The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife-Chapter 454: Selection of a Royal Heir--Choosing Among the Disfavored

Everyone in the hall understood the meaning behind Nanli’s words. Emperor Muwu had worn himself out in earlier years, exhausting his vital energy. After suffering multiple assassination attempts, his health had deteriorated severely, with his condition fluctuating constantly. Now that winter had come, his body could no longer withstand the cold.

Prime Minister Lu, Elder Xu, and Elder Cao, all aware of her medical expertise, recognized that her refusal to treat Emperor Muwu meant that his time was truly nearing its end. No one dared to voice the question that the Emperor himself eventually asked:

"Sixth Miss, how long do I have left to live?"

Nanli hesitated before replying, "If Your Majesty rests well and takes your medicine, you should last until the spring of next year."

While it’s true that a person’s fate--how much they eat, how much wealth they accumulate, and how long they live--is predestined, the unpredictable nature of life could change one’s destiny, affecting others as well. Thus, she couldn’t make any absolute promises.

Prime Minister Lu pursed his lips in deep concern, not just for the fate of Mu Nation but also for his daughter’s impending marriage. If the Emperor were to pass away, a period of mourning lasting a full year would be mandatory. However, the wedding date was already set, and preparations were well underway, making it impossible to move up the ceremony.

"Ninth Brother," Emperor Muwu grasped Ye Siheng’s hand, his voice weak, "We can’t wait any longer. You must make a decision."

The others were puzzled by why Emperor Muwu, in his weakened state, was pressing the Ninth Prince for a decision.

Ye Siheng glared at Emperor Muwu, unable to conceal his frustration. Though he was of royal blood, his mother had been a mere servant from a border nation, a fact that hadn’t diminished his elder brother’s love and indulgence. For the sake of the country and for his brother, he had no choice but to shoulder this responsibility.

"I’ve already decided," Ye Siheng said solemnly. "The person is already in the capital."

Hearing this, Emperor Muwu nodded in approval, though he was visibly drained. "Good, good, good. Since everyone is here, let’s proceed with this matter today."

Only after ensuring this would he find peace. Even speaking a few words left him exhausted and drenched in sweat. The chief manager eunuch, eyes red, gently wiped away the sweat.

Ye Siheng gave orders to Qingyang to bring the person into the hall. The others remained puzzled, but Empress Xie and Ye Chengyan were filled with a sense of foreboding. They hoped--perhaps Ye Siheng had only summoned a renowned doctor. But when Qingyang returned with a young boy of about ten, the Empress and her son turned pale with dread.

The boy, dressed in a fine green robe, had a dignified appearance, though he looked somewhat timid upon seeing so many people. Clearly, he had met Ye Siheng before, for at the Ninth Prince’s call, he bravely stepped forward and bowed deeply to Emperor Muwu. "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Muwu, too weak to respond, motioned for Ye Siheng to speak on his behalf. "This is Ye Yanli, the Prince of Changchun from Huainan."

Emperor Muwu nodded slightly, his clouded eyes examining the boy. "I remember now. You’re called Ye Yanli?"

"Yes," Ye Yanli replied obediently.

Emperor Muwu sighed with visible effort. "I’ve been unfortunate in that I have so few offspring. Your parents have passed, and you’re alone in Huainan. Would you be willing to be adopted into my family?"

Ye Yanli had been informed of this possibility upon his arrival in the capital, but it was hinted at rather than stated outright. Now, in front of the Empress, the Royal Heir, and key ministers, Emperor Muwu was making the offer openly.

Prime Minister Lu and the others began to piece together Emperor Muwu and the Ninth Prince’s intentions. As realization dawned, they instinctively glanced at Empress Xie and Ye Chengyan. As expected, the Empress was livid, and the Royal Heir was visibly shaken.

Empress Xie stepped forward in fury. "What is the meaning of this, Your Majesty? Why have I not been informed about the adoption of another royal child?"

But Emperor Muwu ignored her, keeping his gaze fixed on Ye Yanli. "Well, do you accept?"

The Empress clenched her fists, glaring daggers at Ye Yanli. The boy, pale with fear, swallowed hard, not knowing how to respond.

Nanli, uninterested in involving herself in political matters--especially not in something as consequential as the selection of a Royal Heir--intervened because her husband had chosen this boy. "Judging by the Prince of Changchun’s appearance, there doesn’t seem to be any father-son bond with Your Majesty."

The tension in the hall immediately eased. Ye Yanli sighed with relief and glanced at Nanli, his eyes filled with gratitude. He was smart enough to understand that his arrival in the capital meant his fate was out of his hands. But the Ninth Princess had just saved him.

Emperor Muwu’s expression darkened, but he wasn’t angry. "If there’s no bond, so be it."

With nothing left to lose, he asked, "Ninth Brother, did you bring the others to the capital as well? Let’s see if any of them share a bond with me."

Ye Chengyan’s jaw dropped, and he felt like crying but held back. Empress Xie was seething with rage. She respected Ye Siheng and Nanli, but could they truly decide the future of Mu Nation? But with her brother gone, she was utterly powerless!

Only Elder Cao, known for his bluntness, dared to speak up. "The Emperor’s decision is brilliant! I’ve long petitioned that the Royal Heir is too dull and lacks the resolve to lead!"

Everyone understood what Emperor Muwu and the Ninth Prince were planning. Elder Cao, unafraid of the consequences, continued boldly, "The selection of a new heir can be discussed later. For now, the Emperor should issue an edict deposing the Royal Heir and announce it to the world!"

Given Emperor Muwu’s condition, he might pass away that very night. According to ancestral law, Ye Chengyan would still succeed him. To prevent that, the Royal Heir must be deposed as quickly as possible!

If the worst happened to Emperor Muwu, they could still take their time selecting a new emperor. Privately, Elder Cao believed the Ninth Prince was a good choice--there was no need to search further.

Ye Chengyan, his body trembling with fear, managed to stammer, "Elder Cao, your insolence is treasonous! You deserve to be executed!"

But Elder Cao, undeterred, lifted his chin defiantly. "I am loyal to the nation and its people. Today, I speak the truth. Even if the Emperor punishes me, I have no regrets!"

Ye Chengyan, who had spent his life diligently, striving for the approval of Emperor Muwu and Ye Siheng, was devastated. He never imagined that the two would secretly conspire to replace him. Overcome with despair, he fell to his knees before his father, pleading, "Father, I swear I will follow Uncle’s every command from now on! Please... please don’t give up on me!"