Chapter 373: Are They Even Worthy of Competing for the Throne?

Prince Jingzhou adjusted his sleeves, walked slowly to the center of the great hall, bowed to the noble imperial consort on the high seat, and then looked around at the assembled princes.

“You’ve all been arguing for days. Have any of you considered why the late Emperor and the Champion Marquis’s family suddenly perished in an explosion?”

The Jinluan Hall fell silent instantly.

Several vassal kings glanced at each other, even King Liangzhou temporarily masked his anger.

“This…” King Liangzhou hesitated, “Hasn’t the Ministry of Justice already determined it was caused by thunder and fire…?”

“Thunder and fire?” Prince Jingzhou’s lips curled in a mocking smile, “The Champion Marquis’s residence and Weiyang Palace both struck by thunder and fire? Did it rain on both days? What in the world is such a coincidence?”

He swept his gaze over the assembly, “In my opinion, the throne is no gift of glory but a death warrant. I’ve had enough of strolling the Capital City these days. You all take your time; I shall return to Jingzhou first.”

Having said this, he turned to the noble imperial consort and bowed deeply, “Sister-in-law, I have no intention of getting involved in this struggle for the throne. No matter which brother ascends, I am willing to serve. Today, I’m here to take my leave and hope sister-in-law will allow me to take Mother Hua out of the palace to care for her.”

This statement caused a commotion in the hall.

King Liangzhou was the first to react, laughing heartily, “Good! Seventh brother truly knows the greater good! Don’t worry, once I’m on the throne, I will certainly ensure your Jingzhou lands remain unscathed!”

King of Xu State also showed a rare smile, “Seventh brother’s disdain for fame and fortune is admirable. Should I ascend, I will never forget today’s sentiments.”

The other vassal kings also expressed their agreement, as if Prince Jingzhou’s withdrawal had halved the burden upon their shoulders.

“Sister-in-law.” King Liangzhou offered a bow to the noble consort, “Please understand the long years of separation between seventh brother and his mother. I urge you to grant his request!”

King Liangzhou pleaded on behalf of Prince Jingzhou, eager for him to depart and leave the contention. The other vassal kings naturally shared this sentiment and chimed in.

Prince Jingzhou’s mother was merely of palace maid origins, so seeing the unified opinions of the vassal kings, the noble consort remained silent for a moment and nodded in agreement.

“Since that’s the case, Mrs Hua is getting older, and taking her out of the palace to rest would be good. I agree.”

Prince Jingzhou saluted once more, “I thank sister-in-law for her grace.”

As he turned, he gave the vassal kings a meaningful look, “I shall await news of the new monarch from Jingzhou. However…”

He paused, then bowed to them again, “I trust you will remember today’s words; whoever ascends must treat his brothers well.”

King Liangzhou waved impatiently, “Naturally! Seventh brother, why worry? Go quickly, Mrs Hua must be yearning for you.”

Prince Jingzhou smiled slightly and strode out of the Jinluan Hall.

As the hall doors opened and closed, a breeze swept in, rustling the robes of the vassal kings.

Soon, they were back in heated argument, their voices carrying far through the heavy palace doors.

Walking along the palace pathway, Prince Jingzhou listened to the faint sounds of quarrelling behind him and shook his head.

His personal guard leaned in and asked quietly, “Such a golden opportunity, Your Highness, are you really giving it up?”

“Give up?” Prince Jingzhou chuckled lightly, looked back to ensure no one was around, and then said softly, “If we don’t have the diamond skills, we shouldn’t undertake porcelain work. Have you seen wild dogs fighting over food? Often, the one who gets the bone isn’t the one that barks the loudest.”

He looked up at the slightly overcast sky, “Wait, this play has just begun. The explosion at Weiyang Palace… isn’t that simple.”

“Oh!” The guard nodded, half-comprehending.

Prince Jingzhou patted his shoulder, “Come, let’s go fetch Mother. This Capital City… is no place to stay.”

He understood more than anyone the bloody and brutal nature of the battle for the throne.

Long before Emperor Jing ascended, those turbulent days had taught him the most profound lesson.

His mother, Mrs Hua, was merely a humble palace maid, with no prestigious family background and no court power to rely on.

He had long seen through this power game, choosing to stand on the sidelines while the other princes fought fiercely over succession.

It was precisely this clarity of situational awareness that not only allowed him to live to the present but also earn the title of a vassal king.

Though Emperor Jing was suspicious, he managed to enjoy a peaceful life despite walking on thin ice every day.

He still remembered those brothers who couldn’t see the situation clearly and overestimated their capabilities in the fight for succession—

The Fourth Prince who “accidentally” fell off his horse during a hunt, the Fifth Prince who suddenly died of “illness,” the Eighth Prince’s residence mysteriously caught fire at night.

Now, the wild grass on their graves was probably so tall.

And these brothers who earned the vassal king title, either had strong maternal families or were born of the same mother as Emperor Jing.