The Great Wilderness's Capital City, the Desolate Capital, moved at an unhurried pace through the May weather.
Imperial power changed hands, the world weathered its upheavals, but to ordinary residents, it was all like the sun outside their windows: you went your way, and I lived my life.
Yet on the day after the Snow-Clad Marquis returned to the capital.
A piece of news shattered the heavens.
"Prince Yun is still alive! He's in Qingqiu!"
Two sentences, ten words, rolled through the Desolate Capital like thunder, becoming the greatest shock its streets had seen.
Over the years, countless struggles had unfolded around the contest for the position of Crown Prince, drawing in the entire court. Any news concerning an imperial prince became a hot topic, let alone at such a complicated, sensitive moment.
In just six months, all the princes had died.
After the emperor passed away, only Prince An remained, making his accession to the throne a matter of course.
Everyone felt it was the only choice left.
The dynasty needed an emperor, after all.
And only the late emperor's bloodline could legitimately rule House Hong's realm.
Thus, no one had ever questioned whether this new emperor should have ascended the throne-with House Hong's bloodline all but extinguished and only one lone seedling left, he was the emperor whether he suited the role or not. What was there to question?
Yet now this news had suddenly surfaced.
Prince Yun had not died!
Good heavens, set these two princes side by side, and Prince Yun crushed Prince An from every angle, whether in prestige, ability, or popular support.
After all, Prince Yun had guarded the frontier for eleven years. His military record had been forged with real blades and spears.
Last year, he had also traveled to Jiangnan, leading the