Volume One, Chapter 11: How Dare You

Of course, the Emperor of Chu probably never considered granting Su Yuan the title of prince, nor did he imagine that this son of his had the ability to claim first place in both the literary and martial competitions.

As for the crown prince position, the emperor favored Su Ming and had mentioned several times before ministers like Luo Changfeng that he wished to appoint Su Ming as heir. However, Luo Changfeng and others always blocked him, insisting on the principle of appointing the legitimate heir rather than the eldest son.

This was also why the emperor had conveniently decided to depose Su Yuan. He believed that once Su Yuan was removed, he could wait a little longer and then elevate Su Ming as crown prince.

Yet unexpectedly, before he could carry out this plan, Su Yuan suddenly reemerged.

“Your Majesty, this cannot be... The second prince is the legitimate son and the only choice for crown prince. How can you grant him a princely title? Are you intending to appoint another heir? If you insist, it will surely plunge the realm into chaos and destabilize the nation!” Luo Changfeng hurriedly advised. Regardless of whether Su Yuan could clinch both first places, this matter was detrimental to Su Yuan’s cause.

“Please, Your Majesty, reconsider!” the other ministers quickly echoed.

Seeing this scene, Su Ming glared at the assembled ministers, his eyes filled with deep resentment. His gaze toward Su Yuan was murderous.

“You all... insolent... I...” The emperor trembled with anger and opened his mouth to retort.

Su Yuan’s expression shifted slightly as he observed the scene. Luo Changfeng and the others meant well.

Yet, if they pressed the emperor too hard at this moment, they risked pushing him into a desperate corner where he might act recklessly and abandon all restraint.

Stepping forward, Su Yuan spoke loudly and clearly:

“Very well... since Your Majesty has made this promise, I shall accept it. If I secure first place in both the literary and martial contests, Your Majesty shall grant me the title of prince! Will Your Majesty issue an imperial edict to that effect?”

Su Yuan had never truly hoped to be named crown prince. In his previous life, how many princes appointed early as heirs actually ascended the throne?

The position of crown prince was always perilous.

As long as Su Ming was alive and Consort Lu still lived, becoming crown prince would only hasten his death. It was better to be granted a princely title.

With his own fief, was he afraid he couldn’t command an army or seize the throne?

When the time came, he wouldn’t be the one inheriting the throne from the emperor; instead, he would be the one requesting the emperor to abdicate.

The emperor looked coldly at Su Yuan and frowned.

He had only spoken casually, but unexpectedly Su Yuan had taken the bait and forced him to the edge of a cliff.

He regretted it but also felt reluctant.

However, thinking that Su Yuan couldn’t possibly win both first places, he felt relieved.

Moreover, if Su Yuan were truly granted a princely title, he couldn’t compete with his elder brother for the crown prince position, so the emperor felt reassured and made up his mind.

Afraid that Luo Changfeng and the others would cause trouble again, the emperor quickly said:

“I am the Son of Heaven, the supreme ruler. When I give my word, I do not go back on it... Bring the edict! If Su Yuan truly wins first place in both the literary and martial contests, I shall grant him the title of... Prince Su!”

As the emperor’s words fell, the eunuchs hurriedly took the edict and began writing it down. When finished, the emperor took out the imperial seal and stamped it.

Holding the edict, the emperor coldly looked at Su Yuan and said faintly, “If you fail to win first place in both contests, do not mention restoring your status as prince again!”

Then he threw the edict to Su Yuan, a trace of disgust flashing in his eyes.

Since the edict stipulated that Su Yuan’s princely title would only take effect if he won both first places, the emperor was not afraid Su Yuan would use it to cause trouble.

Su Yuan picked up the edict and glanced over it. Seeing no issues, he looked up at the emperor expressionlessly and respectfully said, “Your son thanks his father... If I fail to achieve both first places, I shall have no face to remain a prince and will not trouble you further!”

A dry laugh rose in his heart. Prince Su, huh?

“Solemn” — was the emperor telling him to be respectful? To be strict and austere? Even in granting a title, he was being pointedly reminded! It was utterly ridiculous and deeply tragic.

Luo Changfeng and the other ministers watched the scene with helpless expressions.

This time, the second prince was probably finished. Regardless of whether he could win both first places, he was destined to be excluded from the crown prince position.

No matter success or failure, his situation would be dire—perhaps even fatal.

But they were just ministers. If the emperor showed favor, their words carried weight; if not, they were nothing and might even bring disaster upon themselves.

Now that the emperor was resolute in appointing Su Ming, what could they do? Before, with Su Yuan still around, they could use the principle of legitimate succession to resist.

But precisely because of this, Su Yuan was deposed.

Now Su Yuan found it difficult even to reclaim his status as prince and faced the danger of being expelled from the royal family.

The emperor no longer bothered to hide his intentions and was ready to confront matters head-on.

If the emperor still had some conscience—tiger does not eat its cub—he might have even killed Su Yuan himself.

The cruelty of imperial families was most vividly embodied in Su Yuan’s plight.

Su Yuan picked up the timid little girl, who clung to his neck with fear. Her small body trembled.

She had been frightened by the recent turmoil and had grown wary from being bullied.

Seeing her father and the emperor at odds, she was scared and reminded of unpleasant memories.

Yet she still held her father tightly, afraid he might be harmed.

Her eyes toward the emperor were filled with both fear and anger.

“Mengmeng, it’s alright now...” Su Yuan comforted his daughter as he approached Luo Changfeng and the other senior ministers.

Luo Changfeng looked at him, opening his mouth, while the Left Chancellor Gan Yunshen and He Yuanshen beside him also wore complex expressions.

“Second Prince, please forgive this old servant’s incompetence...” Luo Changfeng said regretfully.

Su Yuan smiled and respectfully replied, “Thank you, Grand Tutor, for your kindness. I apologize for troubling you all with my affairs. I shall handle this matter myself!”

He then looked toward the literary contest grounds, his tone suddenly turning cold.

“Now, let me go and claim those two first places!”

His words stunned everyone present. For a moment, they were all taken aback.

Everyone was shocked by the overwhelming and dominant aura radiating from Su Yuan, but soon most wore looks of mockery and disdain, derision plain on their faces.

Their first reaction was that Su Yuan was overestimating himself and speaking shamelessly.

A deposed prince of mediocre talent wanted to claim first place in both the literary and martial contests—who did he think he was?

Although he had temporarily secured first place in the literary contest, the final challenge had yet to come.

Some even believed that Su Yuan’s initial success was due to prior preparation and that he would be exposed in the true test.

“Your Highness... you...” Luo Changfeng looked at Su Yuan anxiously.

It was not that he did not believe Su Yuan, but winning both first places was extraordinarily difficult.

“Grand Tutor, believe in His Highness. He... has the strength!” He Yuanshen spoke up.

Though he harbored some doubts about Su Yuan, after seeing another of Su Yuan’s exquisite five-character quatrains, his confidence in Su Yuan grew a little.