Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 486 Ascension to the Throne (Part 4)

"Ouch, ouch—"

Emperor Jingtai tried to persuade her several times, but Jiu Que's tears still rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably, leaving Emperor Jingtai at a loss for what to do.

After frantically comforting Jiu Que for a while, Emperor Jingtai finally breathed a sigh of relief when the child stopped crying. He had been on the battlefield his whole life, killed enemies, and shed blood. His four sons had all wept bitterly for him on their deathbeds. But only this daughter, with just a tear or two, could break his heart. In his heart, his daughter was not the type to shed tears.

"Father was just joking with you. Can't you even tell it's a joke?"

Jiu Que could certainly tell, but watching her father grow older day by day filled her with unbearable sorrow. In her heart, this emperor had long been the father she had come to know.

Wiping away her tears, Jiu Que sighed.

"Father, please don't say that in the future. I hope you live to be a hundred years old. This country is so beautiful, have you had enough of looking at it? In the future, when there will be a hundred years of prosperity, won't Father want to see it with his own eyes?"

"Oh, my child, what can I say? Alright, alright, your father promises you that he will never say such things again. Your father will strive to live a few more years so that I can see my Jiuque govern this world into a golden age that is rare in a thousand years."

Looking at Emperor Jingtai's kind gaze, Jiu Que moved his lips as if to say something, but in the end he didn't speak, only nodding heavily.

Father, I will certainly live up to your expectations, govern this land well, provide a safe haven for all people, and usher in a golden age.

Emperor Jingtai, of course, knew Jiuque's temperament. After so many years together, he had thoroughly understood this child. She was absolutely a qualified ruler, even more outstanding than himself. Heaven had bestowed such exceptional talent for governing upon this child, but it was a pity she was born a girl. But what was wrong with being a woman? In any case, this child could do what she wanted, and that was enough.

With the two most powerful figures above them having agreed, the ascension to the throne proceeded without hindrance, and everyone worked with great enthusiasm and fervor. Although the ministers didn't say it aloud, they were all excited and expectant. The greatest fortune in life is to be born in a prosperous era, especially since they were so young. The golden age had just begun, and to witness its arrival with their own eyes was an incredible privilege. Especially since the founding emperor was wise and powerful, yet also free-spirited and unconventional, showing no concern that the successor was a woman, but instead offering his strong support. And seeing that the new ruler was no less sagacious than His Majesty only fueled their excitement.

The only concern now is the issue of succession. However, Her Highness the Crown Princess is strong and healthy; she could send those bandits from the Southern Feather Kingdom flying several meters away with a single slap. The issue of offspring is naturally not a concern. The real issue is persuading the new emperor to select a concubine. Ah, yes, they can forget about the merit of supporting the new emperor, but if they could recommend a concubine favored by Her Highness the Crown Princess, the future emperor, wouldn't that be another option?

Everyone says that the power of a pillow talk is immense. Although the Crown Princess is a woman, the effect should be the same, right? There are indeed several exceptionally handsome and talented young men in Her Highness's household, but I haven't heard of any particular favoritism towards any of them. So they all have a chance!
Those ministers who had long ago considered marrying their sons or nephews into the Crown Princess's family now had their ambitions rekindled. Although their sons and nephews were already married with children, they still had younger sons, nephews, and even grandchildren! There was much to be done, much to be done!

As for any talk of future prospects, bah! Years of hard study might not even guarantee an official title or a name for oneself. To be able to serve the new emperor is a blessing beyond measure. As for whether one becomes empress or a concubine, that depends on the cunning of each family's younger generation…

Emperor Jingtai was unaware of what his ministers were thinking; he was busy with other matters.

There are some things that must be dealt with before Jiuque ascends the throne.

In the deep, secluded palace, Emperor Jingtai, accompanied by a police uniform and two taciturn guards, moved through the many palaces, finally stopping before a relatively quiet palace wall. Autumn was in the air; the morning air was already quite chilly. Emperor Jingtai stood before the palace gate, lost in thought. His attendant, Jiufu, dared not urge him, his expression grave. He was probably the only one present who knew what Emperor Jingtai was about to do, and for that reason, the sweat on his hands was almost uncontrollable.

After a moment, Emperor Jingtai finally came to his senses and gestured for Jiufu to push open the door.

After pushing open the door, there were several palace servants who were sweeping and cleaning. They were stunned for a moment when they saw the newcomer, but they quickly came to their senses and knelt on the ground in a panic, not daring to breathe.

Emperor Jingtai ignored them and strode straight in, where he saw the person he hadn't seen for over a decade in the brightly lit palace.

After many years, even though his servants took good care of him, he had become much thinner and looked like a withered twig, quickly fading away because he had no vitality.

When Emperor Jingtai entered, the other person was reclining in a chaise longue, feigning sleep. Hearing the noise, the person assumed it was a palace maid coming in to clean and didn't open their eyes. After a while, when the other person still didn't make a sound, they realized something was wrong and opened their eyes to see Emperor Jingtai's expressionless face.

The man's first reaction was disbelief, followed by a surge of ecstasy and longing. He instinctively opened his mouth to speak, but quickly, seeing the Jingtai Emperor's cold expression, he realized something, and his expression withered and decayed, even becoming deathly still.

"So, it's time?"

Emperor Jingtai simply nodded slightly.

"Consider these years the extra time you've lived; this is my final act of respect for you. Now that Jiuque is about to ascend the throne, some old matters should be dealt with."

"Past events? Am I part of Father Emperor's past? I am your son!"

Emperor Jingtai didn't want to say much to the Fourth Prince. The reason he hadn't punished the Fourth Prince over the years was solely due to a personal motive. After all, he was his last child. But now that the Ninth Prince was about to ascend the throne, all potential threats should be eliminated, even if that threat was his own son.

Moreover, more than a decade has passed, how come the fourth brother hasn't made any progress at all?

"Over the years, I haven't prevented you from knowing about the outside world. You've witnessed firsthand the earth-shaking changes in the outside world and the prosperity of its people. The Great Jing Dynasty has become a place where all nations pay tribute and enjoys a high status. Don't you feel anything at all?"

After a long pause, the Fourth Prince's furious expression finally returned to calm, and he spoke weakly.

“I know she has the talent to govern the world, and she is indeed more suitable for that position than I am, but Father, can’t you spare my life? I am your last child. Moreover, I don’t want to die; I also want to witness the arrival of a prosperous era. When I was little, you always described to me what a prosperous era would be like, but I have been in this palace for more than ten years without ever stepping out. I want to witness it with my own eyes. Father…”