Chapter 109 Don’t Take the Golden Elixir Lightly (2/2)

No chance of meeting people to pass the secret; all will just end up as empty talk!”

The tune lingers by his ears, he could not help but shed tears.

******

In the Qinzheng Hall, the Empress held the brushed and waved it like 'a swimming dragon scaring away wild goose'. On the piece of white paper, the ink of writings appeared magically.

On the paper, she wrote the Dao song Shen Lian left behind.

She put down the wolf fur brush and said, ”He is indeed a man of Dao for saying something so classy.”

Under the jade steps, Crown Prince Zhao Xun was waiting for the Empress. Facing him was an incredibly handsome well-dressed man with a prominent presence.

This man smiled, ”The most prestigious Dao is the Kingdom, while the royals would be the saint. Who would dare to brag about Dao in front of the saint?”

The 'Saint' was also another way of addressing the Empress.

The Empress smiled and asked the Crown Prince, ”Zhao Xun, do you agree with Qi Wang?”

Qi Wang was not from the Zhao family but the son of the Empress' late brother. She had two brothers who have passed away and three nephews from them. Qi Wang was the secondary Emperor/ highest rank amongst Wang Jue1 and also the Prime Minister, thus, very powerful and highly regarded. He was literally below one person and above millions of people.

Zhao Xun may be the Crown Prince but his sovereignty was not as influential as Qi Wang.

Perhaps Zhao Xun had been standing for too long and he was bodily weak, it looked like he was nervous as little sweat droplets could be seen on his forehead. He answered respectfully, ”My knowledge was superficial but I believe His Highness must be right.”

Qi Wang looked at the Crown Prince with displeasure. He felt that the Crown Prince was timid and showed no leadership qualities. Judging from his aunt's ambitiousness, she would definitely not pick him.

Qi Wang scanned the room to find someone courageous but Zhao Xiang was the only person who would fit the description. Unfortunately, he was too young.

Should the Crown Prince passed away, Qi Wang believed that the Empress will elect him as the next Crown Prince.

There was no point hiding from the Empress as she knows every single thing. Up till now, the Empress had never prevented Qi Wang from doing something and that indirectly acknowledged his abilities and judgments.

The Empress sighed, ”Zhao Xun, as my son, you should have your own opinion. I am very disappointed by you.”

The Crown Prince kneeled down immediately as he sweats profusely, ”I am useless, I have let Your Highness down.”

The Empress had taken over the administration and thus the Crown Prince could not address her as Mother Queen nor Father King. He could only address her as ”Your Highness”, just like every other courtier.

Qi Wang responded, ”The Crown Prince is kind-hearted and that is a blessing to Da Zhou. Your Highness, please don't blame him. I am willing to be the falcon to share your burden.”

A hint of smiliness flashed across the Empress cold expression, just like a sudden spring breeze. She lightly replied, ”Looks like Qi Wang is willing to share my problems, and do anything that I ask you to do?”

Without any hesitation, Qi Wang responded, ”Of course.”

The Empress looked at the Crown Prince and said, ”Zhao Xun is not a governor material but this could be trained over time. I am preparing him to participate in political affairs. But there would be too many ministers in central. So, Qi Wang, you should just resign from your Prime Minister position.”

There were several Prime Ministers in Da Zhou but Qi Wang was the only one from the royal family. His words would carry more influence compared to other ministers as he was secondary to the Empress.王爵 - A title under monarchy. Second only to the monarch of the entire country, higher than the Duke.