Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 939 - 941: The Prince’s Retreat (1)

Chapter 939: Chapter 941: The Prince’s Retreat (1)

At the hour of Mao, the bells rang out, and the civil and military officials entered the Imperial Court in single file. His Majesty suddenly passed away, and the event was unexpected. Many matters had not yet been resolved and needed to be discussed and decided upon by all the Ministers together. Therefore, by consensus of all officials, it was decided that every day at the usual time of going to court, they would gather in the Imperial Court to discuss matters concerning His Majesty’s passing.

As the Ministers lined up to enter the Imperial Court and were about to start discussing affairs, the King of Guangling suddenly spoke out loudly, "Esteemed Officials, as the saying goes, ’A nation cannot be without its ruler for a single day.’ I believe that since His Majesty has passed away, it would be better to have the Prince ascend to the throne as soon as possible to stabilize our Great Jin Nation and comfort His Majesty’s spirit in heaven. What do you all think?"

Prime Minister Ning said, "According to the customs of our Great Jin Dynasty, the coronation of the Prince must take place only after the late Emperor has been buried. Now, His Majesty has just passed away three days ago, and even the seventh day mourning period has not passed. Why is the King of Guangling in such a hurry?"

The Wuchang Duke responded, "Prime Minister’s words are not correct. What applies to one situation may not apply to another. The former Emperors ascended the throne according to law during times of peace. Now, our late Sovereign was poisoned by that traitor King Qin. The Prince must ascend the throne as soon as possible to make decisions regarding the execution of the treacherous King Qin. Thus, the situation is not the same as with the former Emperors."

"Indeed, the Prince should ascend to the throne as soon as possible to punish the traitor and stabilize the world!"

"Please allow the Prince to ascend to the throne soon!"

"Please have the Prince ascend to the throne!"

In the Imperial Court, a great wave of officials knelt down, including the original Crown Prince Faction as well as many neutral Ministers who had been coerced by Jin Zhong the previous night. Duke An, Du Ruohai, was among them, all kneeling sincerely on the ground, imploring the Prince to consider the greater good and ascend to the throne immediately.

Prince Nangong Shi suppressed the excitement in his heart, and on the surface maintained the same humble demeanor as before, modestly saying, "I am grateful for the esteem you all hold for me. I will certainly not let down your expectations and will secure our Great Jin..."

"Your Highness, the Prince!"

A calm and unhurried voice came from the entrance of the Imperial Court. In the voice’s wake, King Qin, clad in mourning dress, came trippingly. He walked with measured steps, his handsome face marked by distinct coldness, his gaze icy and chilling as bitter frost, sending shivers down one’s spine and allowing people to feel, even from a distance, an overwhelming killing aura filled with danger.

"Third Brother!"

The Prince cried out in alarm, "How are you here? Weren’t you on the road?"

King Qin curved his lips slightly and with a sharp look, he caught Nangong Shi’s eye, coldly laughing, "If I were still on the road, I’m afraid I’d have to take up the crime of patricide you have pinned on me."

A flicker of panic passed through the Prince’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself and said with righteous indignation, "King Qin, whether you were the one who killed our Imperial Father or not, you are now the prime suspect. Therefore, I can only act according to the law and have you temporarily detained at the Temple of Dali for interrogation. Once the truth emerges, if you are truly innocent, I will surely clear your name!"

Nangong Yi laughed derisively, "Well said, blaming the thief who cries ’stop the thief.’ The Prince, with meticulous planning, has placed the crime of murdering his own father onto my head, Nangong Yi. Is it not for the purpose of killing two birds with one stone? How could you ever clear my name? I’m afraid that once I’m taken to the Temple of Dali, I’ll never have the chance to leave alive!"

"How audacious, King Qin, to slander so! It is clear that you killed His Majesty, yet you dare to falsely accuse the Prince. You are truly malicious to the extreme!"

The King of Guangling pointed at Nangong Yi, filled with righteous indignation. Jin Dapeng also spoke vehemently, "Your Highness, the Prince, I implore Your Highness to consent and have King Qin taken away for a thorough interrogation. We will surely find out the details of how he harmed His Majesty."

The Marquis of Jian’an, Wu Guosheng, loudly said, "No, this cannot be. Punishments should not be applied to gentlemen, let alone a legitimate Prince. Moreover, under severe torture, wrongful convictions are bound to occur. The death of His Majesty is shrouded in doubt and requires careful investigation to find more evidence before reaching a definitive conclusion."