Chapter 59 (1/2)
Chapter Fifty-Nine
The emperor listened to Huang Guo’s opinion.
‘Ninth prince is intelligent, humble and patient,’ Huang Guo praised. ‘That year in Xuan Qing, he worked tirelessly day and night to find ways to prevent severe floods and saved the livelihoods of many citizens. But he humbly gave the credit to others. In Southern Jiang, his strategies helped to subdue the rebels. Everyone here can clearly see that ninth prince is a selfless and diligent person.’
The other court officials thought Pei Jin deserved Huang Guo’s praises. In the past they didn’t acknowledge Pei Jin’s achievements because they knew the emperor didn’t favor Pei Jin.
The emperor’s expression darkened. No one dared to dispute Huang Guo’s words. It implied everyone hid the extent of his ninth son’s contributions to the Dian Kingdom and his court officials deceived him!
‘Everyone here also knows ninth prince is a gentle and kind person,’ Huang Guo said. ‘He is respectful and compassionate toward citizens. If he becomes the crown prince, it’ll be a blessing for all the citizens.’
The court officials who supported the empress and Pei Zhang kowtowed in front of the emperor and agreed with Huang Guo’s recommendation to make Pei Jin the crown prince. After the empress and Pei Lam died, they were scared Consort Mu and Pei Zhang would eliminate them. So Huang Guo’s words gave them a chance to live.
‘Your majesty, seventh prince is the most suitable candidate to be the crown prince,’ Official Zai Ci said. ‘Your majesty, you also need to consider your grandchildren.’
‘Your majesty, I agree your majesty should consider your grandchildren,’ Huang Guo said.
‘Huang Guo, what are you saying?’ the emperor asked.
‘Congratulations your majesty,’ Huang Guo said. ‘In a few months your majesty will have a grandson.’
‘Huang Guo, why are you the only one congratulating me?’ the emperor asked.
‘Recently my daughter-in-laws visited ninth prince’s wife and accidently found out ninth prince’s wife is pregnant,’ Huang Guo said.
‘Truly?’ the emperor asked.
‘Your majesty, if you don’t believe me then your majesty can send your imperial physicians to examine ninth prince’s wife,’ Huang Guo said.
The emperor wasn’t certain if Huang Guo’s words were true, but his fingers trembled. He was angry why his ninth son didn’t inform about his ninth daughter-in-law’s pregnancy.
Pei Zhang was shocked to hear his ninth brother’s wife was pregnant. His mother’s imperial physician reported that Yan Shi Ning had a chest infection and he knew Gentleman Zheng wouldn’t dare lie to him and his mother.