Chapter 836
The Strongest in the Third Tier
Taiji Hall.
In front of the square.
The civil and military officials stood in rows on the left and right, all solemn and respectful.
Even though Jiang Ning and Su Qingying arrived unexpectedly, the officials only glanced at them a few more times before turning their attention away and not going forward to exchange pleasantries.
Everyone could sense that something big was going to happen at this court assembly.
Since Emperor Changning ascended the throne, he has never been so diligent in his duties, nor has he ever convened a court meeting with civil and military officials at this time.
Moreover, countless rumors have been circulating in the capital these days, and anyone can feel the undercurrents beneath the calm surface.
At this moment, Jiang Ning was ranked more than tenth in the military officer ranks.
Those in front of him were all high-ranking officials of the imperial court or princes of the Great Xia Dynasty.
The total number of people easily exceeds the number of two hands.
Among the civil officials, Su Qingying stood gracefully at the head of the line, unmoved by external things.
Time passed, and the vast Taiji Hall square remained silent.
The hour of Yin (3:15 AM).
Boom—
The heavy palace doors trembled and slowly opened.
As the palace gates opened, light shone through the cracks, revealing a corner of a brightly lit scene.
next moment.
The two golden-armored guards on the left and right opened the palace gates by pushing their bodies apart.
Rumbling--
With the resounding sound of the palace gates opening, the magnificent Taiji Hall, illuminated by the lights, slowly revealed itself before the civil and military officials.
Through the gate, Jiang Ning saw Emperor Changning sitting on the dragon throne.
I saw Ji Mingyue accompanying Emperor Changning.
A middle-aged man, about forty years old and eight feet tall, with a square face, was seen standing in front of Emperor Changning.
He wore a purple-gold dragon robe, which accentuated his tall and imposing figure.
"He's a king who stands shoulder to shoulder with everyone!!"
"It's Ji Xuan!!"
"He actually came out of seclusion!!"
"He actually came to the court assembly today!"
"..."
A faint commotion immediately arose among the civil and military officials.
Under the gaze of a group of civil and military officials, Ji Xuan, standing on the ninth-tier platform of the Taiji Hall, remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the officials outside the hall without any ripples.
Jiang Ning was among them, and he also felt that deep, unfathomable gaze sweep over him.
But that gaze never lingered on him, only pausing slightly when it swept over Su Qingying.
"Please, all officials, enter the hall!" A majestic voice echoed from within the Taiji Hall as the doors were fully opened.
The voice came from Emperor Changning.
His breathing was calm and even, and one could not tell from his voice that Emperor Changning was terminally ill and that the curse technique had penetrated deep into his marrow and soul.
"Please, all civil and military officials, enter the hall!" As Emperor Changning's voice fell, a loud voice rang out in the hall.
That was the loud shout of dozens of imperial guards in unison.
The voice was loud and clear, instantly echoing throughout the Taiji Hall Square.
As the voice fell, the officials, arranged in six rows on the left and right, moved in unison.
On the civil official's side, among the three leaders, there was Su Qingying and Li Xiang.
On the military officer's side, the three at the head were General Shen Xiao, the King of Beicang, and the King of Shenwei.
As the procession moved, Jiang Ning also took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over the heads of the people in front of him. He met Ji Mingyue's eyes, and then glanced at Emperor Changning.
At this moment, Emperor Changning's face was deathly pale, lacking any rosy glow, but it was much better than when he had seen him that morning.
At least outwardly, Emperor Changning appeared to be merely unwell, not as terminally ill as he had been that morning.
Then, his gaze fell on Princess Xuan, who stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
But Ji Xuan seemed unmoved by his gaze and did not respond in the slightest.
now.
Standing on the high platform, Ji Xuan's gaze swept over the civil and military officials who stepped across the threshold of the Taiji Hall.
He stared intently at the King of Northern Cang.
He knew that his emergence from seclusion was due to the sudden arrival of the Northern King in the capital from the north.
Furthermore, according to the words of the King of Beicang, the King of Beicang came to the capital after consulting with the King of Zhenbei.
The safety of the northern gate rests entirely in the hands of the King of Beicang and the King of Zhenbei.
Over the years, with these two top-tier kings in the north, who have long since entered the ranks of the strongest, there have been disturbances, but never any major chaos.
It can be said that with these two top-tier kings in charge, the north will not be in chaos.
These two are the pillars of stability in the northern part of the Great Xia Dynasty.
However, if these two individuals encounter problems, the two northern states of the Great Xia will inevitably descend into chaos.
He also understood that his nephew, Emperor Changning, had summoned him out of the pass in a hurry because the King of Beicang had too much influence.
But looking at the Northern Cang King at this moment, he also felt a headache.
Not to mention that the King of Beicang has not yet shown any disloyalty.
Even if it's exposed, it's not easy to deal with.
The Northern King is a martial arts master who has dominated the north for many years and a veteran expert who has been in the Unity Realm for many years.
Looking across the world, he is the strongest in the third tier.
The first tier belongs to the Martial Saint who suppressed the world for over eight hundred years, bringing over eight hundred years of peace and prosperity to the world, and is undoubtedly the number one martial artist.
The second tier consists of the abbot of Qingxu Temple, the abbot of Jingang Temple, Huangtian Daoren, and others like him.
The third tier consists of figures like the Northern Cang King. These are veteran powerhouses who have held the title of Supreme Power for many years and possess incredibly deep foundations.
In his time, only people in this tier could catch his eye.
Below the third tier, none could catch his eye.
It is an existence that does not flow.
After a while.
All the civil and military officials stepped over the threshold and entered the Taiji Hall.
Then all the civil and military officials stood solemnly in their respective positions.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Li Xiang, the chief civil official, bowed slightly to Emperor Changning, who sat on the dragon throne atop the nine-tiered steps.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Sage!!"
"..." All the civil and military officials bowed in greeting.
Among the military officers, Jiang Ning also showed his respect by bowing.
However, among the military officers, he appeared completely inconspicuous.
"Rise!" Emperor Changning raised his hand, his long sleeves fluttering.
"Seats will be offered to all the important officials!" As Emperor Changning finished speaking, two palace maids on each side carried a chair together, moving swiftly like willow branches to the front of the civil and military officials. There were more than twenty maids in total, bringing more than ten chairs.
They placed chairs behind Su Qingying, Li Xiang, the King of Beicang, General Shen Xiao, the King of Shenwei, Xiao Wuque, and others.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"..."
The crowd bowed to Emperor Changning, who sat regally on the nine-tiered dragon throne, and then sat down with composure. Those in high positions wielded great power and authority; their seats at court were a sign of respect.
Among the crowd, seeing that most of the military officials and high-ranking ministers in front of them had been given seats, they all took their seats.
He remained silent.
Even with his current status and official position, he would still be inconspicuous and blend into the crowd of officials in the Taiji Hall.
However, after the high-ranking military officials in front of him were granted seats and took their places, he suddenly became the person in the front row of the military officials' line, and his view became much wider.
After all the civil and military officials had taken their seats...
Emperor Changning, seated on his dragon throne, glanced down the nine-tiered steps before speaking.
"Do you all know why I have summoned you to this court assembly at this hour?"
"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!" the King of Northern Cang said bluntly.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Changning's eye twitched.
He took another deep breath.
“Uncle, you speak!” he said to Princess Xuan, who was standing beside him.
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan, who had remained silent until now, slowly opened his mouth.
"His Majesty has been suffering from illness in recent years due to the machinations of treacherous individuals. He needs to rest and recuperate in peace and quiet for some time. Therefore, he has summoned all civil and military officials today to inform you of this!"
Upon hearing this, General Shen Xiao suddenly spoke up: "Does the Prince mean that His Majesty has stopped attending court these days?"
"Indeed!" Ji Xuan nodded slightly. "General Shen understands!"
At this moment, Emperor Changning spoke again: "What my Imperial Uncle says is my will! I need to recuperate in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and will no longer attend court or receive guests. Therefore, I have decided that my Imperial Uncle will act as regent and become the Regent Prince. From now on, all matters, large and small, of the Great Xia Dynasty will be handled by my Imperial Uncle!"
"Your Majesty, no!!" Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Li, who was at the front of the civil officials' line, suddenly stood up.
Looking at Ji Xuan's gaze fixed on him, he showed no fear.
"Why not?" Ji Xuan asked.
Li Xiang, the civil official at the forefront, bowed to Princess Xuan, who stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
"The power of regency means that if His Majesty is ill, a suitable successor should be selected from among the princes to serve as the crown prince and act as regent. If that is not possible, a princess should be selected to act as regent. Once a suitable successor is selected from the royal family to serve as the crown prince, even if His Majesty is ill and unable to rule, the princess can return power to the crown prince and establish a new emperor."
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan's gaze sharpened slightly, like a hawk looking down.
"Does Prime Minister Li mean that I will not return power to the Crown Prince?"
"We must be on guard!" The refined and scholarly-looking Prime Minister Li spoke slowly: "Who in the world does not know that the Prince of the Parallel Swords is the highest peak in the royal family in martial arts? With the Prince of the Parallel Swords' achievements in martial arts, once he takes over the government and enjoys the poison of power, if he is controlled by desire in the future and does not want to return power, who can force the Prince to make this decision?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan gave a cold laugh.
"Prime Minister Li underestimates me! He also greatly underestimates the allure of the Immortal Path, the Martial Path, and lifespan. If Prime Minister Li ever reaches my level and witnesses a new world, he will understand that power is the greatest poison in the world, an addictive and addictive drug!"
"Power is merely a byproduct of strength!"
"That person has never held power. In terms of power in this world, who can surpass that person?"
at this time.
Emperor Changning, seated on the dragon throne, slowly spoke.
"Prime Minister Li need not worry about this matter. I trust my Imperial Uncle! Just as my Imperial Uncle said, with such strength, I do not covet mere imperial power!"
Standing in the Taiji Hall, Prime Minister Li, standing below the nine-tiered platform, bowed once more to Emperor Changning on the dragon throne.
"Since Your Majesty believes so much, then I have nothing more to say! But I humbly request Your Majesty's consent to one thing."
"Please speak, Prime Minister Li!" Emperor Changning gestured for Prime Minister Li to speak frankly.
"Your Majesty!" Prime Minister Li bowed deeply to Emperor Changning, pleading, "I humbly request Your Majesty to establish an heir apparent!!"
These words were spoken.
Immediately, half of the civil officials in the row knelt down on both knees.
"We humbly request Your Majesty to establish an heir apparent!!"
Thirty percent of the military officers knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully to Emperor Changning on the dragon throne atop the nine-tiered platform: "Your Majesty, we humbly request that you establish an heir apparent!!!"
The loud, resonant voices of the civil and military officials converged above the Taiji Hall, causing the roof beams to tremble and dust to drift down from the air.
The voices of the courtiers subsided, bringing silence to the Taiji Hall.
The princes immediately showed slight signs of tension.
One of the princes clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves, and his expression showed tension.
After a few breaths.
Emperor Changning swept his gaze over the civil and military officials and ministers.
"Are any other ministers involved in this petition?"
"Your Majesty, I also request that you establish an heir apparent!" Then another minister knelt down.
"Your Majesty, I also request that you establish an heir apparent!"
"Your subject agrees!"
"Me too!"
"..."
Jiang Ning remained silent as the ministers around him began to speak.
He knew that if this request had been granted, Emperor Changning would have already established an heir apparent and wouldn't have waited until now.
The fact that it has been dragged out until now is enough to demonstrate the attitude of this Emperor Changning.
This also illustrates Emperor Changning's attitude towards his many legitimate sons.
After a while.
No ministers spoke up or made any further requests after a dozen or so breaths.
Emperor Changning then slowly spoke: "My beloved ministers, rise!"
“Your Majesty, you have not yet agreed!” Prime Minister Li said.
"When did I say I would agree?" Emperor Changning began, then added, "Your requests are your requests, and my thoughts are my thoughts. The matter of the crown prince will be discussed later."
“If Your Majesty does not agree, then… your subject… will remain kneeling!” Prime Minister Li said calmly and resolutely.
"If Li Xiang loves to kneel, then let him kneel!" Emperor Changning said calmly.
Then his gaze swept over the group of civil and military officials.
"Do any of you ministers have anything else to report? If not, then today's court session is adjourned!"
"Your Majesty, please consider what I have said today!" Prime Minister Li said earnestly, "The Great Xia is in turmoil. If Your Majesty were to fall into danger, the country would be without a ruler, and the entire land would be thrown into chaos, with the common people suffering terribly!"
Humph--
Just now.
Ji Xuan, who hadn't spoken for a long time, let out a cold snort.
The sound, like thunder, exploded in the Taiji Hall, making the ears of all the officials ring.
The civil officials, in particular, were all deathly pale.
A powerful and profound aura!
Jiang Ning thought to himself, his expression somewhat grave.
From the mere wisp of energy emanating from him, he could sense the immense power of this peerless king.
This power surpassed that of any other strong person he had ever encountered before.
It is unfathomably deep!
"Does Prime Minister Li mean that my nephew will die?" Ji Xuan asked.
As soon as the words fell, Li Xiang's face turned ugly, clearly showing that he was under great pressure.
"Is the King of the Parallel Realm already so domineering before even assuming the regency?" At this moment, the King of Northern Cang, who had not spoken until now, suddenly spoke up for Prime Minister Li.
next moment.
A sharp gaze, as piercing as lightning, fell directly upon the Northern Cang King.
The smile that had been slowly spreading across the face of the Northern Cang King suddenly changed, and his smile vanished.
"King of the Northern Cang, remember your place. This is the capital, not the North, and certainly not your territory," Ji Xuan said coldly, issuing a warning.
At this moment, the Northern Cang King, amidst the changing expressions on his face, chose to secretly endure.
Such powerful, exquisite mental pressure!! (End of Chapter)