bit bold and rash, but that's because he trusted the two of them."Miss Zong, please don't be upset. When I last discussed business with you, I found you to be intelligent and courageous, much more cle...Chapter 1169: How Much Longer Can I Protect Him

In the final step, she turned to look at Mu Shi.

"Mom."

Fang Jinshi let out a soft cry, and the Mu family couldn't help but straighten her back, as if with a subtle gesture telling her that she could speak freely about anything; she was trustworthy and worthy of being entrusted.

"Jinxiu, you tell me what's on your mind, mother will definitely help you get it done."

She nodded, "Mother, please help me and Ayu take care of this home. We may have to leave here soon."

Mu Shi was slightly taken aback. Leave here Where to

The words reached her lips, but she swallowed them back. No matter where they went, as long as her family was together, it would be fine.

Mu nodded, "Good, I'll take care of things at home. You and Ayu just go ahead and busy yourselves."

Fang Jinshi's words made everyone in the Zong family feel an unprecedented sense of tension, as if something big was about to happen.

However, their hunch was right.

A few days later, the news of the Emperor's demise reached the palace. The Xixia envoy vanished without a trace.

Their sudden disappearance undoubtedly escalated the already tense relations between the two countries, making war almost inevitable.

The Second Prince rushed back to take control of the situation. Together with the Empress, and with Yuan Buyu's help, they quickly brought the government under control.

On the third day after the emperor's death, Yuan Buyu took the lead in petitioning to install the second prince on the throne, claiming that the country could not be without a ruler for a single day.

Those who supported the Seventh Prince Fu Mingyi's faction fiercely opposed, and both sides remained deadlocked, day after day, in a stalemate at court.

A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Establishing a new emperor as soon as possible can stabilize the government and quickly appease the people's hearts. Once the Xixia delegation returns to Xixia, the day of war between the two countries will not be far off.

But Dah Hee was not yet prepared to face the war. A new king needed to make a decision.

His name rarely appeared at court. Right now, the people suffering in the capital city were being looked after and helped by the Duke of Wuding's mansion.

Provide shelter for children who have lost their families and have no place to go.

Jinxiu also opened a clinic at home, providing free medical treatment to the people.

But all of this, these officials in the court who claim to be righteous and ethical, dedicated to the country and the people, turned a blind eye and never mentioned it once.

Fu Ming did mention it.

He did have a heart for the common people. Several times he almost couldn't hold back his emotions and wanted to give up the throne. If his second brother could, after taking the throne, first settle the displaced people properly, he could temporarily step down.

The Emperor's death came too suddenly, and the eunuchs couldn't find the imperial decree he had written beforehand, which caused the current chaos.

Ministers who supported Fu Ming saw his intentions and quickly pulled him back.

"Your Highness should think carefully. Once you yield now, do you think the Second Prince would spare your life"

"And those courtiers who support Your Highness will also lose their heads along with you."

"Even if you don't care about all of this, what about Your Majesty's life Don't you care about that either"

Fu Ming instantly froze, his hands clenching into fists. In the end, he took a step back, abandoning the thought of leaving.

Yes, he could die for the people, but he couldn't bear to watch his mother die.

"Seventh Prince, we've finally made it to this day. You're only one step away from that position. It would be unwise to give up now."

"With Second Highness's character, do you think he will treat the people well after he ascends to the throne"

"Those who aspire to great things must always make sacrifices. Now, the death of some people is unavoidable. When you ascend the throne in the future, you can do something substantial for the people."

"The people will understand you."

Fu Ming loosened his fist and nodded slightly, as if persuaded.

He looked around, "Where's King Jing He hasn't appeared in a few days, has he"

"In this situation, whether the King of Jing comes or not doesn't really make a difference."

But Fu Ming frowned, always feeling something was amiss.

The emperor's abdication edict vanished into thin air. It was like a ticking time bomb hanging over my head and my second brother's. In fact, I suspect the edict named my second brother as the successor.

After all, he is the Queen's son.

After several days of heated debate, it remained unclear which prince would inherit the throne and ascend to become emperor. However, the administration in various regions of Daxi continued smoothly despite the delay in reaching a decision.

On the contrary, various memorials came to the capital city like snowflakes, even more numerous than during the reign of the previous emperor.

Fu Ming couldn't be like his second older brother, who only had the throne in his eyes. He had some more urgent memorials delivered to him for handling. Even when the previous emperor was alive, he had already been helping with government affairs and memorials, so this wasn't out of line.

But Yuan Buyu and the second prince were at this time in the court, frequently visiting the residences of various neutral officials, offering gifts, making threats, using any means possible to secure a position.

Some people couldn't stand the pressure and were forced to agree to stand on the side of the second prince. Fu Yunxuan came to the last place, which was Jing Wangfu.

He originally didn't want to come. As a prince, Jing Huan was like an ornament in the palace—looking noble but utterly useless. He had no real power or influence, and nothing that could benefit him personally.

His ascension to the throne doesn't depend on Prince Jing at all.

But Yuan Xiang insisted on having him come, saying that the support of the ministers alone was not enough. He wanted to seize the throne by stepping on his seventh brother, and he needed the support of King Jing because he was the only prince in the royal family who possessed both qualifications and a strong presence.

Even the Empress Dowager valued her opinion. If Prince Jing supported him, he would essentially have gained the support of the Empress Dowager as well. Some conservative officials in court would also soften their stance, so Prince Jing's support was especially important.

Fu Yunxuan had no choice but to come. When he saw Fu Shangyuan, he unexpectedly smiled at this usually disdained uncle.

"Your Highness the Prince of Jing, you haven't been to court these past few days. Are you unwell"

"YunXuan brought some herbs for you to supplement your health. Please take care of yourself."

Fu Shangyuan curled the corners of his mouth into a smirk, not giving Fu Yunxuan any face at all. Before even sitting down, he started to mock him.

"Second Prince, you're truly a rare visitor. I rarely hear you call me Uncle Emperor. It’s quite an honor."

Fu Yunxuan's face was about to sink, but for the sake of the grand scheme, he finally held back.

"Uncle Emperor is joking. YunXuan has always been very respectful to Uncle Emperor."

"Cut the formalities. They don't suit you. Just say it, what brings you to my manor"

Fu Yunxuan stated his request, and Fu Shangyuan let out a snort of laughter after hearing it.

"What did you say You want my support"

"I have no real power in my hands. What use is the support of a idle prince"

"Rest assured, Uncle Emperor will remain neutral in your and Xiaoqi's dispute for the throne. No matter who of you becomes emperor in the future, Uncle Emperor will support him!"

Fu Yunxuan almost choked on his anger. His uncle was simply incorrigible, clueless about what was proper.

Given the current situation, it was only a matter of time before he took that position. Fu Ming's foundation is too shallow; how could he possibly compete with him

This old thing, Fu Shangyuan, once he ascends to the throne, the first thing I'll do is get rid of him. My grandmother is old, how long can she protect him for outside this palace, and its location is quite remote.The gate's paint had long since peeled away, and the palace walls were overgrown with untended weeds of unknown species.Come in, Mother is inside...