Chapter 845: The Crown Prince

The Great Zhou World.

Once the capital of Dingzhou, now the imperial capital Jingyang City.

Crowds bustled through the streets, shops lined up one after another, and vendors’ cries rose and fell in succession, truly presenting a lively and bustling scene.

Since the former Ding King, Wu Zhi, ascended the throne and established the Wu Kingdom, changing the era name to “Ding Wu,” eight years have passed.

In the fifth year of Ding Wu, after years of recovery and rest, the south stabilized. Wu Zhi personally led a mighty army of 500,000 soldiers on a northern campaign, defeating King Ji Quan of the Northern Wu in a single battle. The thirty-six northern warlords successively surrendered, and thus the realm was unified, with all nineteen provinces of the former Great Zhou under control.

After stabilizing the realm, Wu Zhi changed the era name to “Kun Yuan,” accepted displaced people, and pacified the populace, bringing peace once again to the entire Central Plains.

An ancient classic records: “Kun represents the earth!”

Kun Yuan signifies the virtue of the earth sustaining all life, and stands opposite Qian, often symbolizing femininity.

Wu Zhi chose Kun Yuan as the era name, first to imply the virtue of yin ruling the court, indicating her divine mandate to govern, and second to establish the national policy of recovery and rest.

Indeed, by the third year of Kun Yuan, with the wars subsiding and the population growing, a prosperous age, flourishing like flowers on brocade and fire cooking oil, was already foreseeable.

Yet amidst such a bright prospect, undercurrents were gradually gathering.

…

Within Jingyang City, a vast mansion stood imposingly, with deep courtyards inside and patrolling armored soldiers outside, exuding an intimidating martial aura. The couplet on the door frame carried a strong imperial air.

On the main street in front, not only commoners but even officials cast respectful glances toward this place, some tinged with an odd sense of anticipation.

For this was the Crown Prince’s residence—the dwelling of Crown Prince Wu Ding of the Great Wu Dynasty.

The current Crown Prince had long since come of age, handsome in appearance, excelling in both literary and martial pursuits. His reputation among officials and the military was quite favorable, praised as possessing the bearing of a ruler. Even the unusual omens at his birth were repeatedly discussed in private with great interest.

“Yah! Yah!”

Suddenly, dozens of horsemen arrived outside the Crown Prince’s mansion. With a wave of the leading rider’s hand, the horses halted immediately, displaying strict discipline and prompt obedience. Though merely dozens in number, they seemed like a disciplined army.

“Hail to the Crown Prince!”

Seeing this, the armored guards outside the mansion immediately saluted the young knight at the forefront. The attendants and ceremonial officials at the gate had already stepped forward with smiling faces: “The Crown Prince is back!”

“Hmm!”

The young man on horseback had star-like eyebrows and sword-like eyes, pearl-like earlobes, red lips and white teeth, his face as flawless as carved jade. A faint purple aura surrounded him. He was none other than Wu Ming and Wu Zhi’s son, the current Crown Prince—Wu Ding.

“I snatched a half-day’s leisure from my busy life and made some minor gains!”

Wu Ding dismounted, casually tossing the reins to a stablehand who hurriedly stepped forward to take them.

“I hunted some hares and sparrows this time, unfortunately no fierce beasts, so I couldn’t fully enjoy the thrill of the hunt…”

Wu Ding smiled: “Take them to the kitchen and reward the entire household!”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

At once, everyone kowtowed again. Wu Ding paid no mind and entered the mansion. As the outsiders withdrew, several female officials approached with charming smiles to help him change out of his everyday attire into the Crown Prince’s formal robes, adorned with a pearl-studded crown. Instantly, he transformed from a dashing young cavalryman into a dignified and noble royal heir.

Soft, delicate hands brushed against him, the beauties before him all of peerless beauty, ripe for the picking. Yet suddenly, a trace of weariness flickered across Wu Ding’s face: “You may go now. I’ll head to my study. Although our family rose to power through martial prowess, we must not neglect scholarly pursuits. If Mother Emperor finds out I’ve missed my studies, she’ll surely scold me again…”

“Understood!”

These female officials had all been selected through nationwide beauty contests, hoping to seize an opportunity to rise. Hearing this, their eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment, but they dared not disobey. They bowed and withdrew.

Wu Ding arrived at his study, casually picking up a historical scroll. Soon, a soft voice sounded outside: “Your servant Zhang Hanlin and subordinate Lin Feichong request an audience with the Crown Prince!”

“Come in!”

These were Wu Ding’s trusted aides. He waved a hand, and the little eunuch attending him immediately went out, carefully closing the door behind him.

Creak!

The study’s structure was ingeniously designed with excellent soundproofing. Combined with the Crown Prince’s residence’s strong fortune and energy, even ordinary spirits or cultivators could not intrude, making it almost a separate world from the outside.

“You’ve arrived. Good. Recent events have truly unsettled my heart… To avoid drawing fire, I’ve had to feign indulgence in pleasure and revelry. Yet I still cannot extricate myself. What can I do?”

Before his confidants, Wu Ding finally dropped his guard, reclining on a chaise lounge, rubbing his temples with his right hand and sighing.

“Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but you are the Crown Prince, the very foundation of the nation. Now the Great Wu Dynasty is rising like the morning sun. As long as you uphold righteousness, what is there to fear?”

Zhang Hanlin said, bowing deeply.

During the Wu Dynasty’s imperial examination, a special session was held upon the consolidation of power, truly a gathering of talents and shining stars. Zhang Hanlin stood out among many scholars, achieving the rank of Bangyan (second place). Later, he was assigned to serve in the Crown Prince’s residence. Wu Ding had tested his abilities several times and found him not only exceptionally talented but also quick-witted, far from being a mere bookworm. Most importantly, he was fiercely loyal, eventually becoming one of Wu Ding’s most trusted advisors.

“Though your words ring true, the weight of the national title is as immovable as a mountain. How could it possibly be changed?”

Wu Ding murmured, his eyes clouding with concern.

Era names could be changed at will, but the national title concerned the foundation of the state. How could it be altered?

Yet just a few days ago, during the morning court session, an official had submitted a memorial requesting to change the national title to “Kun,” in accordance with the will of heaven and the people. The key issue was that the Emperor had remained ambiguous about this, causing many to speculate.

Even more crucially, changing the national title would inevitably accompany major events, possibly even shaking Wu Ding’s position as Crown Prince.

Wu Ding shook his head: “Since Mother Emperor hesitates, I cannot openly advise her… Compared to this, the unrest among the Four Barbarians is merely a minor issue!”

Now the Great Wu Dynasty had unified the Central Plains, recognized as the legitimate ruler of the world. However, signs of instability had emerged among the surrounding ethnic groups. Numerous local chieftains, tribal leaders, and foreign kings had risen, reportedly establishing their own systems with ambitions to covet the Central Plains’ treasures.

The Great Wu Dynasty was in a period of recovery and rest. Whether to launch another military campaign was a decision even Wu Zhi had not yet dared to make.

“These are mere trifles. How dare those foreign tribes dare to challenge our celestial dynasty?”

Lin Feichong, with his martial bearing, declared directly: “Just give me ten thousand troops, and I shall crush them in a morning meal, capturing their leaders and presenting them to Your Highness!”

“Ten thousand?!”

Wu Ding seemed slightly surprised.

“The value of troops lies in their quality, not their quantity, especially in the complex terrain and harsh climate of the western deserts and southern frontiers, where logistics pose a tremendous burden. Therefore, if the court wishes to quell the unrest, it does not need a large army, but must ensure sufficient conscription of laborers and achieve a swift resolution. Delay would lead to unimaginable consequences!”

Although Lin Feichong was somewhat arrogant, he indeed possessed the talent. As he explained his strategy, Wu Ding nodded repeatedly: “With you both, one literary and one martial, I can finally sleep a little better!”

He paused, then continued: “Actually, these are just minor concerns. What truly worries me is…”

Just as he was speaking, he suddenly seemed to remember something, stopped himself, and waved his hand: “You may go now!”

“Understood!”

Zhang Hanlin and Lin Feichong exchanged glances, bowed, and withdrew.

“Mother Emperor…”

Only after the study was completely empty did Wu Ding murmur softly, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

The greatest crisis facing the Great Wu Dynasty had never been from foreign enemies but from within the palace walls!

After all, a woman ruling the court left countless men in an unbearable predicament.

Although Wu Zhi had risen to power through military achievements, undefeated in a hundred battles, and her legitimacy to rule was unquestionable, she still could not overcome traditional prejudices.

Of course, those people lacked the courage to openly rebel. Those who could and did act had long been eliminated by Wu Zhi, with their entire clans implicated.

What they sought was to elevate Crown Prince Wu Ding.

Once Wu Zhi abdicated and the Crown Prince ascended the throne, everything would become lawful and reasonable.

Combined with internal conflicts within the Wu family and the instigation of some ambitious individuals, by the time Wu Ding realized what was happening, he found himself in an extremely awkward position.

First, as the Crown Prince of the dynasty, he naturally bore many expectations. Under numerous unspoken understandings, these expectations were further intensified, almost elevating him to the status of a living sage emperor.

“But in doing so… where does that leave Mother Emperor?”

Wu Ding shook his head.

Throughout history, being a Crown Prince has always been difficult, especially in relation to the emperor himself. In the Wu Dynasty, it was even more terrifying.

The key issue was whether Wu Zhi would willingly relinquish power, even if it were to her own son?

Others might not know, but Wu Ding himself was very aware. His mother, guided by his father, had cultivated martial arts to an astonishing level. Even now, she still appeared as youthful as a sixteen-year-old girl. Though perhaps not immortal, she could easily live for several hundred or even a thousand years without any problem.

Under such circumstances, even a mother and son relationship might breed suspicion, truly causing pain to loved ones and delight to enemies.

“Mother Emperor’s lifelong aspirations are first to bring peace to the world, and second, like my aunt, to break through once again and follow in Father’s footsteps… Unfortunately, those below do not understand this and instead fan the flames, truly deserving of punishment!”

Facing an emperor who was not only long-lived but also wielded immense power personally, the position of the Crown Prince was like a powder keg. Wu Ding lived each day on thin ice, experiencing the bitterness firsthand.

Especially with the growth of his younger brothers and sisters, this sense of crisis had become even more intense.

Wu Ding had studied history and naturally knew the fate of Crown Princes who incurred the emperor’s suspicion. To depose the eldest son and appoint a younger one was merely a matter of course.

Once that happened, his own fate as a deposed Crown Prince, along with the lives and futures of the entire Crown Prince’s household, would be gravely endangered.

“But who can help me in such a situation? My aunt? She has devoted herself entirely to cultivation and no longer concerns herself with worldly matters…”

Thinking of this, Wu Ding could not help but sigh deeply: “If only Father were still here!”

Since Wu Ming’s passing, he felt that Wu Zhi had changed completely.

Although still wise and mighty, she spent her days diligently practicing martial arts, pondering the path of the sixth level, and vying for supremacy over the world, leaving no time for familial warmth. It was inevitable that they grew distant.