CHAPTER 2017: CHAPTER 2019: TAKING THE INITIATIVE

"Third, your words are not right." Breaking away from Prince Zhuang’s hand, the Grand Emperor stepped up to the dragon throne, sat down, and said, "My Great Zhou, naturally, should be managed by me. As the Emperor, no matter how exhausting state affairs are, one cannot complain or avoid them; it is one’s duty. How can one let others help with it?"

"Back then, that treacherous minister and scoundrel Prince Le disregarded filial piety and morality, used poison to control me, and forced me to do a series of things against my will. Now that Prince Le is dead, as the Emperor of Great Zhou, I should come out from behind the scenes."

"This time, Prince Zhuang has contributed to quelling the rebellion and saved me from danger, so I will not hold you accountable for exceeding your authority in the punishment of Imperial Censor Zhang. However, such actions cannot be repeated."

"Furthermore, as Prince Zhuang has contributed to the stability of the nation, he is granted the hereditary title of Prince, while Prince Le, for his treachery and chaos, is demoted to a commoner, and after his death, he shall not be buried in the imperial garden. Eunuch Cui, convey the decree."

"Yes!"

It must be said that the old ginger is spicier. The last two times Baili Yan faced the Grand Emperor, the Grand Emperor directly questioned him or scolded him for rebellion and disloyalty.

This time, unexpectedly, he preemptively struck.

It’s a shame; did he still think that he would submit in front of the ministers?

Silently listening to Eunuch Cui read the decree, Baili Yan glanced at the Golden Throne Hall, half standing, half kneeling, truly an awkward scene.

Yet he could still have someone continue reading the decree.

"His Highness Prince Zhuang, will you accept the decree?" Eunuch Cui squinted, "You care for the Emperor, and the Emperor is grateful to you. You are the first in this dynasty to receive the hereditary title of Prince. Should you not promptly accept the decree and express your gratitude?"

"I do not like receiving decrees!" Baili Yan brushed past Eunuch Cui’s hands, firmly stating, "I prefer issuing decrees!"

"You!!" The Grand Emperor truly hadn’t expected him to be so bold.

The last few times he came, he used Prince Le’s lack of royal etiquette as an excuse and did not directly state his desire to return to the court, so naturally, under such circumstances, Baili Yan did not actively speak of seizing the throne.

But today, he openly spoke of it. What is going on?

"Father Emperor is aged and no longer able to handle affairs of state. Not mentioning other matters, just from the issue of resettling the refugees outside the city, it can be seen that to this day, the refugees remain scattered, with significant conflicts with the city folk. It’s been a few days since Prince Le is gone, and Father Emperor in his newfound freedom has yet to find a way to resolve this. Therefore, as a member of the Imperial Family of Baili, as a son, I should take over the heavy burden, let Great Zhou prosper and flourish, and serve Father Emperor in his old age."

"Third! Do you truly mean this?"

"Father Emperor, your son only considers the state of Great Zhou." Baili Yan stood upright.

He paused and then said, "Summon someone to help the Grand Emperor retire. It is indeed early morning when one should rest, and all ministers should be mindful of the Grand Emperor’s health."

"You!" The Grand Emperor always believed that Prince Zhuang was more benevolent than Prince Le, with better character, never expecting that Prince Zhuang would also resort to strong measures. "This is treason!"

"No, I’ve succeeded in quashing rebellion and am seizing the momentum."

Baili Yan chuckled softly, "Father Emperor, you are no longer suitable to be an Emperor, and neither is Prince Le. Your unsuitability lies in the mistrust of the court ministers, your deeds have deeply impacted them. Prince Le’s unsuitability lies in his lack of ambition to be Emperor."

"I had initially intended to give you a chance to redeem yourself, but I did not expect you to be as obstinate as Second. Since this is the case, do not blame me for not considering the father-son bond."