Volume 1 Changsan - Chapter 1 Heir Apparen (1/2)

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12th year of Xiantong Era, Tang Empire.

The third day of the third month. Dragon Head-raising Day.

Prince An's Manor.

There were seven courtyards with numerous buildings in the manor, covering an era of a little more than one hectare. The houses in the manor were interconnected, with the attics lined with flying beams. Together, they made a beautiful picture. The rock garden set off the lake nicely, with every flower and tree lying in harmony.

Li Ye, the Heir Apparent as well as the only son of Prince An, was having his coming-of-age ceremony today.

For men, the coming-of-age ceremony was an indicator of one growing to adulthood. It was one of the most important ceremonies in life. Each subordinate officials, servants, and maids of Prince An's Manor was gathered in the central courtyard at the moment. They watched the prince on the high platform closely, amid the sound of rites and music.

They weren't the only ones in attendance. Due to his status as a child of the Imperial Clan, quite a number of princes, dukes, and nobles of Chang'an City had also come to watch the ceremony.

Li Ye, who everyone was focused on, wore a black robe, a high crown, and a broad belt. He was also carrying a sword and donning a pair of boots. He was born tall and straight with a grand forehead. Right now, he looked more heroic and extraordinary than usual.

However, there were traces of bitterness in Li Ye's eyes during the celebration. The official of the Court of the Imperial Clan in front of him, who presided over the ceremony and helped him put on his royal crown, looked indifferent.

The others in the courtyard, be it bureaucrats of the Court of the Imperial Clan or subordinate officials and servants of Prince An's Manor, didn't look excited either. Some of the princes, dukes, and nobles were even whispering and gossiping.

”It has been a long time since Prince An died, but the Court of the Imperial Clan hasn't allowed the Heir Apparent to inherit the Prince's title. Will they do it today?”

”When the Heir Apparent didn't inherit the Prince's title in the past, we could explain it as the Heir Apparent being too young. But he's having his coming-of-age ceremony today. If they still don't bestow him the title, he would have no hope left.”

”I think it'll be suspended. The Heir Apparent's circumstances are unique. Based on the regulations, he has no hope of inheriting the title. We'll have to see what the Court of the Imperial Clan does next.”

Hearing the discussion of the princes, dukes, and nobles, Li Ye couldn't help looking at the official of the Court of the Imperial Clan in front of him. He thought, ”The day of my coming-of-age ceremony is the deadline for me to inherit my father's title. But the officials of the Court of Imperial Court didn't bring up this matter at all after coming here. Looks like I have zero hope of inheriting the title... But that's to be expected. A cripple who can't cultivate has no right to inherit the title.”

Ever since Li Ye transmigrated here a few days ago, he had become clear of the rules of this world.

This was a cultivating world. The foundation of the imperial court of the Tang Empire was a team of cultivators in the Qi-refining Stage. Any officer with a rank was a cultivator.

This body, however, was a cripple happened to have no spiritual roots. He was a cripple who couldn't cultivate. A person who couldn't cultivate in this world was no different than an ant.

”The ceremony is complete.” The official of the Court of Imperial Court crowned Li Ye and took two steps back before cupping his hands in obeisance. In a decidedly neutral voice, he said, ”Congratulations, Heir Apparent.”

”Thank you for your trouble.” Li Ye returned the courtesy.

The official of the Court of the Imperial Clan paused but under everyone's watchful eyes, said no more. He slowly turned around and walked down the platform. With a flick of his long sleeve, he left the place with the ceremonial weaponry and bureaucrats without a second word. It was as if he didn't want to stay here for even another minute.

When the princes, dukes, and nobles saw this, they naturally knew what had happened and stood up one after another. Never mind offering Li Ye any congratulations, they didn't even greet him. One after another left with an impatient look, all while discussing the ceremony.

”I've long said that this child is a cripple with no spiritual root. How can he inherit Prince An's title?”

”Let's go, let's go. What's the point of talking so much about it? I've made such a trip for nothing.”

”The famous Prince An had literary talent and martial arts that eclipses that of the Imperial Clan. This is truly a case of the father being as a great as a tiger and the son being as lowly as a dog!”

Li Ye stood on the platform, watching the official of the Court of the Imperial Clan leave. His expression didn't change much as he listened to the princes, dukes, and nobles gossip. He thought to himself. ”When Father was alive, he performed numerous meritorious deeds and enjoyed great prestige. Be it princes, dukes, nobles, or court officials, all revered him. Now Father is gone and I haven't inherited his title...”

When the officials and servants of Prince An's Manor saw Li Ye walking down the platform, they saluted him and said perfunctorily, ”Congratulations to the Heir Apparent for coming of age.”

Their voices were small and scattered. They sounded so faint as if they couldn't muster even the slightest bit of energy.

Since Li Ye couldn't inherit Prince An's title, he might not be able to secure his status as his father's Heir Apparent.

Li Ye secretly shook his head but nevertheless waved his hand. ”Bestow them the rewards.”

Either way, Li Ye had come of age. Based on convention, the master should reward his staff and servants when there was something auspicious happening.

Everyone looked a little better, with someone even smiling. Their voices became much louder. ”Thank you for your reward, Heir Apparent.”

Li Ye passed through the crowd without looking sideways. He thought, ”Since I can't inherit Father's title, the Court of the Imperial Clan will take this manor back. Since these people will have new masters in the future, they will naturally have no respect for me. However, no one will be unhappy in the face of rewards.”

Walking through the verandah to the backyard, the nostalgic Li Ye felt a little melancholic. ”Since I can't inherit the Prince's title, I'll be a commoner in the future. Without cultivation, I'm even more unlikely to become an official. Where and how will I live in the future are both a problem.”