Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1218: Chapter 1218: A Country Cannot Be Without a Sovereign for a Single Day

Zhou Shuren touched the soft armor over his chest, which was quite thin. This soft armor had been brought back by Qing Feng, clearly a special preparation from the Emperor, ”Haven’t we already tested it? It can indeed block a blade.”

Zhulan, heart thumping with fear, hadn’t stopped blinking. She clutched her husband’s official robe tightly, ”You must be extremely careful, and remember to run if anything goes wrong.”

Zhou Shuren, originally quite composed, felt uneasy at his wife’s anxiety, ”Don’t worry, everything is under control.”

Zhulan now could only trust that the Emperor had prepared thoroughly, ”Hmm.”

Zhou Shuren reached out to embrace his wife and whispered, ”I will come back safely, you take care of the home.”

Zhulan reached out and hugged him back tightly, ”Hmm.”

The grand court assembly was convened, and the road to the palace was filled with carriages, one after another. Zhou Shuren was one of the early ones. Upon arriving at the palace gate, everyone’s face was particularly solemn.

When Xiao Qing saw Zhou Shuren, he said, ”You’re here.”

Zhou Shuren responded, ”Hmm.”

Xiao Qing looked up at the sky, ”The sky is overcast today, I think it’s going to rain heavily.”

Zhou Shuren replied, ”After the storm comes the rainbow, we should be able to see a rainbow today.”

Xiao Qing’s mouth curled into a small smile, ”I thought you would still be the one who says nothing.”

Zhou Shuren adjusted his official robe, ”Your Excellency is insightful and clear-minded, I have always admired you.”

Xiao Qing’s smile deepened, for he not only appreciated Zhou Shuren for the attention he received from the Emperor but genuinely admired him. He reached out to pat Zhou Shuren’s shoulder, ”Let’s drink tea more often in the future.”

Zhou Shuren thought to himself, You will have plenty of time to enjoy your retirement and drink tea in the future, but not me. He smiled and said nothing.

Xiao Qing also thought of this, his eyes smiling even more. Now, he felt lighter than ever before, as the burdens he carried could finally be discarded.

The appointed time arrived quickly, and all the ministers proceeded into the palace one after another.

The officials were too numerous for the grand assembly; the hall couldn’t accommodate them all, so many stood outside. Once everyone reached their places, all were silent.

Zhou Shuren raised his head to look at the empty Dragon Throne above him, the steps beneath it seeming blood-red, a path stained with blood, somewhat glaring to the eyes.

Zhou Shuren wasn’t the only one looking at the Dragon Throne; many ministers gazed upon it.

Prince Qi touched his waist and then stood motionless; Prince Chu was exceptionally silent as well.

Prince Liang’s eyes were deep and dark, swiftly returning to a calm state.

Only Zhang Yang’s eyes betrayed his excitement, his hands trembling slightly. Had it not been for the fact that he was clenching them tightly together, Zhang Yang would have certainly drawn attention.

As time passed by the minute, the Crown Prince arrived at the hall; the previously quiet hall now resonated with the sound of his footsteps.

The Crown Prince climbed step by step towards the Dragon Throne and stood at the closest point to it, turning around to survey the civil and military officials below.

The Crown Prince was also filled with bold aspirations, facing the civil and military officials alone for the first time during the grand court assembly.

Taking a deep breath, the Crown Prince said, ”Today’s grand assembly fills me with heartache.”

Seeing that everyone was watching him, the Crown Prince paused and continued, ”The Emperor has been unconscious for many days now. Four days ago, the chief physician and others held a consultation and declared there is no hope for recovery.”

Zhou Shuren listened to the sobbing grief, lost in the sight of the ministers—one after another—bowing down to wipe their tears. Zhou Shuren took his official robe sleeve and wiped his eyes too, following the herd was the correct move.

Some cried out in anguish, ”The Emperor, the Emperor.”

Zhou Shuren had quite a tough time suppressing his emotions, holding the sleeve of his official robe over his face. He had to cover up; otherwise, he would have burst out laughing. It was far too extravagant.

Of course, there were also those who were genuinely saddened by this display of loyalty between sovereign and subjects. Well, Zhou Shuren didn’t understand it.

The Crown Prince’s brows twitched lightly, waiting for the ministers to calm down a bit before saying, ”I am deeply saddened, yet there is nothing to be done. I so wish I could replace him, for as a son, my heart aches to the extreme.”

The ministers continued to sob softly, as if drowning in their sorrow. Aside from grief, no other emotion filled the great hall.

Prince Qi kept his head lowered, his face expressionless. These ministers were indeed old foxes. With all the groundwork the Crown Prince had laid, still, no one took the initiative to speak.

Prince Chu slowly lifted his head, looking at who was crying the hardest and feeling impressed. As his own father, he wasn’t even this heartbroken.

Zhang Yang kept his head lowered, the corners of his mouth curving upwards. He was increasingly thrilled for the drama that was about to unfold.

The Crown Prince surveyed the gathering of ministers, his gaze sweeping past the neutral faction. Hmm, the most reasonable of the lot. His gaze fell on Zhou Shuren, went quiet for a moment, and then he had to admit, the man’s shaking shoulders were just on point.

At this moment, Ning Xu stepped forward, his voice hoarse from crying, ”Your Highness, I know you are in anguish, but I must say, the nation cannot be without a ruler for a single day. I beseech the Crown Prince to ascend the throne and fulfill the Emperor’s expectations.”

Suddenly, the great hall fell quiet, the sobbing ceasing at that single moment of silence.

At sea, Rongchuan held a telescope, the ships ahead already within the firing range of the cannons. A signalman was signaling with flags.

The island opposite was ready for battle, the continuous sound of the war horn blaring.

Rongchuan felt his blood boiling, his body involuntarily leaning forward; he was held back just as he lowered the telescope and saw General Hou with an expressionless face.

Rongchuan said, ”I just wanted to have a clearer view, I had no intention of landing on the island.”

He could explain, really.

General Hou didn’t buy it, his grip on Ning Xu’s clothes never loosening. If it weren’t inappropriate, he would have liked to tie Ning Xu down. He turned to his lieutenant and ordered, ”Fire the cannons.”

The lieutenant obeyed, gesturing to the signalman, who quickly relayed the commands with his flags.

Rongchuan picked up his telescope again, watching as the ships ignited their cannons. The booming noises continued without interruption, billowing dust clouds upon the island with each blast. Being too far to hear cries from the other side, all he could see was the enemy’s defenses being shattered by the explosions.

The island had cannons, too, but alas, they fell short compared to the modern artillery mounted on the ships, only reaching the sea and creating sprays of water without harming the ships.

This striking contrast turned quite embarrassing. With the cannons trained on the island and blasting their targets, the ships advanced gradually. They were laden with ample gunpowder and shells, participating in what resembled a carpet bombing.

For Rongchuan, who was experiencing war for the first time, he was astounded, ”Is this even possible?”

General Hou, very satisfied with the outcome, issued further instructions for the relentless bombardment, determined to ensure a safe landing. He thought to himself that the silver coin invested in researching the cannons was well spent.

Rongchuan, fired up by the scene, thought of Yang Wen who was about to land on the island and felt reassured by the situation.

Inside the capital’s great hall, following Ning Xu’s statement, the relatives of the Crown Princess Consort stepped forward in succession, urging the Crown Prince to take the throne.

More and more ministers followed suit in agreement. Zhou Shuren blinked; he felt Wong Ju’s gaze upon him.

Zhou Shuren curled his lips. Wong Ju still had the leisure to keep an eye on him!

The Crown Prince stood silently, as if deaf to the words of Ning Xu and the others.

Inside, Prince Qi pondered, wondering if he should express his support. Would the Emperor hold him accountable?

Prince Chu, on the other hand, watched his older brother throughout the entire ordeal, realizing now the benefits of having an older brother in front.

Zhou Shuren felt an excessive number of stares on him and, pursing his lips, he stepped forward, ”I second the motion.”