Catching Monsters

Chapter 453 He hasn't ascended the throne yet! He's just the Crown Prince!

Princes Xiao Jingzhi, Xiao Jingfu, and Xiao Jingqing quickly followed Feng Yu into the palace.

As soon as they entered the palace, they saw Xiao Yuzheng lying on his sickbed.

Xiao Yuzheng was pale and extremely weak.

As soon as he entered the room, Xiao Jingzhi knelt down at the door with a thud, then crawled to the bedside, grasped Xiao Yuzheng's hand, and his eyes were already brimming with tears: "Father, I am an unfilial son who has not been able to stay by your side often. Now that I hear that Father is unwell, I feel very ashamed. I wish to serve you by your side for a long time to repay your deep kindness in raising me."

And after saying that, tears really welled up in his eyes, and he burst into tears. His behavior showed that he was heartbroken and in unbearable pain, and he was just short of beating his chest and stamping his feet.

Seeing the eldest prince Xiao Jingzhi's behavior, Xiao Jingfu cursed the guy inwardly for being pretentious.

Then Xiao Jingfu knelt down with a thud and hurriedly stepped forward to grab Xiao Yuzheng's other hand: "Father, don't worry, you're just feeling unwell. I'll immediately send people to find rare and precious herbs; there must be a wonderful way to prolong life."

The Eighth Prince Xiao Jingqing, standing behind, was dumbfounded, as his eldest and fourth brothers were each holding one of his hands.

He couldn't very well go and cry to his father's leg, so he could only stand awkwardly behind the two of them.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuzheng sighed inwardly and said slowly, "I am unwell and probably won't live much longer, but the matter of succession to the throne is a worry for me."

“Jingzhi”.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingzhi quickly grasped his father's hand tightly, his breathing becoming rapid: "Father, please speak, I am listening."

"You are kind and gentle, and you are close to the Six Ministries and the royal family. I know that if it were a peaceful year, you might be able to make the Zhou Kingdom prosperous and the people healthy and well, but you are not suitable right now..."

At this point, Xiao Yuzheng's gaze slowly fell on Xiao Jingfu: "Jingfu."

Xiao Jingfu's heart was pounding: "Your subject is here."

"I hereby appoint you as the Crown Prince of Zhou. After my death, you shall ascend the throne as Emperor."

After saying this, Feng Yu, who was inside the room, did not show any surprise. After all, Xiao Jingfu's story of being captured alive by rebels in Haiyan City and refusing to surrender was a big plus in Xiao Yuzheng's mind.

Moreover, if the throne were to be passed to the eldest prince, who is supported by the civil service, the Zhou Kingdom might face a major upheaval once Xiao Yuzheng dies.

The Zhou state of today can no longer withstand such turmoil.

"Have you remembered everything I said?" Xiao Yuzheng asked.

At this moment, Feng Yu held an imperial edict, in which Xiao Yuzheng's final instructions and arrangements were written one by one.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant has noted it all down."

Xiao Yuzheng then looked at the youngest, Xiao Jingqing, and said slowly, "Jingqing, now that you two know, you must help Jingfu in the future and safeguard the land of our Zhou Kingdom."

At this point, Xiao Yuzheng coughed violently again.

"Father, please rest assured," Xiao Jingzhi and Xiao Jingfu quickly agreed.

"You two can go out first. I have something I want to say to Jingfu alone." Xiao Yuzheng took several deep breaths.

Before leaving, Xiao Jingzhi took a few steps and couldn't help but turn back to look at Xiao Yuzheng.

He desperately hoped that Xiao Yuzheng would change his mind...

After the two left, Xiao Jingfu finally felt relieved.

Just then, Xiao Yuzheng slowly said, "Jingfu, my body can no longer hold up. You, as the Crown Prince, will temporarily assume the responsibility of overseeing the country."

"While I am still alive, let's see if you have the ability to manage the vast Zhou Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingfu quickly nodded and respectfully said, "Father, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you."

"Furthermore, Feng Yu has followed me for many years and is extremely loyal. If I die and you do not wish to rely on him, you can arrange for him to guard my tomb."

Listening to Xiao Yuzheng's arrangements, Feng Yu's eyes also showed a hint of gratitude. Even at a time like this, His Majesty was still thinking of her.

Xiao Yuzheng didn't have the energy to say anything more: "You should go out too."

Xiao Jingfu was overjoyed, but his face remained solemn as he walked out.

"Your Majesty, please rest well..." Before Feng Yu could finish speaking, Xiao Yuzheng took a deep breath and asked, "Has Qin Hong returned?"

“Eunuch Qin has not yet returned from the three southwestern provinces,” Feng Yu shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuzheng frowned slightly, took a deep breath, and said, "Then let Jiang Yun come and see me."

See Jiang Yun?
Feng Yu was slightly taken aback, but he knew that Jiang Yun was waiting outside the palace. He quickly said, "Your Majesty, Jiang Yun is outside. I'll go out and call him right away..."

Meanwhile, in the courtyard outside the palace, there were already fifty or sixty people, all of whom could be considered the top nobles in the entire Zhou Kingdom.

Among these people were both civil officials and military generals. As the three princes walked out with solemn expressions, many people were curious and wanted to step forward to ask what His Majesty had said.

However, the timing is somewhat inappropriate.

Of course, the many ministers present were not in a hurry. His Majesty was unwell and must have many things to explain.

His Majesty will surely summon Feng Yu later and have someone go in to arrange the follow-up matters.

Sure enough, the palace door slowly opened, and Feng Yu walked out. After scanning the crowd, he said loudly, "Jiang Yun, come to the palace. His Majesty wants to see you."

The many ministers present exchanged disbelieving glances.

They looked at each other in surprise, no...

At this time, shouldn't Your Majesty first summon the ministers of the Six Ministries, or some more important people?
Even if it's about arranging matters concerning the Embroidered Uniform Guard, one should at least meet with Li Wangxin first.

Why would I want to see Jiang Yun?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun didn't have many thoughts. He just thought to himself that once he went in, he would have to make it clear to His Majesty that the fact that His Majesty was vomiting blood had nothing to do with the prescription he had written.

Even if Xiao Yuzheng doesn't pursue this matter, if Xiao Yuzheng dies, it could be used by others to blackmail him, which would be extremely troublesome.

Soon, Jiang Yun followed Feng Yu into the palace.

As soon as Jiang Yun entered, she saw Xiao Yuzheng lying on the hospital bed, looking extremely unwell.

He quickly knelt down and respectfully said, "This humble servant, Jiang Yun, greets Your Majesty."

"Alright, no need for formalities." Xiao Yuzheng said, beckoning to Feng Yu, who quickly understood and stepped forward to help Xiao Yuzheng, who was lying down, to sit up a little.

Xiao Yuzheng took a deep breath, stared at Jiang Yun, and said, "Jiang Yun, how much longer do you think I have to live?"

Jiang Yun replied without hesitation and with unwavering certainty: "His Majesty is blessed with boundless fortune; naturally, he will live for another hundred years without any problem..."

Although he knew in his heart that Xiao Yuzheng was about to die, how could he possibly say such a thing? Of course, he would exaggerate.

Xiao Yuzheng also knew that Jiang Yun was just saying that to make him happy and have some fun.

He took a deep breath and calmly said, "Jiang Yun, I want you to search for immortal islands overseas and find me elixirs of immortality!" Although he sensed his days were numbered, Xiao Yuzheng wanted to make one last effort...

"When you went to the Demon Kingdom, you claimed in your report that you had seen that immortal island. Is that true or false?"

“Of course it’s true.” Jiang Yun nodded emphatically.

"Alright." Xiao Yuzheng took a deep breath and said, "Put aside all other matters for now, and take the Jinyiwei of the Eastern Garrison Command, at all costs, to find the Immortal Island and obtain the elixir for me before I die."

"Cough cough cough."

After speaking, Xiao Yuzheng coughed violently again, and his overall condition was extremely poor.

"Your humble servant obeys your command." Jiang Yun clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Jiang Yun's throat was very itchy, and she really wanted to ask His Majesty how much longer he could live...

Don't let me step out the door tomorrow and you suddenly kick the bucket; that would be too late...

Feng Yu also saw the meaning in Jiang Yun's eyes and slowly said from the side, "At least a month, we will invite great scholars from the academy to maintain His Majesty's health using Confucianism and Legalism."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun nodded repeatedly. Xiao Yuzheng took a deep breath and said, "As for finding the other half of the map of the Holy Tomb, let Li Wangxin handle it."

"Go."

Watching Jiang Yun turn and leave, Feng Yu couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, why not entrust this matter to Lord Li Wangxin..."

Xiao Yuzheng took a deep breath and said, "There's no time left, and I don't know how much longer I can hold on..."

"According to rumors, only those with a special destiny can see and set foot on that overseas fairy island."

“Since Jiang Yun has met him before, then let him…” At this point, Xiao Yuzheng paused and said in a deep voice, “Also, let Linglong accompany Jiang Yun.”

"If we truly obtain the Immortal Island, and there is only one..."

Xiao Yuzheng was clearly worried that if Jiang Yun obtained the Immortal Island, he might have designs on it.

With Linglong by my side, I can feel a little more at ease.

"Yes."

……

The fact that Xiao Yuzheng had serious health problems could not be kept secret, and the news spread throughout the capital that very night.

Seeing that it could no longer be concealed, the imperial palace soon officially announced the imperial edict, establishing the fourth prince, Xiao Jingfu, as the crown prince and temporarily assuming the responsibility of overseeing the country.

For a time, all the high-ranking officials and nobles in the Zhou Kingdom were shocked.

Of course, the impact on ordinary people is also significant.

In fact, although the Zhou Kingdom is now in a terrible state, Xiao Yuzheng's reputation among the people is actually not low.

Xiao Yuzheng had previously boasted that he was the restorer of the dynasty. Although there was a hint of boasting in that, in reality, he had been diligent and did not indulge in pleasure during his years in power. Moreover, he had won two great victories in the wars against the Hu people, one shortly after his ascension to the throne and the other not long ago.

Furthermore, the lives of the people in the capital have always been prosperous and peaceful.

At least in the capital region, the public's opinion of Xiao Yuzheng is quite high.

After returning to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Jiang Yun was also worried. His Majesty's order could not be delayed, and he had to immediately lead his men to search for Penglai Immortal Island.

Upon learning the news, Madam Tao Yuelan and Xu Suwen immediately sought out Jiang Yun.

They inquired about the situation at the palace.

Jiang Yun could only recount everything she knew in detail.

After hearing this, both Tao Yuelan and Xu Suwen couldn't help but furrow their brows.

"His Majesty has ordered you to search for the Immortal Island?"

Inside the Zhenguo Duke's mansion's reception room, Tao Yuelan's brows were furrowed. She said in a deep voice, "His Majesty's health is currently poor. If anything goes wrong..."

Although Tao Yuelan was just a woman, she had been very knowledgeable since childhood. She said in a deep voice, "Being sent out at this time is not a good job."

"If we could find the legendary fairy island and obtain the elixir of immortality, that would be the best..."

"But if we can't get it, and His Majesty dies while you're not in the capital..."

When the new emperor ascends the throne, all the key departments in the capital will be reshuffled, and Jiang Yun will suffer greatly without him.

Upon hearing Tao Yuelan's words, Jiang Yun replied, "Auntie, I can't think that far ahead right now. I can only do my best to handle the matters at hand as quickly as possible..."

Xu Suwen was wearing a white dress, and there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

Just then, a servant hurried in: "Reporting to Madam, a distinguished guest has arrived at the door, claiming to be His Highness the First Prince, who wishes to see the young master."

"See me?" Jiang Yun was slightly taken aback, then narrowed his eyes.

Seeing this, Tao Yuelan glanced at Jiang Yun and said, "Then Suwen and I will excuse ourselves for a moment."

Soon after Tao Yuelan and Xu Suwen left, the eldest prince, Xiao Jingzhi, dressed in a blue robe, walked in from outside.

As soon as they entered, they could hear Xiao Jingzhi's hearty laughter: "Hahaha, Brother Jiang, it's not appropriate to greet you outside my father's palace today, so I made a special trip to visit you. Please don't take offense."

"Your Highness, please don't say that. I am flattered." Jiang Yun quickly stood up and clasped his hands in greeting.

Xiao Jingzhi gave Jiang Yun a deep look, then sat down to the side, glanced around, and sighed, "I must come and visit this Duke Zhenguo's mansion often in the future."

Xiao Jingzhi was extremely anxious. Although he had the support of the civil service group, he was not stupid.

They knew that seizing the throne without the support of military generals was a pipe dream.

Winning over Jiang Yun would be an excellent option.

First, Jiang Yun was a powerful figure within the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Behind Jiang Yun is the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, a family with considerable influence in the military.

Seeing Jiang Yun's lukewarm attitude, Xiao Jingzhi said, "By the way, Brother Jiang, you must have already heard that my fourth brother has been made crown prince. As the heir apparent, he will soon be temporarily in charge of overseeing the country."

Hearing Xiao Jingzhi's words, Jiang Yun frowned slightly and nodded, indicating that she knew about the matter.

Xiao Jingzhi raised his hand, grasped Jiang Yun's hand, and said in a deep voice, "Given my fourth brother's petty and narrow-minded nature, it's hard to say what he might do after he takes power.

"What does Your Highness mean by this? I don't quite understand," Jiang Yun said, feigning ignorance. "Now that Your Highness the Fourth Prince has become the Crown Prince, what can I possibly do?"

Xiao Jingzhi took a deep breath, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "He hasn't ascended the throne yet! He's just the crown prince!"

(End of this chapter)