TSFLIP Chapter 825

The royal banquet arrived as scheduled. Inside the grand, glittering hall, even though Emperor Zhou Li appeared warm and amiable, the atmosphere was anything but relaxed. Every official and minister present was shrewd beyond measure—none believed this feast would be as simple as it seemed.

And, as it turned out, they were right.

“This pastry is quite sweet.” Zhou Xing placed a plate of delicacies before Fengguang with a smile. “You’ll like it.”

Fengguang could clearly sense that many in the hall were watching Zhou Xing, yet he acted as if nothing were amiss. She silently picked up a piece of pastry and took a bite, suddenly feeling like the saying “the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is”—and she was the eunuch.

“All my loyal subjects know,” Emperor Zhou Li began from his throne, “that two things have long weighed on my heart. One is the crown prince’s injury, and the other is the second prince, who was lost many years ago. Now that both have returned to me, I can finally be at peace.”

“Your Majesty’s deep affection for your sons is truly moving,” said General Li Rong, a longtime confidant of the emperor.

Zhou Xing bowed slightly. “It was my fault for causing Father worry.”

Across the hall, Chen Hongdou glanced at her husband. Others had spoken already—shouldn’t Yang Jie, as one of the people mentioned, say something too? But her husband was the quiet, serious type, completely oblivious to her meaningful looks. Now she was outright glaring at him, and he still didn’t understand why.

“The crown prince was injured while quelling a rebellion,” Emperor Zhou Li said with a sigh that seemed filled with pain. “Your leg was wounded in service to the empire—it grieves me deeply.”

Li Rong stepped forward. “Your Highness is loyal and courageous—truly admirable. But since the entire court is gathered today, I must risk offending His Majesty to speak some harsh truth.”

“General Li, if you have something to say, you may…”

“Your Majesty.” Li Rong boldly interrupted the emperor, stepping into the center of the hall and kneeling. “I know how dearly Your Majesty cherishes the crown prince, and I, too, respect His Highness’s character. But the position of crown prince cannot be decided by emotion. If His Highness were to ascend the throne one day, I fear our kingdom’s standing among other nations would be diminished. So—even if my words are treasonous—I must implore Your Majesty to reconsider the matter of the crown prince’s title.”

“Outrageous!” Emperor Zhou Li slammed the table. “The crown prince injured himself in defense of our realm—he is a hero of the dynasty! Would you have me depose him? What would the people think of their emperor then?”

The emperor was furious, but Li Rong showed no fear. Turning toward Zhou Xing, he bowed low again. “Your Highness, you, too, know that the throne is not a matter for sentiment. If His Majesty refuses to heed my words, I hope you, at least, will understand my intent.”

“General Li, there’s no need to say more. I understand you,” Zhou Xing said calmly, setting down his teacup as if the matter were nothing. “I am well aware that I am not the most suitable person to remain crown prince. Therefore, I accept your counsel sincerely.”

“Crown Prince…” Zhou Li began.

“Father.” Zhou Xing looked up at him, eyes steady, a faint smile on his lips. “For the sake of the realm, I respectfully request that you strip me of my title as crown prince.”

“You are the crown prince of this dynasty—how can such a title be cast aside so lightly?”

“There’s no need to insist, Father,” Zhou Xing said with an easy smile. “General Li speaks the truth. In both reason and principle, I should no longer hold this position. And besides,” his tone softened, “now that my second brother has been found, there’s someone far more suitable for the title.”