Engagement Canceled: I Can Extract Prefixes-Chapter 375 - 374: None of the Princes Are Truly Capable of Inheriting This High Position Yet

Chapter 375: Chapter 374: None of the Princes Are Truly Capable of Inheriting This High Position Yet

In the rear garden of the Imperial Palace.

These days, the Great Wei Emperor has been in a very comfortable mood.

Recently, many things that seemed exceedingly difficult have surprisingly gone smoothly.

First, the disobedient Chu Du, relying on his position as Minister Yingtian, and Heaven’s mandate.

Arrogantly believing in his unmatched influence, making the Great Wei Emperor hesitant to act against him.

Yet, unexpectedly, this time, he was directly devoured by public opinion that rose against him.

A reputation built over a lifetime turned into that of a treacherous minister causing chaos in the court in just three days.

Next was the prodigal struggle within the Shen Family.

The Great Wei Emperor originally had no confidence in this and initially took it as a stroke of luck.

It was the right moment to leverage Shen Han’s achievements to seize the title.

But unexpectedly, this time, fortune really favored him.

At this moment, the rear garden was already set for a feast.

The Great Wei Emperor sat alone in the high seat, others sat on both sides below, with an upright desk in front of them filled with exquisite dishes.

After all the princes paid their respects, the Great Wei Emperor waved his hand, telling everyone not to be restrained.

Yet despite these words, who could be unrestrained in front of His Holiness?

"Today, those present are the ones closest to me, so when speaking, there is no need for such restraint.

I won’t hide it, hearing that Shen Han won indeed made my heart quite at ease.

This child truly is a lucky general for me."

Upon hearing these words, the surrounding princes and Prince Qingyuan all raised their glasses in homage to the Great Wei Emperor.

Expressing their congratulations.

"Seventeenth Brother indeed has a keen eye, recognizing such an outstanding young man at a glance.

Today, with so many of my sons here, let your Seventeenth Imperial Uncle see which one of you is more suited to inherit the vast realm of Great Wei."

Upon hearing this, the dozen or so sons present turned their heads slightly. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

When looking at Prince Qingyuan, there was a hint of depth in their eyes.

The previously relaxed atmosphere instantly became somewhat cold.

Prince Qingyuan immediately bowed and apologized: "Eldest Imperial Brother, please do not tease your humble brother. Handling occasional minor matters is fine, but such worldly affairs are truly not to be spoken of recklessly..."

Prince Qingyuan is a very clever person, even if the Great Wei Emperor trusts him very much and is close to him.

The due propriety between sovereign and subject cannot be lacking, and he resolutely won’t say things that shouldn’t be said.

Seeing Prince Qingyuan speak thus, the Great Wei Emperor didn’t seem inclined to stop just yet.

"Come, all of you stand up, since your Seventeenth Imperial Uncle is unwilling to name you.

Surely it’s because he doesn’t hold any of you in high regard."

Upon hearing this, the princes all stood up, raising their eyes to look at Prince Qingyuan.

"Why are you all hesitating? If you’re not held in high regard, then show your talents to your Imperial Uncle."

Upon hearing this, the princes went forward past the desk.

Yet before they could display themselves, Prince Qingyuan smiled helplessly and waved his hand.

"How could I, the Imperial Uncle who has been coming in and out of the palace for so many years, not know how all you princes fare?

However, Eldest Imperial Brother, let your humble brother say something unpleasant."

At these words, the whole atmosphere in the rear garden became a lot more serious.

"In my humble brother’s view, among all the princes, there is truly none yet capable of inheriting the high position."

This statement left the princes momentarily stunned.

Several outstanding princes had terribly uncomfortable expressions on their faces at that moment.

Having said this, Prince Qingyuan did not pause for long before continuing: "Each prince has his talents and abilities, but for the master of our Great Wei, it is necessary to gather all these abilities into one.

Among the princes, some received your wisdom, others your benevolence, and some your courage.

Yet, from my humble brother’s perspective, not a single prince can encompass all these qualities as you do, Eldest Imperial Brother.

The princes need your diligent teaching and guidance to undertake this great responsibility."

"Hahaha, your Seventeenth Imperial Uncle has always had a sharp tongue since childhood.

It is indeed hard to make him speak amiss.

All of you should learn well from your Imperial Uncle.

Alright, don’t stay stiff, quickly taste today’s dishes prepared by the Imperial Kitchen.

These ingredients have been prepared for quite some time."

Upon hearing the Great Wei Emperor’s words, everyone relaxed a little and began to sample the dishes.

The dishes that were originally quite delicious didn’t seem as appetizing under these circumstances.

After tasting a couple of bites, the Great Wei Emperor put down his chopsticks.

He looked at his sons.

"If there’s anything you don’t understand about this matter, ask here and now.

I and your Seventeenth Imperial Uncle are both present, so we can address all your confusions at once.

Everyone must ask, even if you don’t have a question, you must fabricate one for me."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the princes changed slightly.

They were used to expressing insights before, but today, they were unexpectedly asked to raise questions.

The princes looked at each other, some wanting to speak out but hesitated for fear of asking inappropriate questions...

After a moment, the Eighth Prince stepped forward.

"Father, your son has a query..."

"Speak freely."

After a moment’s hesitation, the Eighth Prince finally spoke: "Father, your son doesn’t quite understand.

Families like the Shen Family and the Su Family, who guard the borders for Great Wei.

Why do we suppress them...

After all, they are our Great Wei’s meritorious officials, isn’t doing so disheartening for them..."

This question seemed rather direct.

However, the Great Wei Emperor was not angry and was even a bit gratified.

"Finally, someone spoke these words, before, you were afraid I would reprimand you for saying such things, right?"

The Great Wei Emperor slowly stood up.

"As a ruler, one must naturally show benevolence to appease court officials and transform the world.

But as a ruler, one mustn’t only show benevolence.

Come, follow me to Taiji Hall."

Saying so, the Great Wei Emperor walked ahead, with the other princes following behind.

And Prince Qingyuan deftly stayed back to wait.

After the court meeting, Taiji Hall was somewhat deserted, with only some palace attendants cleaning.

Seeing His Holiness leading the princes appear, these attendants were shocked, hastily bowing down.

Entering the hall, the Great Wei Emperor pointed to the high seat.

"Look at that chair, don’t you think sitting on it would make the world submit.

With a word to suppress thousands, no one would dare disobey, have you ever thought this way?"

As the Great Wei Emperor spoke, he didn’t expect his sons to dare answer.

Then he answered himself: "Let me tell you, that chair isn’t so easy to sit on.

Beneath that chair is a thicket of thorns, those thorns will dig into the body of the one sitting on it.

The crucial part is you mustn’t make a sound, and can’t let others see you’ve been hurt by those thorns!"

The Great Wei Emperor paused, looking at his sons.

At this moment, the faces of the princes appeared a bit more serious.

"If you stand firm and crush these thorns, flatten them, the chair will become more comfortable.

If you are weak and can’t suppress these thorns, they’ll grow sharper and longer.

The thicket will entangle you, forcing you to leave the chair."