Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 485 Ascension to the Throne (Part 3)

So the court that followed truly became a chaotic marketplace. Don't think that those ministers in their red and purple robes wouldn't argue; when they expressed their opinions in court, they were practically ready to use fists and teeth. This time, in order to get more money, these old men in their fifties and sixties were even arguing amongst themselves, and some even came to blows.

Emperor Jingtai was also extremely troubled. He had many ministers in the court and had been friends with them for many years. He couldn't just scold them over such a small amount of money, could he?

But whatever, these people are really causing a scene...

Finally, Jiu Que coughed, and those who had been arguing and fighting stopped instantly, as if everything just now was an act, leaving Jiu Que feeling utterly helpless.

"Gentlemen, there's no need to argue over such a trivial matter. That large silver mine has extremely rich reserves, and silver will continue to flow into Dajing. This is just the first batch of silver being allocated. Seventy percent will be transferred by the Ministry of Revenue, and the remaining thirty percent will be distributed according to the performance of each ministry this year, not a penny more and not a penny less. Does anyone have any objections?"

Everyone looked at each other, then shook their heads in unison. This was the fairest way for them, and they had no objections.

However, just thinking about the continuous flow of silver into the Great Jing Dynasty every year for the next hundred years, what is there for them to argue about? This means that even if there is no harvest this year, the national treasury will not be empty.

Oh my, how lucky they are! They actually have a Crown Princess who can casually bring them a huge silver mine? With the Crown Princess around, their lives are clearly getting better and better…

Everyone was enjoying themselves when they suddenly heard Emperor Jingtai at the head of the table let out a deep sigh.

What's going on here?
Just as everyone was on tenterhooks, Emperor Jingtai spoke in a very expressive tone.

"As we see our lives getting better and better, there's something on my mind that's been bothering me all these years. The more I think about it, the more I feel that things aren't going to work out this way. Since everyone's here now, I'd like to bring it up and get some advice from you all."

The ministers below couldn't contain their expressions upon hearing this. "Your Majesty, is it meaningful for a powerful emperor to say such things? Once you've made up your mind to do something, can any of us refuse?"

Of course, there were also a large group of young officials who, by now, had guessed what His Majesty was about to say. Their breathing suddenly quickened, and their eyes flickered. Was His Majesty going to bring up that matter? His Majesty was getting older, and his health wasn't as good as before; there were indeed times when he lacked the energy to handle state affairs. It was time…

Sure enough, the next moment, Emperor Jingtai spoke earnestly.

"My ministers, I am getting old, and I often feel powerless when dealing with state affairs. Fortunately, I have the Crown Princess to share my burdens. Now, I see that the Crown Princess is becoming more and more mature and experienced in handling affairs, and it is time for the younger generation to take the lead. My ministers, let's take advantage of this grand court assembly to discuss the matter of abdication, and let's get it done today!"

hiss!
Although everyone had expected this, Your Majesty, aren't you being a bit too blunt? In the past, emperors had a lifelong responsibility system; they would never stop serving until their death. How come you seem to have no desire to serve now, even though you're still in good spirits?
And he said it so confidently, so let's discuss and settle this matter today. Surely such a momentous matter as abdication requires three refusals and three offers, right? That would leave a good name for posterity, wouldn't it?
"If you bring this up now, even if I wanted to agree, I wouldn't know how to begin." Jiu Que was the first to object.

"Father, you are in the prime of your life. Why are you thinking about abdicating now? This is the time when I need your guidance. Are you no longer willing to teach me how to conduct myself?"

"Oh dear, why are you so stubborn? This is about making you emperor, what's there to refuse? If it were anyone else, they'd be eager for this day to come."

Emperor Jingtai was overjoyed. After all, he was an elderly man, a time when he longed to be needed. However, Emperor Jingtai was self-aware. Although his health had gradually improved in recent years, he was still old, and his body was not as strong as it had been in his youth. If he didn't pass the throne to his chosen successor while his mind was still clear, what if he made a decision that would plunge the empire into chaos when he grew old and frail?
So this matter should be done as soon as possible, and he also wants to travel around and see the beautiful scenery of the world! Over the years, Jiuque has seen all over the country, so it should be his turn, right?
So although he was very moved, Emperor Jingtai still firmly refused. He then forced his court officials to choose an auspicious day for Jiuque to ascend the throne.

There's really no reason to deny it, since it's common knowledge that Her Highness the Crown Princess is the most suitable successor.

After realizing that Emperor Jingtai's words were not mere pretense, everyone had a sudden realization and began enthusiastically discussing the time for his abdication. When the state apparatus truly decides on a matter, its efficiency is very high, especially since the court had been almost entirely replaced in recent years, and the remaining young people were all incredibly efficient. Half an hour later, the time and place for the abdication had been decided.

The Director of the Imperial Observatory emerged, beaming, and announced the optimal date: two months from now. Jiuque was about to decline, but Emperor Jingtai made the final decision.

"The timing is perfect, neither too hot nor too cold. It's also enough time to notify the vassal states and have them come to witness the ceremony. Such a once-in-a-century event as the abdication is a precious gem if no envoys from various countries are present. Moreover, it's a good opportunity for the world to see how outstanding and charismatic the future emperor of our Great Jing is!"

Everyone had no objections to this, the only headache might be for the officials of the Court of State Ceremonial, since receiving foreign envoys was their job.

However, they were willing to be extremely busy with such a momentous event. After all, this was the most opportune time to show their faces during the new emperor's ascension to the throne. If they didn't seize this opportunity to curry favor with the Crown Princess, when would they?
Jiu Que wasn't as happy as everyone imagined. After all, she had long known that Emperor Jingtai genuinely wanted her to be the next emperor. She just wondered if her father's health was really failing. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given up now. In her imagination, her father could at least live for another 10 years, during which time she could travel around freely.

But she had frequently reviewed her father's medical records, so there shouldn't be any problems...

Upon reaching the rear hall, Jingtai chuckled, revealing an expression that said, "I knew it."

“Jiufu, did I just say that right? I told you this kid would catch up, haha…”

Seeing Emperor Jingtai's hair had turned gray, Jiu Que felt a lump in her throat and almost shed tears, leaving Emperor Jingtai at a loss for what to do.