An important matter like inheriting the Town King's title naturally couldn't be carried out inside the mansion.
The central square in the city had been prepared well in advance, and the Town Heaven Army stood guard all around it.
The grand succession ceremony had drawn quite a few onlookers, though they could only watch from a distance.
More and more people had gathered at the scene, yet Chen Changan was still nowhere to be seen.
"The appointed time is almost here. Why hasn't the Heir Apparent arrived?"
"Could the rumors be true? Did Xiao Yuheng really beat him to death?"
"Impossible. If he were dead, why would the Household still be preparing the succession ceremony?"
"I reckon the Heir Apparent hasn't left the mansion at all lately. Even if he's not dead, he must've taken a terrible beating."
"Do you think he won't come?"
Just as everyone was buzzing with speculation, the Town King's carriage appeared in their sight.
"He's here!"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Chen Changan climbed down from the carriage with Mu Yunyao supporting him.
"This is my first time seeing the Town King's Heir Apparent. I have to say, he's quite handsome."
"What good is being handsome? Look at him—he needs someone to help him out of the carriage. With a constitution like that, he probably won't last more than a few days."
"Exactly. He's so weak, a gust of wind could knock him over."
"Nothing but a pretty face."
Chen Changan ignored the crowd's chatter and walked straight into the square.
"Greetings, Heir Apparent."
"Heir Apparent, the appointed time is almost here, but..."
"Eunuch Wei has arrived!"
"Make way!"
At the announcement, everyone turned to look. A richly dressed eunuch strode arrogantly through the crowd, with a group of soldiers clearing the way around him.
He