bookcurios Chapter 1318 Knowing His Majesty’s True Intentions
Chapter 1318 Knowing His Majesty’s True Intentions
Li Changde's words had already exceeded the duty of a servant. He dared to question such a major matter as the royal inheritance and even implicitly speculated on the prince's future qualifications.
He seemed to have been drained of all his strength. Even his shoulders were shaking slightly as he knelt on the ground, waiting for the emperor's possible wrath.
The air in the hall seemed to freeze, leaving only Li Changde's heavy and suppressed breathing.
However, the expected rebuke did not come.
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze fell on the trembling Li Changde, but there was no anger in his eyes.
He knew Li Changde's loyalty very well, and if he was not truly worried, he would never risk his life to make such suggestions.
"Get up."
The emperor's voice was calm and unwavering: "How could I not know your concerns?"
Li Changde felt as if he had been pardoned, but he did not dare to relax completely. He stood up tremblingly, lowered his head and bowed, not even daring to breathe.
Nangong Xuanyu cast his gaze towards the sky outside the palace, framed by the palace walls. His tone was steady and profound, "What I want is a crown prince whose position cannot be shaken by anyone, a successor who can smoothly inherit this vast empire."
"I will never allow anyone or anything to threaten the future Crown Prince's position or undermine the foundation of the country."
"but……"
The emperor changed the subject, his tone adding a touch of caution and balance: "I am also the ruler of a country. I must be responsible for the country and its people. I cannot completely rely on one person for the country and leave no room for maneuver."
Li Changde's heart tightened as he listened attentively, holding his breath: "Your Majesty's intention is..."
Nangong Xuanyu said calmly, "When Ah Xu is a few years older, I will choose an auspicious day to announce it to the heavens, the earth, and the ancestral temples, and officially enthrone him as the Crown Prince. It will be legitimate and his position will be secure!"
"When the Crown Prince's position is secure, and everyone in the court knows he is the foundation of the country, no one will have any more delusions. By then, it won't be too late to allow other concubines to have children."
In this way, he fulfilled his original intention of clearing the way for Axu and saved him from the open and secret attacks of his childhood. He also saved the emperor from the worry of seeing his sons fighting each other in his prime.
Even if another prince was born at that time, the gap in age, status, and reputation between them and the crown prince would be so great that they could hardly pose a real threat.
What if... in the future, as Li Changde worries, the Crown Prince's qualifications are indeed not up to par? At that time, the Emperor will still be in his prime, and there will be other princes to choose from. The Great Zhou Dynasty will still have a successor.
This is the best solution.
After listening to this far-sighted and layered explanation, Li Changde was shocked beyond words!
It turns out that Your Majesty is not just throwing everything at the stake, but has calculated every step so meticulously!
It not only ensures that the heir's position is absolutely stable, but also leaves a cautious retreat and room for choice for the distant future.
The calmness, rationality and imperial mentality in it made him feel amazed and convinced!
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
Li Changde bowed again, saying in awe, "I am such a fool that I failed to grasp your majesty's profound and meticulous planning. I deserve to die!"
Nangong Xuanyu glanced at him calmly and picked up the red pen again: "Forget it."
"Just know what's going on. Keep your mouth shut!"
The heavy stone in his heart fell, and Li Changde's tone became a little lighter: "Yes! I understand!"
Your Majesty, with such far-sightedness and a shocking plan concerning the inheritance of the country, actually only told him alone!
Li Changde could almost imagine what kind of uproar would be caused if those senior ministers and censors knew that His Majesty had such thoughts for the Imperial Noble Consort and the Fourth Prince!
They would surely kneel on the ground to make suggestions, and memorials would fly to the emperor like snowflakes.
All of these are to advise Your Majesty to put the foundation of the country first and benefit everyone equally.
Don't be too obsessed with love and forget about the country.
Some people may also say that although the Fourth Prince is good, he cannot support the whole country alone.
Those ministers are the best at quoting classics, and their saliva can flood the Yangxin Palace!
They would never understand the vigilance and determination of His Majesty after experiencing the bloody storm. Nor would they understand the unique affection His Majesty has for the Imperial Consort, which is hidden deep within the mind of an emperor.
I just think that Your Majesty has been bewitched by the Imperial Noble Consort, and is acting biasedly and disregarding the overall situation.
But His Majesty didn't tell anyone but Li Changde!
What does this mean?
This shows that in His Majesty's heart, he is not only a trusted eunuch who serves his daily life, but also the most trustworthy person who can truly understand His Majesty's deep intentions and keep this shocking secret!
This unique trust makes Li Changde feel more precious and secure than any reward, and makes him feel proud!
The corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise up, revealing an expression that could almost be called joyful, but he quickly suppressed it and returned to his usual humble and pleasant expression.
But the joy and pride that came from within could not be concealed.
No matter how capable or powerful the civil and military officials in the court are, or how noble and powerful they are, what does it matter?
They had no idea what was most important in His Majesty's mind.
He is the only one who serves before the emperor every day and knows the true intentions of His Majesty!
This secret sense of superiority made Li Changde feel that his back was straighter than usual.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and reminded himself to be more cautious and loyal, and never let down His Majesty's heavy trust.
The imperial palace is full of ever-changing circumstances. Only by closely following His Majesty's thoughts and keeping His Majesty's secrets can he live a long and respectable life at the center of power.
The night is getting darker.
The eunuch from the Imperial Household Department, holding trays of green cards, entered the Yangxin Palace with ease. After bowing, he respectfully said, "Your Majesty, please turn over the cards."
Nangong Xuanyu's eyes swept over it and turned over the green card engraved with the words "Imperial Noble Concubine".
When the news reached Yongshou Palace, everything was prepared in an orderly manner.
Shen Zhinian showered and changed, not wearing excessive makeup, only soft, well-ironed pajamas. Her dark hair was loosely tied up, shedding the daytime majesty and elegance, and adding a touch of lazy charm.
The palace lanterns were soft, and Nangong Xuanyu came in the night.
Shen Zhinian greeted her at the palace gate according to etiquette: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you..."
Before the ceremony was over, the emperor reached out and helped him up.
His broad, warm palm naturally wrapped around Shen Zhinian's soft hand, and he led her to the inner room.
"Mother! Father... Father..."
The babyish voice broke the silence in the inner room.
The Fourth Prince, who looked like a lucky doll, was staggering towards them on his short legs, his big black eyes filled with joy at seeing his father.
Nangong Xuanyu's hard brows softened instantly. He bent down, picked up the Fourth Prince, and weighed him: "Ah Xu has become heavier."
Shen Zhinian also stepped forward with a smile, and gently brushed his fingertips across the Fourth Prince's soft hair: "Children change every day."
For a moment, the hall was filled with warmth and laughter, and it was rare to be filled with the warm atmosphere of an ordinary family.