GTB Chapter 192

Chapter 194: Establishing the Heir Apparent

Shí Yan stared wide-eyed at the person on top of him, never expecting that, when pushed to the edge, this woman would actually take the initiative.

His Adam’s apple bobbed subtly. He was already losing control, so if he let her tease him, wouldn’t all his efforts be for naught?

Even as he thought this, he feigned composure and said, “Very well, then your husband shall… wait and see.”

He concealed the emotion in his eyes, thinking that she was so shy, it must just be a verbal show of bravado.

However, Jiang Jiuchu, who had long been at the end of her rope and was unbearably uncomfortable, did feel some shyness, but in this situation, very little of it remained.

She only felt that the air up here was much better, and that Shí Yan, who was usually so aloof and proud, was now pinned beneath her.

A hint of smugness curved her rosy lips, spreading across her flushed cheeks, enchantingly seductive.

The sight made the emotions churning in Shí Yan’s eyes grow even darker.

She reached out and stroked the sharp angles of Shí Yan’s jaw, her voice sweet and alluring.

“A celestial being’s appearance under the moonlight, a captivating beauty within silken curtains.”

As soon as she finished speaking, seeing that Shí Yan was about to open his mouth, she quickly pressed a finger against his thin lips.

“Shh~ Husband, just lie still and be good. You’re not allowed to resist, okay?”

Then, her small hand moved to Shí Yan’s Adam’s apple and gently caressed it, feeling the difference between a man’s and a woman’s body.

Shí Yan instantly tensed up, watching Jiang Jiuchu. Every move she made, every word she spoke, tugged at his nerves, like a fairy casting a spell on him with every blink and every utterance.

In that moment, his breathing became rapid, as if he were standing on the edge of collapse, dangerously anticipating her next move.

Jiang Jiuchu’s small hand slid down Shí Yan’s broad chest, narrow waist, finally stopping on his lower abdomen.

Feeling Shí Yan’s body tense, she raised her lips and lightly teased with her delicate fingertips.

Shí Yan’s eyes were deep and dark, his breathing halting in rhythm with Jiang Jiuchu’s touch.

Jiang Jiuchu glanced up at Shí Yan, and seeing that he was still holding back, she lowered her head and kissed his neck.

Hearing Shí Yan’s breath catch, Jiang Jiuchu’s lips curved, and she continued to mimic Shí Yan’s actions, nibbling at his ear, following the path she had traced with her fingers, moving downwards.

However, just as she kissed his chest, Shí Yan scooped her up with a large hand, lifting her directly.

Shí Yan’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice low and husky as he said, “Chuchu has learned quite well.”

After speaking, he flipped over, pinning Jiang Jiuchu beneath him, “However, it’s still better for a woman to be on the bottom.”

… In an instant, no words were spoken between the two, only the touch of their souls.

Shí Yan let out a deep breath, lowered his head, and kissed Jiang Jiuchu’s lips, conquering and claiming, filling the room with tenderness.

…

The next day, in the imperial palace, on the Golden Throne Hall, Emperor Yue An sat on the dragon throne, a hint of weariness between his brows.

Inside the hall, the assembled officials stood respectfully, the atmosphere heavy.

The officials, seeing all the princes present and hearing rumors of Emperor Yue An’s collapse yesterday, each had their own suspicions.

The Emperor slightly raised his hand, signaling Eunuch De to read the imperial decree.

Eunuch De announced in a loud voice: “By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have inherited the mandate of Heaven, governing all lands, but Heaven does not grant me endless years. I have been unwell recently, and I deeply feel that the foundation of the state cannot be left vacant for long.”

“The Crown Prince was unfortunately assassinated and left crippled more than half a year ago. Although my heart is deeply grieved, the affairs of the state are paramount, and public duty cannot be abandoned for private feelings.”

The officials were surprised to hear Eunuch De read this far, not expecting the Emperor to suddenly announce this matter.

After all, no matter how they urged him with memorials, the Emperor had never made a final decision, delaying until now.

Although they guessed that Emperor Yue An had other considerations in mind, they could not fathom the imperial intentions.

This sudden announcement must mean that the Emperor was indeed unwell and worried that further delays would be detrimental to the situation, thus he was eager to settle the matter of the heir apparent.

However, the matter was too sudden, and they could not guess which prince would be named in the imperial decree. Everyone held their breath, listening to Eunuch De’s words.

“The position of Crown Prince concerns the nation, and after careful consideration, I have decided to appoint the Seventh Prince, Shí Yan, as the Crown Prince, to secure the foundation of the state and bring peace to the world.”

After Eunuch De finished reading, the people in the hall were shocked, their eyes turning towards Shí Yan.

However, only a trace of surprise flashed in Shí Yan’s eyes before they became calm again.

Shí Xiu smiled coldly in his heart. It confirmed his suspicions, but unfortunately, the Empress and the Crown Prince had targeted the Second Prince, Shí Jin.

He glanced at Shí Yan with calm eyes, then fixed his gaze on Emperor Yue An sitting high on the dragon throne, his gentle eyes hiding unfathomable depths.

Although the Second Prince, Shí Jin, did not dare to speak, disbelief was written all over his face.

In terms of seniority and background, shouldn’t it be him? Was his imperial father senile?

Not to mention anything else, just considering the assassination attempts he had suffered, he was the one whom those people saw as having the best chance. How could it fall to Seventh Brother?

Although the Fourth Prince, Shí Yu, did not think he was the most likely candidate, he had not expected that the position of Crown Prince would so solidly land on Shí Yan.

The leading minister of the Empress’s faction immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying, “Your Majesty, the Seventh Prince is known for his frivolous behavior and has never concerned himself with matters of state. He is hardly capable of such an important task.”

Several members of the Second Prince, Shí Jin’s, and the Fourth Prince, Shí Yu’s, factions also quickly followed suit and stood out.

“Your humble servant also believes that the Seventh Prince is unfit for the task. Please, Your Majesty, reconsider.”

Emperor Yue An looked at the people objecting in the hall. He knew the current situation, which was why he had delayed until now.

But as the Son of Heaven, he must overcome all obstacles, otherwise, if things went too smoothly, he feared he would not be able to withstand the turmoil of the court and the upheavals of the country.

He spoke indifferently to those objecting, “Who is not frivolous when young? The Seventh Prince is kind, filial, intelligent, and virtuous, with both talent and moral character. Everyone witnessed his performance during the Dan City trip. I deeply believe that he can inherit the great mandate and bring stability to the world. I hope all of you will assist him wholeheartedly and work together for a prosperous future.”

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, all the officials who were relatively satisfied with Shí Yan and the neutral party stood up and said:

“Your servants respectfully obey the imperial decree and will do our best to assist the new Crown Prince and ensure the eternal stability of our nation.”

Emperor Yue An nodded, ignoring the objectors, and waved to the side.

A eunuch immediately presented the Crown Prince’s golden seal and the Book of Investiture, respectfully handing them to Shí Yan.

Shí Yan retracted his gaze from his face-off with Emperor Yue An, lowered his eyes, suppressed the surprise in his heart, stepped forward, and solemnly reached out with both hands to receive them.

“Your son thanks Father Emperor for your great kindness and will do my best, taking the world as my responsibility, and will not fail to live up to this heavy trust.”

Seeing this, the officials in the hall bowed and shouted in unison, “Congratulations to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! May His Royal Highness live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!”

At this moment, no matter what their thoughts were, they could only congratulate him with the crowd.

A morning court session had clarified the position of the heir apparent, but it also shattered all balance.

Outside the hall, although the sunlight was dazzling, dark clouds were passing by.