"Damn it!"
This time, Ma Shunde was truly afraid. His heart trembled. Even after Prince Dai had been invested as Imperial Grandson, he had not forgotten proper decorum. This man truly possessed the peril of mountains and rivers, the depth of a walled city's schemes.
He had originally been only a eunuch, the Emperor's household slave, unable to influence the Emperor's affairs. So long as he handled matters as they came and acted impartially, he naturally would bear no responsibility.
Yet he had made mistake after mistake, and even his final test had failed.
How was one supposed to deal with an Imperial Grandson like this?
Though his mind was a tangled skein, Ma Shunde regained the bearing of an imperial envoy. Expressionless, he stood facing south behind the incense table and raised his voice. "Prince Dai, receive the decree!"
"Your grandson-subject respectfully receives the sacred decree!" Su Ziji kowtowed.
"By imperial decree: Since the time of Gu, emperors have inherited Heaven and stood at the pinnacle, governing the realm. They must establish the rightful heir and greatly strengthen the foundation of the state. The Crown Prince closely resembled Us in every way, and We had believed he could inherit the great succession. Yet Heaven did not grant him his years. This not only grieved Us deeply, but also disappointed the hopes of court and realm alike. Fortunately, his son, Prince Dai, has inherited sacredly bestowed virtue. Benevolent, filial, upright, and pure, he can shoulder this great burden. He should inherit the great succession. We bestow upon him the investiture and treasures, establish him as Imperial Grandson, thereby honoring the succession of ten thousand years and binding the hearts of the four seas. Respect this!"
"Your grandson-subject thanks Your Majesty for this grace!"
Su Ziji felt a wave of dizziness.