Chapter 662: Alliance (2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Before Kang Wang bade farewell, he personally promised him that if he could ascend to the throne one day, he would marry the legitimate daughter of an aristocratic family as the Empress of the central palace, just like how the previous Emperor married Empress Dowager Yuan back then.

He would let the aristocratic families regain their glory!

As he thought about it, Xiao Shoufu slowly put down the teacup and looked at Yuan Zhe in front of him. He thought about the candidate for the next empress: The next empress couldn’t have the surname Yuan anymore.

He stared at Yuan Zhe with a deep gaze for a long time, making Yuan Zhe feel a little uncomfortable. However, he saw Xiao Shoufu suddenly raise his hand and make a gesture. His eyes settled and became especially sharp.

In the next moment, the servant and the old woman serving tea in the hall retreated silently. They didn’t even dare to breathe loudly, and they cautiously guarded the eaves outside the hall.

Everyone’s gaze was focused on Xiao Shoufu.

Xiao Shoufu cleared his throat and said in a sincere tone, “His Majesty appointed the heir this time with the status of Eldest Princess Feng Yang, but if the heir is certain, it will be difficult to abolish the Crown Prince in the future.”

Everyone felt sorrow in their hearts, and their hearts sank. They couldn’t help but remember that the previous Emperor had fallen into a coma before he died and kept calling Kang Wang’s name during his illness. It could be seen that the previous Emperor had regrets for the rest of his life.

It was difficult to establish a Crown Prince, and even harder to abolish him. It had been like this in all dynasties.

Wang Kangyin sighed faintly and said regretfully, “Unfortunately, be it talent, martial arts, personality, or ability to deal with people, Kang Wang clearly far exceeded His Majesty. Just because His Majesty took the title of eldest brother, the previous Emperor never got his wish.”

“The Eldest Prince is the only son of His Majesty. Once he’s conferred the title of Crown Prince, it’s even harder to cripple him.”

“Sigh, His Majesty and the Eldest Prince have always been afraid of aristocratic families. It’s really difficult to take on such a big responsibility!”

Wang Kangyin’s words were also the thoughts of the others present. Everyone nodded slightly.

Disdain appeared on the faces of several people, and unwillingness and anger were hidden in their expressions.

During the 20 years of the late Emperor’s reign, their influential family put in great effort. It was during this time that the State of Jin’s power and influence grew. They had defended this land against the State of Yue’s coveting, but as soon as the current Emperor ascended to the throne, he seemed eager to discard their past achievements. He repeatedly spoke of the civil service examinations and the appointment of talent regardless of social status, which was clearly intended to suppress their aristocratic families.

Today, he was bragging about being a benevolent monarch, but he actually wanted to be a monopoly monarch. He was afraid that the aristocratic families would split the power, but he was also afraid that they would restrict him.

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Shoufu’s eyes. He slowly wiped away the foam with the tea cover and suddenly asked, “Nephew Yuan, what do you think?”

Therefore, everyone’s gaze turned to Yuan Zhe.

Everyone present was a powerful minister of the dynasty and came from a famous family. Their upbringing was excellent. Even if they didn’t say a word, they had a natural noble family aura.

Under these people’s oppressive gazes, Yuan Zhe didn’t show any fear. He smiled calmly and said seriously, “Lords, 1 think that at this point, we have to make the next decision first. Whether we should do our best to help Kang Wang ascend to the throne and continue the glory of the family…”

“Or should we simply lower our heads to His Majesty and guard ourselves, hoping that His Majesty can tolerate our family?”

“What do you think?”

Yuan Zhe’s calm gaze slowly looked around at everyone, quietly waiting for everyone’s choice. His joystick was as straight as a pine tree, abnormally calm.

Their aristocratic family’s grudge against Emperor Taizu couldn’t be finished even if they talked for three days and three nights. The aristocratic family had experienced several dynasties, but they had never suffered the kind of grievance of being suppressed and ignored when Emperor Taizu was in power.

Of course, they didn’t want to repeat the same mistake. It was also because of this that they were so against Kang Wang insisting on marrying Li Yunrong. They could support Kang Wang, but Kang Wang couldn’t trample on the bottom line of the family.

This was the consensus of all the families present.

An old man with white hair called out his name angrily, “Yuan Zhe, why are you asking when you already know the answer? If we plan to lower our heads to His Majesty, why would we appear here today?!”

Their aristocratic family had the hundred-year-old style of an aristocratic family, so they naturally wouldn’t bow down to the royal power.

If there was really no chance, it would be fine. They could lie low and wait, but now that Kang Wang had the right momentum, the opportunity was right in front of them…

Wang Kangyin simply slapped the coffee table with his palm, causing the teacup and fruit basin on it to tremble. The few loquats in the fruit basin fell to the ground and rolled everywhere.

Wang Kangyin gritted his teeth and said resolutely, “Kang Wang now has the help of the State of Yue.. When it’s time, we still have to fight!”