jolted, and he immediately rose, "Father King! What are you saying!"

「You don't need to be too surprised, 」 Prince Li took a sip of wine, his motives inscrutable, 「The path, as father, I will pave for you. 」

「Now that I have taken action, officials in the court have already begun to clearly state you are more suited to be heir apparent; the Tianxuan Kingdom has had precedents for this over the past few centuries. 」

Xie Beiyao shook his head, his expression stern and handsome face tense.

「Father King, I will not agree. 」

「The royal uncle values me; I ought to assist Yuancheng, who has already transformed greatly; the heir apparent's position is rightful, so where does it get to be my turn to covet. 」

He knelt, fists clasped, brows furrowed, "Please, Father King, do not bring this up again; if the royal uncle finds out, the consequences would be unimaginable."

The undercover agent disguised as Prince Li was genuinely surprised.

He hadn't expected the path to be almost ready, yet Xie Beiyao himself was unwilling.

Who in the world wouldn't want to be the future emperor?

「Please rise first; as father, I was just speaking offhand. 」

The undercover agent could only stop for now; the left and right great princes weren't urging either, apparently the Beifeng Kingdom had already prepared for battle.

As long as, on the eve of the competition, we let Xie Beiyao know that the true Prince Li has already died, it will shake morale; even if it seems the Divine Pavilion's young master is assisting, the Tianxuan Kingdom will surely lose.

On the other side.

Ling Xiuyu and the Secretary were idly chatting in the garden, both silent, spirits low.

「I know, you and the young Heir Apparent have known each other since childhood, your feelings deep; if it weren't for this matter, I wouldn't intervene. 」

The Minister could not help but notice Ling Xiuyu's sorrow, but once a matter involves court affairs, he has no choice but to weigh his options.

Now the Prince of Li, in court, already faintly intends to contend for power on behalf of Xie Beiyao, and many officials have been persuaded, believing the Crown Prince, Your Highness, lacks virtue to deserve his position.

The Minister stood with his hands behind his back, deep furrows creasing his brow, and his tone unconsciously grew stern.

You are favored by the Emperor, and since childhood you have been the Crown Prince's companion reader; now that this has happened, you must draw a clear line with the Heir Apparent.

Ling Xiuyu lowered his eyes to look at the fallen flowers on the ground, his expression wistful: 'Perhaps Beiyao is not willing; I can be certain he has never harbored such thoughts.'

Even if it is the Prince of Li's idea, he is the Heir Apparent; once he joins the power struggle, his position is set.

Hearing his father's admonition in his ears, Ling Xiuyu raised his head, bowed, and said, 'Son knows the weight of things; Father, rest assured.'

Go on, train well. The Minister patted his shoulder, earnestly: 'You are still young; you will surely meet better people in the future, as long as you stay uninvolved in court affairs, I will support you.'

Ling Xiuyu's eyes reddened, and he forced a smile.

After the visit ended, Emperor Junghong and Jin Chen returned to the courtyard, gave the disciples a few words of advice and encouragement, and after paying their respects, everyone watched as Emperor Junghong and his party departed.

Jin Chen looked at the imperial family's five sons, except for the little Crown Prince, each person had heavy thoughts.

At this moment, to come a wave, this is blatantly trying to shake military morale.

He raised his eyebrows carelessly, stepped forward two steps, put his hand on Xie Yuancheng's shoulder, and lazily shouted.

「Today, everyone train with me—come over. 」

The little companions heard the voice; even if they were unhappy, they perked up, and the ten people formed a big circle.