Chapter 403: Chapter 342: Establishing the Crown Prince
Below the stage, more than ten Cabinet members were lined up on both sides, listening respectfully to Zheng Yi’s orders.
Besides the Cabinet, there were a few other officials in important positions.
"I intend to move to the Celestial Longevity Mountain Palace for seclusion and cultivation, estimated to last around ten years."
"During these ten years, I will not appear before the officials of the Imperial Court. If there are any urgent matters, I will send someone to notify you."
"If you have urgent matters, you may also send someone to the Celestial Longevity Mountain Palace to seek me..."
"Your Majesty!"
Before he finished speaking, Xu Mujun suddenly interrupted.
Xu Mujun stepped forward from the ranks, frowned and said, "The nation cannot be without its sovereign for a single day. If Your Majesty wishes to be secluded, you could do so within the Imperial Palace, and we would still be able to reach Your Majesty anytime."
"If Your Majesty insists on going to Celestial Longevity Mountain, what if something goes wrong in the Capital City?"
Zheng Yi said, "Aren’t there all of you, my beloved ministers? I established the Cabinet so that in urgent matters, it could act on my behalf in governing, what’s wrong with that?"
"Could it be that you do not trust yourselves?"
Several faces slightly changed, exchanging glances, they ultimately spoke through Zheng Xuanyue:
"Your Majesty... Previously, when you secluded yourself, it was mostly for three months to half a year, during such short periods, we could naturally manage the state affairs."
"But this seclusion... the duration is too long!"
"Ten years... If Your Majesty remains absent for long from the subjects, it might stir trouble."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Instantly, more than ten Cabinet Ministers within the grand hall, including even members of the Emperor Faction, like Wang Anshi and Yuan Qichang, kneeled to express their wish for Zheng Yi to reconsider.
Zheng Yi frowned, realizing there would be resistance to his seclusion.
But he did not expect it to be so great!
Not only Zheng Xuanyue, Xu Mujun, and others opposed, even members of the Emperor Faction he personally formed opposed!
It’s truly... outrageous!
Zheng Yi took a deep breath and said, "My decision to seclude myself has been made, and no one shall refuse. You should follow orders!"
"Your Majesty...!"
Xu Mujun became anxious, if indeed Zheng Yi did not attend court for ten years, then the nation would be at a loss!
He directly blocked Zheng Yi’s path, still bowed as he said, "Your Majesty, this matter is absolutely inadmissible!"
"Hmm?"
Zheng Yi slightly frowned, "Xu Qing, do you intend to block me?"
"This humble minister dare not, but I am stopping Your Majesty for the countless subjects of Great Yu!"
Xu Mujun remained humble yet resolute, directly kneeling and said, "This matter concerns the Great Yu World, countless subjects, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"
"What if I still wish to proceed on my own?"
Zheng Yi said indifferently.
Breaking through Foundation Establishment is his top priority.
Moreover, this time he does not wish to use the Foundation Establishment Pill.
If Tuoba Qingying and Zhao Suling could succeed in breaking through relying on their own natural talent, Zheng Yi is confident he can too.
And cultivators who rely on their own talents to break through Foundation Establishment surpass those who break through by relying on pills, both in foundation and aptitude.
As his breakthrough is imminent, how could he heed the advice of the officials?
It is said that emperors lead lonely lives. He originally thought that after governing for over a decade, he had intimidated many courtiers, and none would defy his orders.
Unexpectedly...
Just the wish to seclude for a period brings so much opposition!
Especially from Xu Mujun!
Zheng Yi watched Xu Mujun’s figure, his eyes flickering.
Historically, the imperial power and ministerial power do not coexist.
Now, although Xu Mujun is not the Prime Minister, his power exceeds even the Prime Minister.
What if...
The entire hall fell into an eerie silence.
"Well, well, well~"
Zheng Yi was angered to the point of laughing, it seems he has been too merciful over the years!
"Your Majesty!"
Suddenly, a voice shattered the silence.
Zheng Yi looked up to see it was Wang Anshi.
"Mr. Wang, what do you suggest?"
In his fury, Zheng Yi showed no courtesy even to ministers like Wang Anshi.
Wang Anshi was unperturbed and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, you wish to seclude yourself, yet the Imperial Court and the Great Yu World cannot do without you, neither can countless subjects!"
"I have an idea here, it allows Your Majesty to seclude peacefully, and our Great Yu Court won’t fall into chaos due to Your Majesty’s seclusion."
Zheng Yi directly asked, "What idea is that?"
Not only he, but even other courtiers instinctively looked over.
Kneeling in the front, Zheng Xuanyue, Xu Mujun, and others remained expressionless, pondering something unknown.
"Establish, Crown, Prince."
Wang Anshi enunciated each word: "As long as the Crown Prince is appointed, the fundamental stability is assured, Your Majesty’s seclusion will no longer affect the entire governance."
"Your Majesty can also seclude peacefully."
"Giving the Crown Prince the power to govern would be even better."
"Crown Prince? Governing?"
Zheng Yi was stunned, he had never considered such a suggestion.
Because now, all ten of his sons are too young.
The Eldest Prince Zheng Chengji is only eight years old.
The Second Prince Zheng Chengwu, a little over seven.
The Third Prince Zheng Chengrui, Fourth Prince Zheng Chengqian, are over six.
The Fifth Prince Zheng Chengzhao, Sixth Prince Zheng Chengyue, Seventh Prince Zheng Chengping, Eighth Prince Zheng Cheng’an, Ninth Prince Zheng Chengnan, Tenth Prince Zheng Chengtai, are all just about five years old.
Allowing a child to govern...
And within the hall, many ministers began to debate.
There was astonishment, anxiety, and some moments of sudden realization.
"Appointing the Crown Prince now? Isn’t it too early?"
"Your Majesty is still in the prime of life, and there are ten Princes, perhaps there might be more in the future!"
"Which Prince should be appointed as Crown Prince?"
