nashuaworldcup Chapter 819: Chen Changsheng Abdicates
Chapter 819: Chen Changsheng Abdicates
"What do you mean?" Xuan Yuanlu asked curiously.
"I think my older brother will lose."
Chen Li's answer was straightforward, as if to confirm his words. Chen Changsheng gradually fell into a disadvantageous position under Chen Ling'er's fierce offensive.
Seeing this scene, Chen Futu couldn't help but sigh.
The eldest son is indeed the eldest son. He had several opportunities to attack, but he never really hurt Ling'er.
He had considered everything carefully. As the elder brother, he had to protect his younger sister and also uphold Xu Mingzhu's rights, so he made the choice to abdicate.
This was Ling'er's choice for him, and it was also the best outcome.
As expected, after about an incense stick's time, Chen Changsheng was defeated, looking somewhat disheveled, but still composed.
Chen Ling'er's Nine Heavens Wings transformed into sharp blades, aiming at his throat. "Big brother, tell me your decision."
Everyone held their breath.
Chen Changsheng glanced at Xu Mingzhu, who was at a loss by the side of the square, and then smiled at Chen Ling'er, "You win. I choose to abdicate and marry Mingzhu."
"you!"
Chen Ling'er flew into a rage and suddenly pressed her wings forward.
With a whoosh, the sharp Nine Heavens Wings sliced through Chen Changsheng's skin, and blood flowed down his neck.
Li Xiuning was terrified at the sight, crying out, "Ling'er, no!"
Chen Ling'er certainly wouldn't kill Chen Changsheng. She was very disappointed. "Big brother, is this how Father taught you to choose beauty over power?"
"Perhaps. If you ask my father, his choice would be the same as mine. We, the Chen family, are all like that."
Chen Changsheng's statement left Chen Futu speechless.
He's right. As Lao Tzu, I don't really care about the throne now. I prefer having a harem of wives and concubines and living a carefree life. Isn't that better?
Chen Changsheng touched his bleeding neck and shook his head at Chen Ling'er, saying, "Little sister, you went too far. I'm still your older brother, can't you give me some face?"
"Don't think that I'll go back on my word just because you admit defeat. You lost because you willingly gave up everything." Chen Ling'er retracted her wings.
Chen Changsheng waved his hand casually, "Sister, that position is yours. I'll have the Ministry of Rites hold the coronation ceremony later and make you the third in line to the throne of Great Xia."
After saying that, Chen Changsheng took Xu Mingzhu's hand and left amidst the stunned gazes of the crowd.
The square was quiet, and everyone's eyes were on Chen Futu. Chen Futu said to Chen Ling'er, "Since you want to be the empress, then I will grant your wish. You will ascend the throne in a month."
"Father..."
Chen Ling'er panicked; she hadn't expected Chen Changsheng to actually give up the throne for a woman.
Chen Futu stopped her from continuing, saying, "You're not young anymore, you're no longer the little girl you once were. You have to take responsibility for your decisions. The country is now in your hands, but I'm warning you, if you don't do well, no one will take your place. You can find a man for yourself, have a child and make him the crown prince. From now on, the imperial lineage belongs to you."
After saying this, Chen Futu turned and left.
Everyone looked at each other, completely bewildered. What was going on?
Qin Liangyu approached Chen Ling'er, but hesitated to speak.
Chen Ling'er's eyes reddened, and her voice trembled with tears, "Mother, I just didn't want my eldest brother to marry a bad woman. Did I do something wrong?"
"You and your elder brother both have valid points, but your father and I no longer wish to concern ourselves with state affairs. You're all grown up now; go and walk your own path." Qin Liangyu gently patted Chen Ling'er's head before leaving.
Upon seeing this, everyone shook their heads and left, leaving only the civil and military officials looking like dumb geese.
How can an imperial monarch tolerate child's play?
But Li Zhou is different. It doesn't matter if Li Zhou changes emperors, because Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen are still alive, and there are countless protectors. No one would dare to rebel. Therefore, even if Chen Ling'er sleeps all day and doesn't care about state affairs, there will be no trouble.
In the days that followed, Chen Changsheng and Xu Mingzhu got married.
Chen Futu led a group of powerful individuals, including Qin Liangyu, to participate in the wedding.
After the banquet, Chen Futu asked Chen Changsheng privately if he regretted it.
Chen Changsheng said, "I have no regrets, but I am afraid of disappointing Father."
"Why should I be disappointed if you don't want to be emperor? It's not like no one wants that position."
Chen Futu's words contained a hint of sarcasm.
As the founding emperor, he actually harbored some resentment towards his son's decision. Back then, everyone was trapped in a cage, and their military strength was not particularly strong. They made all sorts of efforts to conquer the Great Qian Dynasty, and many people died in the continuous wars. In the end, they established the Great Xia Dynasty by force.
Now, Emperor Taizong Wen easily abandoned the throne because of a woman, and Chen Futu didn't even slap him hard, which is considered a kind father.
Chen Changsheng was well aware of Chen Futu's resentment, and said sullenly, "Father, why don't we let that girl do it for now? If it doesn't work out, I'll take over the position."
"You're smart to know what's good for you. I reckon she won't last until the day she ascends the throne."
Chen Futu finally got the answer he wanted and tossed him a divine weapon, "This is the Reincarnation Pearl. I obtained it by chance from Tianyuan back then. It contains my reincarnation power and is also my wedding gift to my eldest daughter-in-law."
"The Reincarnation Pearl and Xu Mingzhu are a good match. I thank Father Emperor on behalf of Mingzhu."
Chen Changsheng was very happy. His father's willingness to give away such a precious treasure meant that he approved of this daughter-in-law.
As for why it was approved?
Chen Changsheng knew exactly what kind of person Chen Futu was.
Would a ruthless emperor who built his nation on bloodshed really be enraged by a woman who dug up other people's bones in order to climb higher?
Obviously not. Chen Futu did not express his opinion before, not because he had not made a choice, but because he was giving face to his beloved daughter. So he did not take sides. If the current emperor really had to choose, he would definitely prefer Xu Mingzhu, who is ruthless and comes from a good family.
Unfortunately, Xu Mingzhu, being an outsider, doesn't carry the same weight as Chen Ling'er.
"Where is your sister?" Chen Futu asked with a dark expression.
Chen Changsheng shrugged and said, "They're probably still angry, that's why they didn't come to the wedding."
“You mustn’t be like her. She was raised with our utmost care and was spoiled a bit.”
"Father, you can rest assured that I will do everything perfectly on the day my sister ascends the throne, and I will also give her a great gift."
"Keep the Imperial Seal. She already has the blank stele, so she doesn't need it anymore."
"Here."
Chen Changsheng suppressed a laugh and saw Chen Futu out of the mansion.
Today, the capital city is decorated with lanterns and filled with joy, but the palace is in an uproar.
Chen Ling'er was reviewing memorials, her eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and she didn't leave the imperial study for several days in a row.
This was arranged secretly by Chen Futu, who forbade Yu Qian from helping her and specially granted long leave to the cabinet ministers.
"Sister, come and have a bowl of ginseng soup to nourish yourself. This is a prescription personally written by the old divine doctor Sun. It contains many precious medicinal herbs and is comparable to a divine elixir." Xuan Yuanlu appeared out of nowhere, parading through the city with a group of palace maids. His smug appearance made Chen Ling'er grit her teeth.