Chapter 36: The Crown Prince Regents

Next, Yang Zhan heard Yang Xing say in a towering rage:

"Father, how could you do this? You are destroying the very foundation of our Great Xia! Yang Zhan has rendered monumental service; he spent three years guarding the celestial prison without a shred of resentment. He is the backbone of our empire and the symbol of our might against the barbarians!"

"Why so agitated? Is a mere subject worth such a display?"

"He is not just a subject; he is my savior and the War God of our Great Xia. Father, how could you harbor such thoughts!"

"Then here is the question: If your third brother becomes emperor, can you and Yang Zhan survive?"

Yang Xing’s expression froze, clearly caught off guard by the abrupt turn in Yang Wu’s line of questioning.

Listening from the other side, Yang Zhan muttered to himself, thinking that this old man was as cunning as a fox; his true intentions were truly unfathomable. Naturally, Yang Zhan was also curious about how Yang Xing would answer.

After a moment, Yang Xing spoke up: "I will voluntarily resign as crown prince. I will not compete with him. I believe my third brother will consider our blood ties and not be too harsh on me."

"And what of Yang Zhan?"

Yang Xing frowned. "This..."

"It’s a difficult choice, isn't it? That is why I say that killing Yang Zhan could ensure internal stability for Great Xia. Should I kill him, or not?"

Yang Zhan, listening from the next room, knew the old emperor was testing Yang Xing. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been allowed to overhear this. Yet, he still felt quite annoyed. How did he become the destabilizing factor in the Great Xia Dynasty? Was he a criminal just by existing?

Finally, Yang Xing spoke: "Father, why would killing Yang Zhan ensure internal stability?"

"Because whether in merit or capability, Yang Zhan is beyond what you can compare to, and beyond what you can control."

"Father, if I may be so bold, you too have led campaigns in person against the barbarians. Ask yourself, do you have more ability than Yang Zhan?"

"Insolent!" Yang Wu roared in a fit of rage.

In the next room, Yang Zhan couldn't help but cover his face. The Crown Prince was really letting himself go.

Yang Xing, however, pressed his point: "For these three years, if Yang Zhan had wanted to leave, he could have left long ago. If he had wanted to rebel, he could have rebelled long ago. But he did neither. Why? Because he once said that though he dies a subject of Great Xia, his only wish is for the country to be prosperous and the people at peace!"

"How can a man like this be an unstable factor? Father, tell me, what is a stable factor? Are only those incompetent, mediocre people considered stable? Then why don't you let just anyone command the Divine Martial Army to resist the barbarians?"

"You scoundrel! How dare you speak to me like that!"

"Father, if the third brother becomes emperor, whether he kills Yang Zhan or not is his affair, but I will certainly protect him. I will never let the third brother commit acts that would bring catastrophe to Great Xia. And Father, if you insist on this path, I shall die to remonstrate!"

Having said this, Yang Xing knelt on the ground once more, his eyes filled with firm resolve. Yang Wu’s face remained dark for a long time before he finally calmed down.

"Fine, you may get out!"

Yang Xing showed no intention of leaving. "I cannot let you make a mistake, Father. I will die to remonstrate!"

"Then go ahead and die!"

Yang Xing suddenly stood up, intending to find a place to dash his head against. Seeing this, Yang Wu’s face darkened again.

*Slap!*

Yang Wu slammed his hand on the table. "I didn't say I was actually going to kill Yang Zhan! Now, get out!"

Yang Xing stopped and retreated in a sullen mood.

Yang Zhan, listening in the next room, heard everything clearly. He frowned slightly. "Could this old man be putting on a show for me?"

Just then, a voice called out: "Let Yang Zhan in!"

A moment later, Yang Zhan stood before Yang Wu.

Yang Wu frowned and asked bluntly, "Yang Zhan, did you hear everything just now?"

"I heard it."

"Do you think that scoundrel can be emperor?"

"He can. Why wouldn't he be able to?"

"Too much benevolence is weakness!"

Yang Zhan said nothing; he still hadn't figured out what the old man was playing at.

Yang Wu glanced at him. "Yang Xing stood up to me for your sake just now; you must surely support him."

"It’s not because of that. It’s because your son possesses great wisdom."

Yang Wu raised an eyebrow. "Where is this wisdom? Why haven't I noticed it?"

Yang Zhan looked at him. "You asked him how to deal with the third prince precisely because you wanted someone to voice the thoughts you were harboring yourself, didn't you?"

Yang Wu did not refute this, leaning back into his chair.

Yang Zhan continued, "The Crown Prince saw that, so he helped you state the result you wanted."

Yang Wu remained noncommittal, asking, "And the second question?"

"That second question was meant for me to hear, wasn't it?"

Yang Wu shot him a glare. "Being too smart also requires playing the fool. You’re just bullying me because you know I’m old and won’t last much longer, aren't you?"

"Oh, I wouldn't dare wear the hat of deceiving the emperor."

"Enough, it was indeed meant for you to hear."

"You didn't need to say all that; I would support the Crown Prince regardless."

"Why?"

"Because the Crown Prince and I are close!"

"That’s it?"

"Yes, that’s it!"

Yang Wu laughed in anger. "You rascal! Such a serious matter, and you speak of it so flippantly!"

"Saying more is useless. This is your court; your word is final."

"That’s right, it is indeed my word that is final, but I also wanted to hear others' opinions."

Yang Zhan countered, "Then do you think the third prince can be emperor?"

"Why couldn't he?"

"Then do you know why the third prince only brought the Northern Imperial Guard to the celestial prison, while the Martial Strategy Army was stationed outside the Xuanwu Gate?"

In an instant, Yang Wu’s gaze sharpened.

"Don't look at me like that; I wasn't the one who mobilized them."

Yang Wu sighed. "I am old. I was almost forced into a coup. However, that boy certainly has guts."

"Indeed. If necessary, he’d probably dare to slaughter the heavens themselves. Tremendous guts!"

Yang Zhan grinned.

"You’re becoming increasingly disrespectful. Daring to mock me?"

"That is what you perceive as mockery. In reality, I am merely stating the facts."

"Enough, you are all infuriating. By the way, I heard you were poisoned. Are you alright?"

"I’m dying."

"Then hurry up and die!"

Yang Zhan rolled his eyes. "Old man, that’s going too far."

"Get out! The sight of you irritates me!"

"Take care of your health!" Yang Zhan cupped his hands in a salute, then turned and sauntered out.

Yang Wu suddenly called out toward the room: "Han Zhong!"

Han Zhong entered and bowed his head. "Your Majesty."

"Looking at Yang Zhan, does he seem like someone struck by an incurable poison?"

"It does not appear so."

Yang Wu’s rocking chair began to sway. He said calmly, "Draft an edict!"

"As you command."

"The Third Prince has engaged in misconduct; he is permitted to redeem himself through merit by presiding over the negotiations with the envoys of the Fenglin Kingdom."

"The Crown Prince has reflected enough. He is to return to the Eastern Palace, the house arrest is lifted, and as of today, he shall take up the duties of regent!"

Han Zhong quickly drafted the edict and presented it to Yang Wu. After Yang Wu nodded, Han Zhong took out the imperial seal and stamped it.