The Nether Province’s Great Harmony City, the Zhengyuan Hall.
The imperial edict to appoint a new heir apparent still caused the court officials to break into hushed whispers.
Everyone secretly eyed the front of the hall, where the coldly handsome third prince, Ming Asi, was standing.
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This third prince who had only just returned was indeed the imperial noble consort’s son. He had gained the emperor’s favor in just a few short days, causing the latter to actually depose and appoint another crown prince.
This action made all the court officials feel like the position of crown prince was a mere trifle.
After all, deposing the crown prince should be a huge matter, yet the old emperor didn’t even tell anyone. He didn’t consult with the court officials and just made the decision overnight.
The Nether Province Emperor was cloaked in a thick fur cape. He had wrapped himself up like a winter melon as he laid back on his throne.
He spoke spiritlessly, as if he was at his last gasp: “If there is nothing else to discuss, court is adjourned.”
“Your Majesty!” One official standing in the first row strode out and knelt in salute. “Crown Prince Ming Lung has been accused wrongly! Of His Majesty’s charges, not knowing filial piety and fraternal duty is utterly absurd!”
“Official Kang!!” One old official standing at the front on the left, although white-haired, chided him loudly.
“Minister Bu does not need to advise, this humble official knows my limits.” Official Kang declared with streaming tears, “This humble official just does not want Your Majesty to be tricked by evildoers and wrongly depose the crown prince!”
“Im-Impudent!!” The Nether Province Emperor sat up. He tremblingly picked up a jade paperweight and threw it at Official Kang’s head.
*Smash!* The jade paperweight smashed into pieces on the floor. Official Kang’s face turned pale, but he continued to kowtow nonstop. “The heavens and earth can attest Crown Prince Ming Lung’s filial devotion. These three years, Crown Prince Ming Lung has been assisting Your Majesty in handling state affairs. He has worked tirelessly, fearing to make the slightest mistake.
“Additionally, Crown Prince Ming Lung has even announced that he is traveling to the icebound snow territory this year to pick the snow territory divine flower for Your Majesty to nourish your body! Everyone knows what kind of place the icebound snow territory is! That is the arctic, where there are dangers at every step!
“How much resolve and courage has Crown Prince Ming Lung mustered, how much does he respect and love Your Majesty, for him to dare say that he is going to pick the snow territory divine flower for Your Majesty…”
“Shut up!” The Nether Province Emperor shouted as he smacked his dragon throne’s armrest.
“Don’t say anymore, Official Kang,” the court officials exhorted.
“Official Kang is saying that only picking the snow territory divine flower can express one’s respect and love as well as filial devotion?!” The cold-faced Ming Asi suddenly spoke up.
His voice was low and elegant, but exuded an indescribable tension. It was as if everyone wanted to shut up like cicadas in winter the moment he spoke.
This third prince was tall and handsome, with a domineering air. He had usurped the crown prince and snatched away the latter’s position immediately after coming back. Naturally, he took a much tougher stance than the indecisive and weak Crown Prince Ming Lung.
Official Kang prostrated with his forehead pressing against the floor. He howled bitterly, “Crown Prince Ming Lung’s filial devotion can move the heavens and earth, and is clear to the sun and moon!”
“Shut up!!” The Nether Province Emperor broke into a coughing fit, which covered up his angry roars.
Ming Asi stepped forward and knelt on one knee. He looked up sharply at the emperor on the throne. “Imperial Father, since the court officials are already saying this. As your son, I naturally cannot shrink back! Imperial Father, please allow me to lead two thousand troops to the arctic. I will bring back the snow territory divine flower to nourish your body!”
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