The emergence of the three celestial kingdoms shook the mortal world. The term "Celestial Empire" had previously been mere boasting, the self-proclaimed title of ambitious rulers. Now, with the opening of the Heavenly Gate and the arrival of these kingdoms, the world finally understood what a true Celestial Empire entailed.

Each kingdom commanded only one hundred thousand soldiers. A small number, yet even the common folk whispering in the streets spoke of these "celestial soldiers" with awe.

Within the Great Ming's court, officials gathered, their hearts heavy with anxiety. Emperor Jiajing rarely held court, preferring to discuss matters of state with his Grand Secretaries within the confines of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity. His announcement of a morning audience could only mean one thing: the arrival of the Celestial Empire within Great Ming territory had finally shaken the Emperor's confidence.

"His Majesty arrives!"

"Long live the Emperor! Ten thousand years!" The officials knelt as one, echoing the Head Eunuch Lü Fang's announcement.

Emperor Jiajing's steps were measured and his bearing regal. He

ascended the steps to the Dragon Throne, accepting the court's obeisance.

"Rise," he commanded.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As they rose, the officials stole glances at the Emperor's face. What they saw startled them. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression haggard, as if he hadn't slept in days.

"Today, we discuss two matters."

The officials listened with rapt attention. They were anticipating discussions regarding the Celestial Empire

"First, we discuss rewards. The Crown Prince has reclaimed Yunzhou, yet I have not formally recognized his achievement. To leave merit unrewarded is a ruler's failing. The people would criticize me, and who would serve a ruler who neglects his loyal subjects? They would seek a more deserving leader."

His words sent the officials scrambling to their knees. To seek another leader? That was treason, a crime punishable by death.

"We pledge our unwavering loyalty to Your Majesty! We would never betray you!"

Jiajing simply said, "Discuss."

Grand Secretary Yan Song, as if anticipating this command, immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, those who achieve military merit are traditionally rewarded with promotions, titles, wealth, or land. However, His Highness, the Crown Prince, as heir to the throne, requires no such rewards. His achievements are too great to be compensated with mere wealth.

Therefore, I propose, in addition to a monetary reward, Your Majesty grant him a province as his personal fiefdom. Before ascending the throne, he can govern this territory, gaining valuable experience in managing the affairs of state."

Next to him, Junior Grand Secretary Xu Jie was sweating profusely.

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What a cunning scheme!

To grant the Crown Prince a distant fiefdom, far from the capital and the Emperor's influence, was clearly a ploy to favor Prince Jing, Yan Song's preferred candidate for the throne. The Grand Secretary's machinations were relentless.

"Approved," Jiajing declared, to Xu Jie's astonishment. He had expected some debate, some resistance. But the Emperor had agreed without hesitation.

"Your Majesty!" Xu Jie cried, then realized his outburst.

"Junior Grand Secretary, do you have something to say?" Jiajing spoke coldly.

Xu Jie swallowed hard. He had served Jiajing for years and recognized the warning in his voice. But for the sake of Crown Prince Wanli, he had to speak.

"Your Majesty, to grant the Crown Prince a fiefdom, as if he were a mere vassal king, is… inappropriate."

"And you believe a monetary reward would suffice?" Jiajing asked.

Xu Jie's lips twitched. To reward his son's military victory with a paltry sum of money… was he dismissing him as a beggar? Was this some peculiar tradition of the Zhu family, a fondness for small monetary rewards?

"No, Your Majesty. The Crown Prince deserves a substantial reward, but a fiefdom…"

"Land is the foundation of a kingdom!" Jiajing interrupted. "To grant the Crown Prince a fiefdom is a great honor! Are you suggesting he is dissatisfied? Or are you dissatisfied? Perhaps you believe I should abdicate and offer him the throne itself?!"

Xu Jie's blood ran cold. He fell to his knees, followed by a chorus of like-minded officials.

"Your Majesty! I… I… I…"

He suddenly understood.

This was a carefully orchestrated performance, a collaboration between the Emperor and Yan Song to diminish Crown Prince Wanli's achievements in Yunzhou. The Crown Prince, granted a fiefdom, wouldn't actually leave the capital. He would find a way to remain in the Emperor's presence. Thus, the fiefdom was meaningless, a symbolic gesture, allowing Jiajing to claim he had fulfilled his obligation. Was it truly necessary for a father to scheme against his own son to such an extent?

"Your Majesty! I have spoken out of turn! I retract my objection!" Xu Jie, a veteran of Jiajing's court, knew when to yield. He also knew the Emperor wouldn't allow Yan Song unchecked power. As long as he avoided serious transgressions, he would remain in the court, a counterbalance to the Grand Secretary's influence.

"For your disrespect, Junior Grand Secretary Xu, you are fined one year's salary," Jiajing declared.

"Thank you… for your leniency, Your Majesty." Xu Jie, relieved, had anticipated this outcome. He bowed and retreated, noticing a flicker of disappointment on Yan Song's face as he passed.

"Now, the second matter." Jiajing's words signaled the end of the discussion regarding the Crown Prince's reward. The officials, however, realized he had failed to specify the location of the fiefdom. Had he simply forgotten? But after Xu Jie's recent reprimand, no one dared to point out the Emperor's oversight.

"Grand Secretary Yan, enlighten the court."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yan Song, with a smug glance at Xu Jie, who sighed inwardly, It was all planned, a carefully rehearsed performance, began his report.

"Honored officials, the Tang Kingdom, one of the three celestial kingdoms that descended from the heavens, has invaded our Great Ming, occupying Hongzhou."

His words stunned the court. Hongzhou, a prosperous and populous province in the Jiangnan region… lost?

"Grand Secretary Yan, are you certain? The loss of Hongzhou… we have received no such reports."

"Hongzhou boasts a garrison of one hundred thousand soldiers. Even if their strength is inferior, surely they wouldn't fall without a fight?"

Aside from Yan Song, no one in the court knew of Hongzhou's fall. Even Xu Jie was hearing this news for the first time.

"Please, allow me to finish," Yan Song said, waiting for the commotion to subside. He sighed. "Hongzhou surrendered… without a fight."

"What?! Impossible! The Hongzhou garrison should be executed!" Shock, anger, and disbelief filled the court.

Yan Song waited for them to vent their frustrations before delivering the final blow. "According to my sources, the Emperor of the Tang Kingdom, Li Yu, single-handedly subdued the entire Hongzhou garrison."

Silence descended upon the court. One man subduing one hundred thousand soldiers?

Such a feat was almost unimaginable. Perhaps Emperor Jiajing could accomplish it? They looked at him, but his bloodshot eyes and weary expression offered little reassurance. Their fleeting hope vanished.

"I have… overlooked a minor detail," Jiajing said suddenly. "The Crown Prince's fiefdom… it shall be Hongzhou."