Chapter Five: The Opposition of the Court Officials

But the Prime Minister did not retreat; instead, he stepped forward, his gaze fixed intently on Emperor Zhou.

“Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider. The Crown Prince has served the Great Zhou with unwavering loyalty, enduring ten years as a hostage without forgetting his allegiance. Such steadfast devotion deserves reward; if we fail to honor this, what faithfulness can the Great Zhou claim?”

“How will the world view our Great Zhou then?”

“Surely Your Majesty does not wish to see the legacy of our ancestors ruined in a single day!”

Fury filled the Emperor’s face.

As the Son of Heaven, his words were golden edicts, not to be revoked lightly—especially not before the assembled ministers of the court.

How could he dare?

“My will is resolute. Prime Minister, do you intend to rebel?”

Such a grave accusation was cast upon the Prime Minister’s head. If he were timid or uneasy, he would surely shrink back.

As for the other ministers, lacking a leader, they were merely scattered grains of sand.

Emperor Zhou had contended with these ministers for many years and knew their capabilities and limits well.

He knew precisely how to suppress them.

At these words, the ministers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with apprehension.

The charge of rebellion was too great.

Moreover, who could tell whether the Emperor’s words were born of anger or earnestness?

A wrong gamble could mean execution for nine clans!

“I am a minister of Great Zhou, not merely your Majesty’s servant,” the Prime Minister said, bowing deeply, showing no sign of retreat.

“Your Majesty’s actions may bring satisfaction to your lips, but to the Great Zhou, they spell calamity. I beseech Your Majesty to reconsider.”

“Very well, very well! Even you stand against me!” Emperor Zhou pointed at the Prime Minister, stepping closer.

“As Prime Minister, do you truly not fear my wrath?”

A glint of coldness flashed in his eyes; murderous intent quietly stirred.

A minister of Great Zhou, not his servant?

So long as one bore the name of Great Zhou, whoever sat on the throne would be their lord?

How had he failed to see that this Prime Minister was so disloyal!

Before the Prime Minister could reply, another voice spoke up.

“Your Majesty, I also find much truth in the Prime Minister’s words.”

Emperor Zhou turned to see the Minister of State smiling slightly at Zhou Hao.

“If I am not mistaken, Your Majesty promised that upon the Crown Prince’s return to the capital, the title of heir apparent would be his. Has Your Majesty forgotten this?”

Hearing this, the Emperor’s anger abruptly halted.

Zhou Hao had not mentioned this, leading him to believe the Crown Prince had completely forgotten it. But the Minister of State had revived the matter.

Could it be that Zhou Hao was to be made Crown Prince?

That was absolutely unacceptable!

“Seems the Minister of State has reservations about my decision,” Emperor Zhou said coldly, stepping back to sit upon the dragon throne.

“Do you think I have erred?”

Since he had come forward to support the Prime Minister, the Minister of State was not easily cowed by mere words.

He glanced toward Zhou Hao, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“I would never dare, but the Crown Prince has served with great merit, while the Third Prince has yet to achieve anything. Your Majesty’s action seems unjust.”

“Besides, it is natural for an elder brother to discipline a younger. Would Your Majesty punish the Crown Prince over such a trivial matter?”

“Surely this will chill the hearts of the people.”

Compared to the Prime Minister’s blunt counsel, the Minister of State’s words were more tactful.

He even framed Zhou Hao’s beating of the Third Prince as brotherly discipline.

Zhou Hao looked at the Minister of State with a measure of admiration.

There were indeed capable men within the Great Zhou court.

The Prime Minister was formidable; the Minister of State was commendable.

But to Emperor Zhou, this was far from comforting.

The Minister’s reasoning was sound, but not beyond refutation.

“So, Minister of State, you believe that beating the Third Prince so severely counts as discipline?”

Zhou Hao stepped forward, a cold smile on his face.

“Father, I spent ten long years in barbarian lands, where this is how brothers teach one another. I have done the same.”

“If you think I was excessive, then surely those who left me to suffer in the barbarian lands have been far worse.”

These words exposed the Emperor’s fault entirely.

If you do not regard me as your son, then I have no reason to regard you as my father.

“You... you wicked child!” Emperor Zhou trembled with rage, pointing at Zhou Hao.

Had this youth returned from the barbarian lands solely to anger me to death?

Yet now, even if he refused, there was no way to go back.

Whether the Minister or the Minister of State, both were subtly rising as leaders among the ministers.

If he continued to suppress them, the entire court would rise against him.

The one who would lose face would not be Zhou Hao, but himself!

Emperor Zhou slumped on the dragon throne, his voice weak.

“Very well. According to the Prime Minister’s suggestion, what rewards shall be bestowed upon the Crown Prince?”

Seeing their objective reached, the Prime Minister and Minister of State exchanged a glance and spoke in unison:

“We believe the Crown Prince should not be punished or exiled. Furthermore, all promises made to him must be fulfilled.”

“Thousands of taels of gold, a mansion, the title of Crown Prince, and the position of Crown Princess as the General’s daughter—all must be honored. Otherwise, who in the world would dare to serve Great Zhou?”

Emperor Zhou opened his mouth to speak but then closed it again.

What more could be said?

He was Emperor Zhou, yes, but without his ministers, what power did he truly wield?

Yet as Zhou Hao finished speaking, a hint of doubt flickered in the Emperor’s eyes.

“Father, I do not desire the Crown Prince’s title.”

Instead of relief, suspicion crept into the Emperor’s expression.

What was the Crown Prince up to now?

Would he not grant his father even a shred of dignity in this favorable situation?

Zhou Hao bowed slightly, a faint smile upon his lips.

“Father, since you think me coarse and lacking royal bearing, even if I claimed the title, I would not hold it firmly. It is better to forgo it.”

“Besides, I wish to share your burden, not add to it.”

“Is that truly your wish?”

Emperor Zhou’s voice trembled as he looked at Zhou Hao.

Among all the conditions, the Crown Prince title was the hardest for him to part with.

The title was meant for the Third Prince, his chosen heir.

As for Zhou Hao?

He was a discarded pawn. Yet unexpectedly, he bowed out of the race for Crown Prince.

The Prime Minister and Minister of State looked at Zhou Hao, puzzled by his intentions.

Only by securing the Crown Prince title could one proceed step by careful step to ascend the throne.

Was the Crown Prince’s ambition merely to be a carefree prince?

Impossible!

Deeds may be feigned, but not one’s gaze.

The Minister of State could see at once that Zhou Hao held no respect for Emperor Zhou.

How could he wish to ease his father’s worries?

He must have some hidden plan.

But Emperor Zhou could not concern himself with such matters.

“My son, you have spoken these words yourself. No backing down now. The Crown Prince title will not be granted to you.”

Zhou Hao nodded.

“Indeed, but I have one condition!”