Xie Jiayan's gaze slowly turned to Emperor Yong'an. Wasn't this the outcome he desired?
The new emperor enthroned by the united efforts of the ministers was legitimate, supported by all, and favored by the people. No one would dare to question his reign, lest they be condemned by the world.
Emperor Yong'an noticed Xie Jiayan's gaze. A brilliant maneuver, killing two birds with one stone. He knew his only weakness was the Crown Prince.
Only the Crown Prince was the new emperor anticipated and nominated by all the ministers. Only then could they submit to him in the future.
Very well.
He had won the gamble.
Emperor Yong'an's gaze finally fell upon Prime Minister Mo and the ministers of the Central Secretariat. "Since you are here to protect the Emperor, how do you intend to deal with these rebels?"
Hua Chaofei sneered. He knew this dog emperor wouldn't hatch anything good. He should have been killed earlier; why all this rambling?
"Your Majesty, this is all a misunderstanding. Once the new emperor ascends the throne, all misunderstandings can be resolved," Prime Minister Mo said.
With the new emperor's enthronement came a general amnesty, and everyone would return to their rightful places, achieving their desires.
The Mo family was now like the once-prominent Five Great Clans. Standing out too much invited trouble. He did not wish for the Mo family to make enemies.
"The new emperor ascends the throne?" Emperor Yong'an raised an eyebrow, possessing the composure of Mount Tai collapsing before him without changing his expression.
Even with Hua Chaofei, the supreme master of martial arts, his sword at his throat, Emperor Yong'an seemed unfazed.
He knew he didn't have many days left. The throne would eventually belong to the Crown Prince, but there was a significant difference between sooner and later.
"Yes!"
"Do you take me for dead?" Emperor Yong'an roared.
"Your Majesty has been ill for a long time, and the country cannot be without a ruler for a single day," Prime Minister Mo said, immediately echoed by other ministers.
As if by prearrangement, the ministers outside the hall began to plead, "The country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. We implore the new emperor to ascend the throne."
Xiao Che looked at Emperor Yong'an with a hint of heartache. He wasn't trying to force his father, but he had no choice.
Outside, the pleas for the new emperor to ascend the throne continued unabated. Emperor Yong'an's gaze slowly shifted from anger to calm.
Good, very good. The new emperor's enthronement was what he had always longed for.
He wanted to see his Che'er ascend the throne.
He would be the monarch ushering in a new era for the Great Wei, a ruler under whom all nations would pay homage and the world would submit. The Great Wei empire would then endure for ten thousand generations.
He would atone for his sins.
"Alright, I agree!" As Emperor Yong'an uttered these four words, the ministers rejoiced and quickly said, "Your Majesty is wise."
Xie Jiayan knew Emperor Yong'an's action was merely going with the flow. But since everything had reached a satisfactory conclusion, he should depart.
"Chaofei, sheath your sword."
With Emperor Yong'an abdicating, and given the Crown Prince's disposition, he wouldn't do anything to him.
Xiao Che cast a grateful glance at Xie Jiayan, who merely nodded slightly.
From now on, the rise and fall of the empire would be in his hands. It would no longer concern him. He could also go and repay the debts he owed.
Hua Chaofei sheathed his long sword, his movements so swift that everyone only saw a flash of light.
"Ye Feisheng, escort them out of the palace on my behalf!" Xiao Che commanded.
It wasn't that he didn't trust his father, but since he was to be allowed to leave, he should do so openly and safely. This was the only thing he, as a younger brother, could do for him.
He never knew before how much he had done for him. Today, he would do one thing for him.
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Xie Jiayan cupped his hands.
He had always been respectful towards him, from the beginning to this farewell. He had never intended to acknowledge his identity. Why had his father been so cruel to him?
He hoped that in the future, he would achieve all his wishes and live a peaceful and smooth life.
Under the gazes of everyone, Xie Jiayan and Hua Chaofei strode out of the Taiji Hall. Although the ministers of the Central Secretariat could not directly reveal Xie Jiayan's identity, they had largely guessed that he was of the Xiao family bloodline. While they did not bow, they made way for him.
Just then, a young general hurried in. "Report, the Northern Army has stormed the palace."