Ji Feihua coldly cut him off. "No one can say for certain what will happen in this world. The moon waxes and wanes, and fortune or disaster can strike a man overnight. His Majesty can fall ill, too, and he can run into trouble."
Cold sweat streamed down Wen Chenghuan's back. Forcing himself to remain calm, he asked, "Whom has His Majesty chosen as Crown Prince?"
Ji Feihua smiled. "You should be able to guess, Grand Tutor Wen. His Majesty has not only chosen a Crown Prince, but also drafted an imperial edict. As it happens, that edict mentions you."
Wen Chenghuan was deeply unsettled. Of course he knew this edict could not possibly be genuine. If Ji Feihua had brought an imperial edict, why had he still not proclaimed it? He had come to force Wen Chenghuan to declare his allegiance. If Wen Chenghuan stubbornly refused to see reason and continued to stand with the Third Prince, Ji Feihua would probably kill him without mercy. That supposed imperial edict might well cost him his life.
Wen Chenghuan drew a deep breath and closed his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said quietly, "If I am not mistaken, His Majesty must have chosen the First Prince. The eldest son inherits the throne-that has been the principle since ancient times. The First Prince is kindhearted and loves the people as his own children. He is indeed the most suitable choice."
A triumphant smile appeared at the corners of Ji Feihua's lips. Wen Chenghuan might be old, but he was not yet muddleheaded. A wise man knew which way the wind blew; only by trimming his sails to the wind could he cling to life. Ji Feihua did not want this palace coup to unleash a storm of blood. Wen Chenghuan