The Child Emperor

The six palace maids retreated to one side, holding twelve imperial seals of varying shapes and slightly different colors. They resembled twelve miniature ancestral tablets of previous emperors, coldly supervising everything, waiting to see what new tricks the Han descendants would devise.

The fate seer Huangfu Yi, who claimed to have once used the name Chunyu Xiao, stood in the middle of the room. Others, whether consciously or unconsciously, formed a circle around him to listen to his words.

Huangfu Yi slowly turned in place to demonstrate his impartiality.

He said: “Having imperial heirs compete for the throne with ministers selecting the new emperor sounds quite unusual and unprecedented. However, please allow me to explain: In ancient times, the world was shared by all. During the times of Yao, Shun, and Yu, the throne was abdicated to the worthiest successor. While it appeared that the previous emperor designated the next, the true decision-makers were the ministers. Danzu, Yao’s eldest son, failed to gain the ministers’ support and lost the throne. Shun worked tirelessly for the people throughout his life, always accepting the ministers’ supervision…”

Huangfu Yi spoke at length. Han Ruzi glanced at Yang Feng – it was under this eunuch’s guidance that he had carefully studied the ancient historical records, which largely aligned with the fate seer’s words. However, while the histories attributed the abdications to the emperors’ noble character, under Huangfu Yi’s analysis, the ministers were the true power brokers – abdication only worked with their support.

Han Ruzi was shocked, even somewhat frightened, by how accurately Yang Feng understood the fate seer.

“However,” Huangfu Yi changed his tone, “abdication is an ancient practice long lost. For thousands of years since, the throne has passed from father to son, becoming an established norm. In the hundred-plus years since Great Chu’s founding, imperial succession remained unbroken. But since the Martial Emperor’s passing, the succession became chaotic, leaving officials and the people at a loss, with turmoil spreading across the realm, endangering Great Chu. I have some knowledge of the cosmic order, and fortunately received an audience with Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. Observing the heavenly signs and earthly patterns, I believe there is a reason for this chaos…”

Huangfu Yi’s subsequent words were more obscure, filled with strange terms flowing endlessly. His main point was that the rules of succession needed changing – not completely, as the Chu empire was universally recognized as belonging to the Han imperial clan, so the emperor must still come from the imperial clan, but not necessarily through father-to-son succession. They could somewhat “return to antiquity” by having ministers select the emperor.

Thus, through Huangfu Yi’s explanation, the matter of imperial heirs competing for the throne with ministers selecting the emperor transformed from an innovation into a revival of ancient practices.

Everyone listened attentively, including Han Ruzi – not because they were convinced, but because they wanted to understand the fate seer’s true intentions through his words.

Huangfu Yi revealed no flaws in his argument, attributing all credit and ideas to the Empress Dowager and the gravely ill Emperor, with the fate seer merely offering some suggestions.

Finally, he came to the key point: “There are many imperial clan members, and not all can compete for the throne. The Bureau of Imperial Clan Affairs should normally make the selection, but as this is the first time, they lack experience and dare not take charge. Thus, Han clan descendants must nominate themselves, which is why the four of you are here.”

Huangfu Yi continued turning in place, nodding to each of the four contenders in turn.

“Today is not the start of the competition, but rather a communication and explanation session. I believe all four princes have already received recommendations from first-rank ministers, but some proof is still needed. It’s simple – within ten days, please obtain the official seals of first-rank ministers and bring them to the Hall of Diligent Administration. Let the ministers examine them, and after confirmation, the seals will be returned. Nothing else, not a single document, is required.”

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Prince Donghai couldn’t help but speak up: “Rather than requesting official seals, why not have the ministers come to the Capital in person? Parting with one’s seal is a serious crime.”

Prince Donghai glanced at Han Ruzi, not pointing out that he was an expert at stealing seals.

Huangfu Yi smiled and said: “No matter. The four of you may personally bring the seals to the Hall of Diligent Administration. After verification, you can take them back immediately – they won’t remain in others’ hands. For this imperial selection, the palace hasn’t approved any memorials for over two months, so there’s absolutely no reason to suddenly enforce this rule.”

Prince Donghai still felt uneasy and asked further: “For example… the Grand Tutor – I only need his seal as Grand Tutor, not the seals of his other positions?”

“Correct,” Huangfu Yi replied.

There were only five Rank One ministers, with the Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Guardian holding the Three Excellencies positions – the highest ranks but without real power, mere honorary titles with seals but no departments. They couldn’t command anyone in court unless they held concurrent positions. For Cui Hong, the Grand Tutor seal wasn’t important – what really mattered was his seal as the Southern Army’s Grand Marshal.

When Huangfu Yi stated only the Grand Tutor seal was needed, Prince Donghai was somewhat satisfied and less suspicious. Although his true plan was to “rebel” with the imperial clan members, he couldn’t be careless about the imperial selection.

“Next, you’ll have half a year to gain the ministers’ support.”

“Half a year? That long?” The Champion Marquis questioned. Having already secured substantial support, he wanted the results announced immediately and didn’t want to wait.

“For the sake of fairness,” Huangfu Yi answered, his expression becoming slightly serious. “This is Great Chu’s first time selecting an emperor through ministers. It must be flawless, leaving no room for criticism from anyone.”

“I have no objections. Even a year would be fine,” the Champion Marquis shrugged, unable to imagine anything that could change the ministers’ minds within half a year. ŗ

“What if something unexpected happens within that half year?” Han Ruzi asked.

Everyone understood his meaning – there was only one unexpected event that could affect the selection. Huangfu Yi’s expression grew more serious: “If His Majesty should pass away, the Empress Dowager will temporarily handle state affairs as before. If the Empress Dowager should also pass, then the ministers in the Hall of Diligent Administration will govern. Once a new emperor is selected, power will be immediately returned.”

The young Prince Ying probably didn’t understand what these people were discussing. Growing tired from standing so long, he tugged at fate seer Yuan Zifan’s clothes. Yuan Zifan smiled back, gesturing for him to wait a bit longer.

Han Ruzi, Prince Donghai, and the Champion Marquis exchanged glances. At this moment, they were all Han clan descendants standing on the same side, hearing the danger in these rules. The Great Chu court could potentially be completely controlled by ministers for a period. Imperial power was already weakened, and after this, it would likely be even harder to reclaim. Even the Champion Marquis wanted to hold absolute power after becoming emperor and completely abolish this competition and selection system.

“In ancient times, ministers have briefly governed by council. After returning power, it led to a renaissance,” Huangfu Yi again used the “return to antiquity” approach, then smiled and said: “Besides, this situation won’t arise – the Empress Dowager is in good health, you needn’t worry.”

The Martial Emperor’s three grandsons fell silent, waiting for Huangfu Yi to continue explaining the rules. The previously quiet Prince Ying spoke up in his childish voice, showing some impatience and speaking rather forcefully: “What if after half a year I’m chosen by the ministers, but the current emperor is still alive? What then?”

Han Ruzi and the others looked at this “young uncle,” suspecting Yuan Zifan had coached him to ask this question.

This was indeed an issue – although the emperor was gravely ill, there was still a possibility of recovery. It would be very awkward if a new emperor was selected while the current emperor still lived.

Huangfu Yi smiled and said: “The Empress Dowager has considered this situation. If His Majesty fortunately recovers, he will naturally continue as emperor. As for the selected person, they will be established as heir apparent, equivalent to a crown prince.”

“Even if the current emperor has descendants…” the Champion Marquis was most concerned about this.

“The heir apparent cannot be changed. This competition and selection is not a temporary measure, but will become law for ten thousand generations,” Huangfu Yi said.

None of the four princes wanted this to become “law for ten thousand generations,” but before the fate seer, no one dared raise objections.

Huangfu Yi continued: “Great Chu has many court officials, and not all can participate in selecting the emperor. A range must be set. The Empress Dowager believes that too many people would be counterproductive. Only officials of the Rank Five and above may have this right. Honorary officials without duties lack understanding of court affairs – regardless of their rank, they cannot participate in selecting the emperor. Only those holding seals of substantive positions may participate in this great matter.”

“That doesn’t leave many people,” Prince Donghai said.

“Three hundred and seventy-six people, slightly more than the days in a year. When you bring the official seals to the Hall of Diligent Administration, you will receive a list.”

“Indeed, honorary officials shouldn’t have the right to select the emperor,” the Champion Marquis said seriously. Like previous dynasties, Great Chu’s honorary officials had accumulated over time, far exceeding the number of seal-holding officials, with the vast majority coming from the imperial clan and noble families.

Prince Donghai and Han Ruzi nodded in agreement. This rule favored them, as it would make imperial clan members more likely to support them rather than the Champion Marquis.

Huangfu Yi mentioned some other minor rules, finally saying: “Before the selected emperor ascends the throne, three pardons must be written. The first pardons the competitors, making them princes and allowing them to return to their domains with rewards. The second pardons the ministers. The third grants amnesty to the people.”

Granting amnesty to the people was customary for new emperors. The first two pardons ensured the safety of all parties in the selection. Everyone agreed, while the young Prince Ying began yawning, leaning against Yuan Zifan’s leg with a sleepy expression.

“We’re almost finished,” Huangfu Yi smiled at Prince Ying. “Just establishing rules isn’t enough – we need law enforcers to supervise them. Please welcome Captain of the Palace Guard, Shang-guan Sheng.”

The door opened, and Commander Shang-guan Sheng stepped in.

Han Ruzi remembered this man. Shang-guan Sheng had once argued with ministers in his presence – an emotionally charged, bold young man. Now he wore a wooden expression, standing at the door, his gaze sweeping across everyone’s faces as he said: “The eight Palace Guard battalions will supervise the selection. I needn’t say much – you should understand that while seeking ministers’ support, you may say what you wish, but absolutely no violence. Anyone verified to have used violence will be dealt with under military law.”

“What if I’m framed?” Prince Donghai asked.

Shang-guan Sheng coldly replied: “Prince Donghai, please believe that we will thoroughly investigate to reveal the truth, never wrongfully accusing anyone.”

“With your guarantee, I’ll believe it then.”

Shang-guan Sheng continued: “Also, from today until the selection is complete, no one in this room may leave the city even half a step. Otherwise, they’ll be treated as deserters under military law.”

“Hehe, I wouldn’t leave even if you drove me away,” Prince Donghai pointed at the six palace maids by the wall. “Do they count too?”

Shang-guan Sheng’s face reddened slightly. “They don’t… besides, they’re palace maids – they can’t even leave the palace, let alone the city.”

Shang-guan Sheng sternly surveyed everyone again, and seeing no one speak up, he left the room.

“For convenience of communication, this room will be dedicated to this purpose,” Huangfu Yi pointed at the floor. “You will all receive credentials. As long as the palace gates aren’t closed, you can come here anytime to find me, or leave messages. I will relay them to the Empress Dowager without changing a single word.”

Huangfu Yi stepped back, facing the four princes and imperial grandsons, and bowed: “The new emperor of Great Chu will certainly emerge from among you.”

Han Ruzi looked around, wondering exactly who was included in the phrase “among you.”

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