Chapter 293: Chapter 230: Who Will Win in the End?

Translator: 549690339

Clang, clang, clang…

As the sky was just beginning to turn a fish belly white, at the sound of the bell ringing at the hour of mao, all civil and military officials in Tiandu hurried towards the Imperial City.

This was considered the first Great Morning Meeting after the emperor’s death, with all civil and military officials in Tiandu of seventh grade or above allowed to participate.

Even the most significant figures from various provinces had dispatched their own confidants, representing their will to participate in this Great Morning Meeting.

At this moment, there was still a full two incense sticks’ worth of time before the start of the Great Morning Meeting, but all officials had already arrived, standing on the plaza outside the Da Ming

Gate.

They stood separate as civil and military officials, nobles, and members of the Royal Family, each in their designated locations, silently awaiting the arrival of the high -ranking personages.

On this extraordinarily vital day, everyone wore solemn expressions, ever so serious, daring not to reveal any hint of levity.

At a distance, a group of principals from various powers waited, serving as witnesses to this day’S happenings.

On normal days, these high-ranking officials and Royal Family members definitely wouldn’t have allowed these so-called uncouth martial artists into the Imperial City.

But they had no choice, since when the Great Ming dynasty’s founder overthrew the previous Yuan dynasty, these martial artist made significant contributions.

So to show gratitude for these people’s help, during his coronation, he invited these individuals to be his witnesses.

Likewise, the subsequent Emperor Jingnan, in order to demonstrate the legitimacy of his succession and reward those in the martial world who had lent a hand, invited these forces according to the founder’s practice.

One could say that after this approach, established by the founder and the subsequent emperor, it then gradually became a precedent for each succeeding Great Ming emperor, symbolizing a part of the emperor’s legitimacy, which thus became unalterable.

That’s why, even with the recent disturbance in Tiandu, these officials had no choice but to politely invite these major forces to observe the ceremony.

At this moment, Wang Qiong, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and Yang Tinghe, the Chief Minister, who were the key figures of this Great Morning Meeting, each appeared on the plaza with their own followers.

Upon seeing each other, they exchanged a nod, then without uttering a word, they each went to stand in their respective positions.

Following that, the first rays of morning light sprinkled down from the heavens and illuminated the land. The quiet Imperial City gradually stirred to life.

The slow opening of the sealed Palace City gate allowed a grand procession to walk out, comprised of the Brocade Guards wearing the Flying Fish Uniform and eunuchs in official clothing.

The Brocade Guards positioned themselves in various strategic locations, maintaining security along all routes. The eunuchs erected a screen at the front of the plaza.

Keen-eyed individuals clearly saw the Empress Dowager’s litter being carried out from the palace gate and placed behind the screen.

“Let the session begin!” A loud and clear voice resonated across the plaza.

“Long live the Empress Dowager!” All officials paid their respects.

Afterwards, the Empress Dowager’s voice echoed from behind the screen: “Our late emperor has ascended to the heavens, leavinz behind this vast land of the Great Mine. Thouzh I am merelv a woman, I understand well that the kingdom cannot be without a monarch for a single day. Originally, the late emperor instructed me to choose a worthy candidate from the royal family to be our monarch. However, I also clearly understand that the matter of choosing the next monarch should not be decided solely by me. Therefore, I have summoned you all here today to participate in the court debates and help me select a wise and enlightened ruler, who would inherit the mandate of heaven and protect our Great Ming civilians.”

“The Empress Dowager is wise.”

All officials paid their respects again, praising the Empress Dowager. Following a brief pause, the Empress Dowager contin ued: “Where is the Grand Minister of Rites?”

The Grand Minister of Rites stepped forward and said loudly, “Present!”

“Where is the Duke of Sagacity?”

“Present!”

“The two of you, one a senior member of the royal family, and the other a descendent of a sage. I entrust you both to preside over today’s matter.”

“I obey your command!” both responded in unison.

The two men bowed and accepted the order, before respectfully yielding to each other. The Grand Minister of Rites then began:

“In accordance with the late emperor’s will, we members of the cabinet have deliberated and determined that there are two candidates for succession. One is the late emperor’s cousin, King Xing. The other is the grandson of the Anshan King.”

He glanced at the gathered officials and said, “Whoever among you has an opinion, regardless of rank or office, feel free to speak freely, without restraint.”

Surprisingly, after these words were spoken, the officials present fell silent, and no one immediately spoke up.

After all, the Great Meeting held today was exceptionally peculiar. In essence, such a meeting was not supposed to be held today.

Selecting a new monarch was a matter that each official would like to use to gain favor. However, they also needed to grasp the situation clearly.

Normally, they should have been the ones to discuss this matter, express their support, and nominate representatives to further this cause.

But in the end, the final decision of who is to be the emperor should be made by those in power, not these low-ranking officials.

But today, the question of who should be emperor was laid out publicly and decided by a court debate, which was utterly unprecedented.

Such a situation naturally caused them to feel anxiety and trepidation.

For a time, no one dared to speak.

Normally, the matter of who becomes the new ruler would be discussed by the members of the royal family and several high-ranking ministers.

Yet, these individuals had been speaking in whispers and openly discussing the situation in private. They even wished they could officially decree the succession, which led to today’s events.

But now, at this moment, they appeared cautious and silent, hesitating to speak. Seeing the meeting turn cold, the Grand Minister of Rites was speechless and held a sense of disgust for these officials.

His gaze wandered over Chief Minister Yang Tinghe and Minister Wang Qiong. The implication was evident.

‘You all caused this situation. Now that things have gotten serious, why aren’t you speaking up?’

Wang Qiong naturally understood the Grand Minister of Rites’ meaning and hesitated no longer before stepping forward.

This action surprised many who witnessed it, causing their hearts to pound.

They knew that according to the normal proceedings, it was supposed to be the lower-ranking officials who first express their support, followed by those in high -ranking positions.

Yet, Wang Qiong, as a person of significant influence, rolled up his sleeves and took on the task directly. This left many in shock, even catching Yang Tinghe off guard.

Regardless, Wang Qiong paid these individuals no mind. He stepped forward and said in a clear voice, “The state needs a mature king, and King Xing, being a cousin to the late emperor, should logically be the successor, in accordance with the Great Ming dynasty’s tradition of succession by a deceased sovereign’s younger brother.”

Without any disguise or tactful phrasing, he declared his position promptly in support of King Xing, leaving everyone somewhat dumbfounded.

Since Wang Qiong had stepped forward, Yang Tinghe knew that he had no choice but to follow. After all, no one else had the qualifications to stand up to the opposition in the center of the stage.

Pei Xuanjing and Bai Xiaosheng stood on a viewing platform in the distance. This location was specifically arranged by Wang Qiong, the Minister of the Ministry of War. From here, they had a wide view of the plaza outside the Da Ming Gate.

“Who do you think will win?” Pei Xuanjing asked with a smile.

According to their estimations, Wang Qiong and Yang Tinghe were fairly evenly matched.

Both of them had strong forces backing them. It was very much like the intense debate that had happened in the royal court when the previous emperor wanted to establish the Martial Academy and send troops outside the border.

Whether they chose an older king or a young king, their choice would dictate their subsequent actions and involved many people’s lives and fortunes. Bai Xiaosheng shook his head and said, “I don’t Imow.”

Even for him, it was impossible to make an accurate prediction.

People’s minds were unpredictable, and no one knew how they would choose under these circumstances.

Sometimes, people have a herd mentality. If one side gained a significant advantage, others might feel compelled to switch allegiances..