Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2029: Three Emperors of a Country

Princess Consort’s spirit was too battered to entertain thoughts of suicide, yet she couldn’t shake off her resentment. Eventually, she begrudgingly relocated to the desolate confines of the North Court Palace.

As for her simmering animosity, the Fourth Prince and Honored Princess Mei remained indifferent.

General Sun’s lingering operatives continued to wreak havoc. Night after night, fires erupted, assassinations claimed lives, and ambushes unfolded, leaving the Fourth Prince seething with rage and frustration. His loyalists, too, were stretched thin.

Within the palace walls, Empress Qi persistently stirred up trouble for Honored Princess Mei.

Empress Qi wielded considerable influence over the intermediate palace. Since the late emperor hadn’t stripped her of her title, she remained the legitimate empress. Regardless of which prince ascended the throne, she’d retain her status as empress dowager.

No prince dared to defy filial piety.

Especially the Fourth Prince, who, despite securing the capital, lacked a legitimate claim. His authority was earned through contentious battles with his siblings.

While they could overlook his methods during the struggle, they couldn’t ignore the need for diplomacy in the aftermath.

Otherwise, his reign would lack all semblance of dignity.

Empress Qi and her son were untouchable for now.

Not only was the Fourth Prince hesitant to act, but he also felt compelled to ensure Empress Qi’s well-being. Her safety was paramount; any harm befalling her would be difficult for him to justify.

Empress Qi recognized this vulnerability and exploited it fully in her clashes with Honored Princess Mei.

Bearing her resentment like a heavy burden, Honored Princess Mei found herself repeatedly tested, her frustration growing with each passing confrontation. Yet, she dared not lay a finger on Empress Qi.

Inside and outside the palace, both Honored Princess Mei and the Fourth Prince were equally drained.

It took the Fourth Prince more than half a month to stabilize the situation finally.

He instructed the Imperial Astronomers to select the most opportune date for his ascension to the throne and the proclamation of a new era. Following this, he arranged for the construction of a mourning hall and summoned civil and military officials, along with relatives, to pay their respects.

Once the former emperor was laid to rest, preparations for the inauguration ceremony commenced. The event had to be vibrant, celebratory, and filled with auspiciousness, a beacon of hope to dispel the recent shadows of misfortune.

With unwavering confidence and vigor, the Fourth Prince stood as the unrivaled master of the Ying family.

No contender could match his strength or determination now!

He felt a surge of relief at his swift decision-making.

Throughout history, fortune favored those who dared to venture into perilous territories. This truth had been reaffirmed once again.

Had he hesitated to eliminate the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t have seized the reins of power today!

However, what caught the Fourth Prince off guard was the clandestine departure of the Second Prince, Princess Concubine Virtue, and their entourage, escorted by General Sun to Xiangyang City in Hubei prefecture. While he busied himself extinguishing fires and managing the aftermath in the capital, they had slipped away unnoticed.

To compound matters, the Second Prince had usurped the throne ahead of him, altering the era’s name to one that cast him as a regicide and patricide. He had circulated a bounty, calling upon officials worldwide to suppress him and avenge the former emperor!

Following suit, the Third Prince ascended the throne in Ji Nan, leveling similar accusations against the Fourth Prince.

Upon receiving this distressing news, the Fourth Prince and Honored Princess Mei were incensed and revolted!

It was akin to having a live fly forced down their throats!

Assuming victory with the capital under his control, he had presumed the Second and Third Princes would scurry away like frightened strays, destined to be captured eventually.

Their audacious maneuver blindsided him.

Regret gnawed at the Fourth Prince’s conscience, his insides churning with remorse.

Had he possessed foreknowledge, he would have promptly expelled them and claimed the throne!

Who could have anticipated their brazenness?

Disregarding the auspicious date, the Fourth Prince hastily crowned himself emperor!