Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Chapter 157: Crown Prince Selection

The Spring and Autumn Banquet began with one ceremony after another. Emperor Shengwu, dressed in gorgeous clothes, led everyone to the altar with a solemn expression, offering sacrifices to heaven and praying for blessings...

After tossing and turning for most of the day, Jiang Lige was almost numb from kneeling before he heard the ceremonial officer say, "The ceremony is over."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lige took the lead in helping Empress Dowager Jiang to stand up, and then Emperor Shengwu stood on the altar and began his closing speech.

At first, it was nothing more than some clichés about wishing for a good year with good weather and good harvests, so that the people could live a rich life and the country would be prosperous.

Then the topic changed and finally came to the part that everyone was most concerned about - the selection of the crown prince.

"The laws of nature operate according to their own laws. Over twenty years have passed since I ascended the throne, and I have worked tirelessly, not daring even the slightest slackness. This is why we have achieved this prosperous era. However, the vacancy of the Crown Prince has always been a source of worry for me, and my ministers have repeatedly submitted memorials to the emperor, discussing the appointment of a crown prince. The crown prince is a public institution for the entire nation and the legacy of the country. Today, I wish to enthrone a crown prince to assist me in governing the country, to create brilliance together, and to continue the prosperity of our royal family."

Emperor Shengwu's voice was powerful and resonant, causing an uproar below the altar. The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. For a moment, no one dared to speak. They all pricked up their ears, fearing that they would miss a single word.

Emperor Shengwu glanced at the people below him, noticing their reactions, but he did not point them out, and continued:

"The importance of our country and our people cannot tolerate the slightest negligence. Therefore, I wish to select capable individuals from the royal family to serve as the heir apparent. I will set up an examination, which will last for one month. The most outstanding candidate will be chosen as the heir and appointed Crown Prince."

"Your Majesty is wise." The ministers bowed their heads and shouted, holding their breath in wait.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to appoint these five as the Crown Princes. Ning Mingwu, Prince Ping; Ning Jingyan, the Crown Prince of Jing; Ning Yongyi, the second son of Prince Zhao; and Ning Wenyou, the Crown Prince of Ke..."

Emperor Shengwu paused when he read this. Four of the five candidates had been announced. According to this selection method, one would be chosen from the legitimate sons of each royal palace. The royal family members who had not yet been chosen also held their breath and looked at Emperor Shengwu with all their eyes fixed.

After all, if you can ascend to the highest position, who would want to be an idle prince?

Emperor Shengwu slowly closed the memorial in his hand and read out the last name. His voice was deep and melodious, echoing throughout the palace. This issue that concerned the entire nation was finally settled at this moment.

"And, Prince Zhao's son Ning Yunxiao."

Although everyone had their own thoughts, Emperor Shengwu had always been a serious person, and no one dared to question him to his face. At most, they would just whisper a few words in private.

On the altar, the five people who were chosen as the reserve crown princes had stood in order and solemnly knelt down to kowtow. Then they raised their hands above their heads, accepted the token of reserve crown prince bestowed by Emperor Shengwu, and responded in unison.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. We will do our best to help you and dedicate ourselves to Sheng Ling."

The five of them stood there together, and at a glance, Ning Yunxiao was the most outstanding in appearance, with a peerless appearance, standing out from the crowd.

The expressions of the people below the altar were different. Some looked happy, some looked pale, and some looked confused.

Only Jiang Lige was left. Her hands, hidden in her wide sleeves, clenched the handkerchief tightly, her expression solemn. An unknown feeling of irritation surged in her heart, making her almost unable to stand.

Could it be that Emperor Shengwu really doesn’t know Ning Yunxiao’s current physical condition?

How could he withstand such a test with his body like this? Wouldn't this be the end of Ning Yunxiao's life?

No one else knew the pain in Jiang Lige's heart. Several noble ladies who had always been at odds with Jiang Lige cast envious glances at her, and then gouged out her eyes.

"With Jiang Lige's character, if she didn't have a good family background, how could she have such a good thing?"

"That's not it!"

The male guests didn't pay attention to their appearance, but only discussed these candidates for the crown prince in a low voice, and complained:

"This Zhaowang Mansion has two candidates in one mansion. I don't know what kind of luck they have!"

While the ministers were discussing, the ceremony for preparing the crown prince to receive the rites had already ended on the altar. Emperor Shengwu waved his hand and someone carried up five screens with tasks written on them.

Before anyone could even read the words, Emperor Shengwu spoke. "The position of Crown Prince is crucial to the future of Shengling. As a ruler, you should prioritize peace and stability, not just empty talk. As we are currently experiencing flooding, I have selected the five most severely affected areas as your test questions. You five may choose your own locations."

As soon as Emperor Shengwu finished speaking, someone asked, "May I ask your Majesty, what are the final assessment criteria?"

"The amount of money spent, the time spent, the manpower deployed, and the effectiveness of flood control are all standards. After the Spring and Autumn Banquet, I will make the detailed standards public." Emperor Shengwu replied calmly, adding, "Of course, the selection of a crown prince is both a family affair and a state affair, so naturally, I cannot decide alone. I will also discuss this crown prince assessment with representatives of all officials and make the final decision on the candidate."

After Emperor Shengwu finished speaking, he read out the names of several officials, all of whom were old ministers of Sheng Ling who were famous for their loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. This made it impossible for everyone to find fault with him.

At this time, a candidate had already made his choice on the altar.

Ning Wenyou chose the assessment site closest to the capital. Seeing this, the others also rushed to take the initiative, but Ning Yunxiao, who was a step behind, only had one site left.

border town.

The five places chosen by Emperor Shengwu were far apart and distributed in different regions of Shengling, and each had its own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, some are close to the capital, which can shorten the travel time; some have well-developed land transportation, which is convenient for transportation; some are locally rich, which makes it convenient to allocate resources nearby.

The only remaining border town is located on the border of Shengling, Nanchu and Poxiao. It has been known as a "no man's land" since ancient times. The people have suffered from war for many years, and their temperament is naturally not very gentle. It is indeed a tough nut to crack.

Of the five candidates, four have already made their choices, and everyone watching the ceremony focused their eyes on Ning Yunxiao.

Everyone knows that flood control in border towns is difficult, and everyone wants to see if Ning Yunxiao has the courage to take on the challenge.

Ning Yunxiao also felt everyone's gazes. His handsome eyebrows and eyes were extremely cold, without any unnecessary expression. He just raised his foot and walked towards his fate.

Jiang Lige, who was watching the ceremony, called out "Prince" in surprise. Ning Yunxiao tilted his head slightly and smiled at her reassuringly, as if to say, "It's okay."

Seeing Ning Yunxiao like this, Jiang Lige guessed that this man must have made up his mind. It was useless for anyone to say anything, so he simply put his thoughts aside and continued reading with holding his breath.

The five candidates each chose a task, and Emperor Shengwu gave a few more instructions. The ceremony was over, and the palace banquet was next.

Ning Yunxiao came down from the altar and just called out "Princess" when he saw Jiang Lige glaring at him fiercely and walking quickly in front of him, holding up her skirt.

Well, that's angry.