It was now the sixth month of the tenth year of the Jingtai era. The two little princes had already begun their education and could recognize the most basic characters. Their answers were also fluent, enough to reveal their intelligence, while Zhu Jianji was already eight.
He led his two younger brothers before Pan Yun and respectfully bowed to her.
The Crown Prince, the next heir to the nation, concerned the very foundation of the state.
Pan Yun stared steadily at the three brothers. Vital energy stirred, her innate gift activated, and the moment the emperor looked up, he saw the color of her eyes change.
Seeing light flow within her gaze, the emperor could not help sitting up straighter, his face full of anticipation.
Pan Yun's eyes moved back and forth among the three of them before finally settling on Zhu Jianji.
Zhu Jianji could not help tensing up as well, his face filled with nervousness.
Pan Yun showed little expression as she said to Zhu Qiyu, "His Majesty, the year after next will be an auspicious time to begin a new era. The choice of heir should be decided then."
Zhu Qiyu was slightly stunned. "The year after next?"
Pan Yun gave a faint nod, then glanced at Zhu Jianji again. "In the tenth month of next year, he will face a tribulation. If he can overcome it, all will be well."
Zhu Qiyu's fingertips tightened with anxiety, and his voice drew taut. "What tribulation?"
Pan Yun said, "A life-and-death tribulation."
Zhu Qiyu grew alarmed. "Does the National Preceptor have a way to avoid it?"
Pan Yun shook her head slightly. After thinking for a moment, she took out a Peace Talisman and gave it to Zhu Jianji. Looking at him seriously, she said, "Your Highness, not every