In the afternoon, Fan Zehao returned, dragging his weary body. Seeing his wife and children together, the feelings of loss, mingled emotions, resentment, and nervousness all settled within him.
A grown man, he actually started crying, tears falling like broken strings of pearls, impossible to stop.
Yu Meng, her hands on her buns, tilted her head and asked curiously, "Mama cried when she came back too. Why are you crying when you come back? Did Mama bully you? Don't be afraid, I'll protect you."
Her daughter's innocent voice awakened Fan Zehao. He bent down and picked up Yu Meng. "My daughter cherishes me the most!"
Zhao Jiaqi rolled her eyes at Yu Meng and poked her forehead. "Mama also cried. Why didn't you say that Daddy bullied Mama!"
"Mama, please don't say that. If you say that, who in the manor would believe you? It's already good if you don't bully Daddy, how could Daddy dare to bully you?" Yu Meng absolutely did not believe her mother's words.
Her remark made Zhao Jiaqi both laugh and cry. She turned and gave Fan Zehao a plaintive look.
Honestly, she had never bullied Fan Zehao, had she? He was kind-hearted, capable, gentle, considerate, and filial. These were her labels. How had she become the "man-eating shrew" that people spoke of?
Before dinner, an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager arrived, announcing that Fan Zehao was to ascend the throne, with the date of coronation to be set.
This news turned the prince's manor into a whirlwind. Ever since receiving the edict, people had been constantly coming to offer congratulations and good wishes.
As time passed, guests arrived in an endless stream. Even people they had never met before showed up. Finally, an exasperated Zhao Jiaqi ordered the gates shut, barring all those who came to fawn upon them.
Zong Han chuckled, stroking his chin. He was overjoyed that Fan Zehao was taking that position.
"I say, what incredible luck you've had! From a hunter, to a general, to a prince, to the Prince of Zhenguo, and now to Emperor. You've reached the pinnacle of life in just a few years. It's something many people dream of but can never achieve. You're not happy, but you're pulling a long face. Don't take your good fortune for granted!"
"What's so good about being Emperor? Not only do you have endless worries every day, but if someone is unhappy and poisons you, do I not cherish my life?"
The previous emperor died of exhaustion, and Huangfu Yifan was poisoned to death. These were facts. He couldn't even imagine how he would die if he sat on the throne.
Zong Han shook his head and looked at Zhao Jiaqi, who was relatively calm. "Your Highness, if the Consort becomes Empress, will we still continue our business?"
"Why not? What does him being Emperor have to do with me doing business!"
Zong Han touched his nose. The Consort was still the same Consort, her words were always so sharp!
Late into the night.
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao sat on the bed, staring at each other.
"Husband, how is it that the imperial succession feels like a game? It just drifted by and it's over!"
It was nothing like the treacherous struggles for succession, where every step was a pit, with water in the pits, and nails in the water, and once you fell in, you disappeared without a trace.
The thorny problem had been resolved as if it were a joke.
Fan Zehao chuckled and shrugged, indicating that this was indeed the case. "Wife, to be honest, I'm also baffled. But what should we do now? No... let's run away!"
"Can you run away from your responsibilities like a monk escaping his temple? This is not about running away or becoming Emperor right now. The priority is to pacify the foreign envoys. Before we've dealt with our own affairs, those vassal states might become restless and want to start a war."
Why was it so difficult to live a peaceful life!
The two of them stayed awake all night, passing the long night in sighs and laments.
As the sky began to faintly lighten, the prince's manor gates were surrounded. Carriages lined up, and Huangfu Xu and Huangfu Xian, each supporting several white-haired elders, entered the manor.
Fan Zehao walked into the front hall and saw.
Whoa!
These two princes had actually invited the ancient patriarchs of the imperial clan.
The Empress Dowager had to be respectful in front of these white-haired old princes. Everyone in this room, if plucked out, would be a person of immense significance.
They were afraid that Fan Zehao would resist the edict and refuse to become Emperor, so they came to block the gates early in the morning.
Huangfu Xian said tactfully, "Eldest Brother, my cousin and I discussed it yesterday. Neither of us is cut out to be Emperor. You've seen it yourself, we couldn't even handle Huangfu Qiuping, let alone those ravenous vassal states!"
"Although you are not of our Huangfu family, at least you and Eldest Sister-in-law are benevolent and loving. You are loyal to the royal family and responsible to the common people. Whether it's water conservancy projects or agricultural production, you have made great contributions to us common people and have gained their recognition. If Eldest Brother doesn't take the throne, then there is no one else in the entire Yun Kingdom who is qualified to do so!"
As Prince Xian spoke passionately, Huangfu Xu took over. "Prince Xian is right. The Consort cares about the people, and the Prince is brave in battle. If the Yun Kingdom prospers under your rule, even those vassal states that want to carve us up will have to weigh their options. Whether it's for the good of the country or the good of the people, you are the rightful Emperor!"
This was the first time Zhao Jiaqi had seen the two brothers so united on a single matter.
"If Fan Zehao becomes Emperor, then the Huangfu family's reign will end. Are you not afraid of failing your ancestors?" Zhao Jiaqi swept her gaze over the old patriarchs and asked.
Were not the ancients said to be extremely pious towards their ancestors? So she wanted to ask these people if they were not afraid of having no face to see their ancestors after death?
"If the country ceases to exist, then we old ones will truly die without being able to face our ancestors. Therefore... Your Highness, you should reluctantly accept this responsibility!"
Among the elders, one spoke first, and the others nodded in agreement.
After the careful analysis of the current situation by these two grandsons, they no longer considered the matter of surname as important.
Yao Jingyun was overjoyed that Fan Zehao could become Emperor, but she dared not openly show it on her face.
She took Zhao Jiaqi's hand and said, "Qiqi, I know your intentions, but the situation is urgent. Why not agree for now? After a few years, when the country is prosperous and the people are at peace, you can find a suitable successor from among the grandchildren of the Huangfu family. Then you can gracefully step down, and let Prince Xian and Prince Xiaoyao act as regents. This is also a viable option, isn't it?"
Pingtong also felt that her mother-in-law's words made sense and joined in the persuasion.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, you don't want us to become slaves of a conquered nation, do you? Just as Mother said, let's handle this matter first. The longer we delay, the more disadvantageous it will be for us!"
Prince Xian saw that the couple was deep in thought and immediately urged, "If Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law agree, quickly bring the dragon robe and have Eldest Brother change into it. Go and ascend the throne!"
At Prince Xian's words, everyone in the hall stirred. Driven like ducks into a cage, Fan Zehao thus became Emperor.
Zhao Jiaqi, who had never imagined becoming Empress, also rose with the tide and became Empress.
Not only were the ministers bewildered, but even the foreign envoys were stunned.
They had no idea what was going on in Yun Kingdom. Why were they letting an outsider become Emperor, while the princes were smiling and personally escorting him to the dragon throne, willingly?
What kind of charm did this Fan Zehao possess?