Chu Chenyi paused for a moment, then reacted and stepped forward to kneel and bow, "This humble son thanks my father, the Emperor, for his immense grace."
"Rise. From this day forth, you are the Crown Prince of East Chu. The imperial court, the ancestral temples, the state – all will be placed in your hands. You must heed the Empress Dowager's admonishments and the pleas of the court officials. Do not act solely on your own will."
"This humble son obeys the decree."
"You all may leave. This Emperor will not die anytime soon. Do not linger here weeping and wailing; it is all quite dispiriting. You may all go."
"This concubine and son of the Emperor bid farewell."
"The Crown Prince remains."
Chu Chenyi halted his steps towards the exit and stood respectfully to the side.
After everyone had left, Emperor Xuanwen felt a profound weariness and leaned back against the cushion with noticeable weakness.
"Father, you should still take care of your health and reduce your exertion."
Emperor Xuanwen waved his hand, a hint of a mocking smile playing on his lips. "With this body, what is there left to take care of?"
"Emperor, do not speak such disheartening words."
Emperor Xuanwen coughed a few times and beckoned Chu Chenyi to sit down.
"After I pass, you will be the Emperor of East Chu. Once you ascend the throne, you must never lay a hand on your siblings. Ensure their eternal peace and prosperity."
Ultimately, they were his own flesh and blood. What he least wished to witness was fratricidal strife. Chu Yanxi's death had already been the greatest pain of his life.
"This humble son obeys the decree."
Emperor Xuanwen's gaze fell upon his mother, who had supported him his entire life. He took the Empress Dowager's hand and spoke with what seemed like a plea, "Mother, the Crown Prince is still somewhat lacking in the affairs of state. As your unfilial son, I can only trouble you to lend him much assistance. Then, I can rest in peace in the netherworld."
"Do not worry... this Empress Dowager will help the Crown Prince..."
The Empress Dowager suppressed the tears in her eyes, her heart feeling as though it were being gouged, a bloody pain.
"Father!"
Chu Chenyi also realized what was happening and immediately knelt down. "Father's health is robust. Please do not speak such disheartening words."
"This Emperor... is fine. Regarding the marriage alliance with West Liang, let the wedding date be moved up. It can serve as a good omen. Tomorrow is an auspicious day, let it be set for tomorrow. Crown Prince, you will make the arrangements."
"This humble son... obeys the decree..."
Chu Chenyi was surprised, yet he seemed to understand his father's intention behind this method.
"Go and make the arrangements."
"This humble son bids farewell."
After leaving the imperial palace, Chu Chenyi immediately rode his horse to the Ling Manor. He had to find Feng Jin and get a clear explanation of what was happening.
"Stop talking. I know what you want to ask."
Upon seeing Chu Chenyi storm in in a rush, Feng Jin instantly understood the reason for his visit and directly told Chu Chenyi to remain silent.
"Come with me. This is not a place to talk."
Feng Jin led Chu Chenyi towards the inner chambers. As expected, Ling Mohan was also present, and he seemed to have anticipated Chu Chenyi's arrival.
"Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince, on becoming the Crown Prince. The wedding gift will be sent tomorrow."
"How did you know!"
The Emperor's imperial decree would not be promulgated to the three provinces and six ministries until tomorrow. How could Ling Mohan know so soon?
"A wise person has their own methods. Your Highness Prince Jing, there is no need to guess. Did Your Highness Prince Jing come regarding His Majesty's illness?"
"How is Father's health now?"
From the moment his father suddenly enfeoffed him as Crown Prince today, he had sensed something was amiss.
Ling Mohan's gaze fell upon Feng Jin, signaling her to explain the matter.
"His Majesty's illness is a sign of his vital energy draining away. It is a matter of these coming days."
He had already prepared himself, but upon hearing this, he still found it difficult to accept. A wave of sadness washed over him, and he suppressed his emotions.
"Now is not the time for sorrow. With the change in the imperial court, various countries will undoubtedly be watching with covetous eyes. I have already reinforced the troops at the border, but for West Liang, we must accelerate our pace."
"Father has already issued a decree that Murong Jinyun and Gu Beichen will marry tomorrow."
"Then we have only today. Have someone send Baili Xi to West Liang."
Ling Mohan said calmly. They had to catch West Liang off guard now, forcing them to deal with their own troubles, so that East Chu could be secured.
"I will arrange it immediately. We will send Baili Xi back by dawn tomorrow with expedited transport. The remaining matters will be left to you."
"I will handle it."
Ling Mohan's expression gradually darkened, a solemnity Feng Jin had never seen before. She worriedly grasped Ling Mohan's hand. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Keep Murong Jinyun calm."
"I understand."
Only by stabilizing Murong Jinyun could they proceed with the rest of their tasks with peace of mind.
"You take good care. I... I must..."
"I know. You go and attend to your matters with peace of mind. I will absolutely be fine."
Knowing the heavy burden on Ling Mohan's shoulders, all she could do was protect herself and their child, ensuring Ling Mohan had no worries at home.
"You must be careful..."
After a few more words of caution, Ling Mohan finally left, still with a trace of concern.
After Ling Mohan departed, Feng Jin remained somewhat uneasy. After a moment's pause, she then hurried to find Murong Jinyun.
It was most important to stabilize Murong Jinyun first. She absolutely could not let anything go wrong with Murong Jinyun, or things would truly become disastrous.
Feng Jin arrived at Murong Jinyun's room with great speed, her expression calm, doing her best not to betray any panic.
"Young Madam..."
"Princess, are there any inconveniences during your stay at the manor?"
"Everything is well. Thank you, Young Madam, for your care."
It seemed Murong Jinyun was unaware of the marriage date being moved up. Feng Jin was greatly conflicted as to whether she should proactively inform Murong Jinyun of this matter.
"Young Madam, if you have something to say, please just say it. There is no need to be so troubled."
"You have seen through me, Princess. Then I shall not be so polite."
It had to be said sooner or later, so it was better to just say it directly now, to save herself further embarrassment.
"Princess, your marriage to Gu Beichen..."
"The wedding is to be moved up to tomorrow, isn't that right, Young Madam?"
"You already knew?"
Feng Jin asked with some surprise, not knowing who had told Murong Jinyun.
"Yes. Beichen told me earlier. He said he couldn't wait and thus requested His Majesty to advance the wedding date..."
As Murong Jinyun spoke of this, she appeared slightly shy, her face filled with happiness.
"Then my efforts were in vain."
Gu Beichen had indeed done well this time. He truly deserved praise.
"By the way, Young Madam, I was just agonizing over which hairpin to wear for the grand wedding. Since you are here, Young Madam, could you help me choose?"
With so many hairpins, she was becoming dizzy and didn't know which one to select.