AWB Chapter 768: A country cannot live without a king for a day
Chapter 768: A country cannot live without a king for a day
On his way back to the capital, the eldest prince Wu Ce was ambushed by a mysterious martial arts master. Although he managed to escape, 90% of his accompanying troops were killed or wounded. If it weren't for the timely arrival of reinforcements stationed in Donghai County, he would have certainly died!
Even so, he was already seriously injured and eventually lost consciousness. He was taken back to Donghai County to recuperate.
In that case, returning to the throne is definitely out of the question.
At the same time, all the ministers in the imperial court also caused some trouble.
Apart from the Left Chancellor, a literary giant, and some of his students, almost all the other officials chose to stay home due to illness.
Even more extreme, some have released information questioning the eldest prince's eligibility to inherit the throne.
Because the Empress died suddenly without an imperial edict, relying solely on a verbal statement was hardly convincing!
In fact, the Empress did not see any of her ministers before her death.
This is also a very big point of suspicion. Many people suspect that there were treacherous officials in the court who murdered the empress and wanted to rebel!
Some ministers even wanted to use this pretext to thoroughly investigate the cause of the Empress's death!
In addition, and most importantly, the mobilization of the Imperial Guards has placed all nine gates of the capital under martial law, and now everyone in the capital is living in fear!
"Princess, we need to think of a solution. If this continues, I'm afraid things will get out of hand in the Great Jing!"
Some officials in the court who were loyal to the royal family approached Ji Bingyan, eagerly hoping that she would take action. The atmosphere in the capital these past few days had been extremely strange.
Some people who were eager to leave the city were immediately killed by the Imperial Guards!
Although Ji Bingyan is a woman, her status and control over the Imperial City Guard and the Blood Droplets are enough to make those who act recklessly wary.
"How are those princes doing now?"
Ji Bingyan remained silent for a moment before asking.
With Wu Ce assassinated, he certainly won't be able to return to the capital anytime soon.
The official bowed his head and said, "According to the information I have received, all the princes have stated their positions. Now that His Majesty has passed away, they only support the rightful heir to the throne!"
"Ok?"
Ji Bingyan sneered: "Legal? How is it legal? His Majesty has specified that the eldest prince should inherit the throne, isn't that legal?"
"This……"
The official was speechless for a moment.
Ji Bingyan shook her head: "Or is it that none of these people take His Majesty's decree seriously?"
"This……"
The officials remained silent again.
This official, as a key figure in the court, held a very important position and had good relationships with all the princes.
"Lord Ni, stop hiding it. Just tell us what they're really thinking."
Ji Bingyan's expression returned to calm. At this moment, she showed no emotion. As the Empress's most trusted person and the only princess of the dynasty, she had to remain calm and steady.
If she panics, the Great Jing Dynasty will truly be thrown into chaos!
With the Empress's passing, the Imperial Guards, who had previously obeyed only her orders, suddenly lost control!
Several important ministers were assassinated at the same time, leaving them with no troops at their disposal. Minghe Ying watched from the sidelines, while Grand Tutor Shen, who was returning from Beihai, suddenly set up camp on the way.
It seems that Ji Bingyan is now the only one left in the Empress's faction!
This Ni Dahong, who was in charge of the Dali Temple, was considered a confidant of the Empress. After listening to Ji Bingyan's words, he said in a trembling voice, "The princes have all said that the First Prince was assassinated by villains. The current situation is turbulent, and I'm afraid he is not capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility. However, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day. We should choose one of them who is both brave and resourceful to temporarily take over the administration of the government in place of the First Prince. Once the First Prince has recovered and his injuries have healed, we can return the position to him!"
"These abacus beads are practically jumping into my face!"
Ji Bingyan's expression remained unchanged, but she began to sneer inwardly.
If they were put in that position, expecting them to hand it over would be a joke.
Perhaps during this time, the eldest prince will be assassinated again.
They all think she's a fool!
"So, they must have someone in mind, right? There's only one seat, and not everyone can sit here."
Ji Bingyan sneered inwardly, but her expression remained calm.
Ni Dahong lowered his head: "The princes in the capital have all nominated the Fifth Prince."
"The fifth prince..."
Ji Bingyan frowned slightly.
Although the Fifth Prince was assassinated some time ago, he was the only one left in the entire mansion.
However, his foundation remained intact, and in a very short time, a large group of talented individuals and martial arts masters were gathered around the Fifth Prince again!
In addition, the Fifth Prince's fiefdom is located in the wealthy south, and has always been managed by his mother's family, which is very wealthy!
Over the years, each prince has had their own fiefdom and has also managed their own military.
For example, the eldest prince was previously stationed in Youzhou County, Juebi City, before being transferred to Donghai County.
Another example is Wu Qingye, who arrived at Yilan County, where Yilan County is located.
However, in terms of wealth, these northern prefectures and counties cannot compare with those in the south.
In addition, Wu Quan's mother was originally from a prominent family in Jiangnan, which made it even easier for her to manage the business.
This is also the reason why the Wu Quan Association has grown increasingly larger.
There are also rumors circulating that the Fifth Prince and the Right Chancellor have a particularly close relationship.
The Great Jing Dynasty of that time was also founded on military power, and these princes, in particular, had the power to recruit private soldiers!
It served both to train them and, in crucial moments, to enable them to lead troops and protect the imperial power.
These princes originally had the right to inherit the throne!
The reason for the nine princes vying for the throne was because of the rules established by the late emperor.
Whoever is the strongest will be able to sit on the throne!
Whoever is weak will be eliminated!
The weak eat the strong!
A great era can only be led by the strongest!
However, after the Empress ascended the throne, she discovered that such rules of the game were against etiquette and law. The throne must be occupied by someone of excellent character and virtue!
Therefore, she favored the eldest prince and Ji Bingyan.
But now, the Empress has suddenly passed away, and nothing was prepared beforehand. The eldest prince has also been assassinated and is in a coma.
These kinds of things make it too easy for people to exploit loopholes!
In addition, there was another powerful figure behind the scenes, seemingly manipulating things in secret, severely injuring all those whom Ji Bingyan could use and relied upon.
Therefore, Ji Bingyan now appears extremely powerless!
However, Ji Bingyan did not panic or back down. Instead, she asked, "Is there any unusual activity on the side of the Ninth Prince Wu Qingye? Has he joined the camp of these princes?"
The Ninth Prince, Wu Qingye, was originally ostracized in the court, but Ji Wuxin saved his life.
Moreover, Wu Qingye himself is gentle and refined, and indifferent to worldly affairs, which is the complete opposite of Wu Quan, who is only interested in profit.
A few days before the Empress's death, Wu Qingye had just returned to pay his respects to her, so he is currently in the capital!
Given Wu Qingye's personality, she will definitely support the eldest prince's succession to the throne!