Everyone immediately knelt down on the ground.
Gao Zheng stood up and came out with his yamen runners, while simultaneously ordering an incense table to be set up to receive the imperial decree.
The eunuch delivering the decree said, "This imperial edict is for the eldest son."
Linlin knelt down, lifting his robes with a chilling air.
The eunuch's voice was high-pitched and penetrating, carrying far.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The eldest son of the Emperor Yuwen Duo, is hereby granted the title of Prince Ming, with a fief of three thousand..."
He was granted the title of Prince.
How do you explain this?
The Emperor's eldest son should be granted the title of Prince, but Linlin is clearly underage; according to the rules, he must get married and establish his own residence before he can become a Prince.
Generally speaking, it was sufficient to address him as "Prince" previously.
What does it mean that the Emperor bestowed the title of Prince of the Second Rank ahead of schedule?
Is it a matter of prioritizing it, or being eliminated prematurely?
For a moment, everyone had different opinions.
Emperor Wen: What are these people thinking?!
He simply didn't want his son to kneel!
Linlin wanted to go to Liaodong, but he needed an identity. He felt that being a prince alone was not enough, especially since he had not yet been recognized as a member of the imperial family.
The censor tried to stop them, Linlin herself wasn't enthusiastic, so the matter had to be delayed.
Emperor Wen was unwilling, so the most important aspect of this imperial edict was not granting Linlin the title of Prince, but rather stating unequivocally that he was the "eldest son of the emperor."
With this groundwork laid, it won't be so difficult to acknowledge one's ancestors and be appointed as the crown prince later.
Of course, Emperor Wen also hoped that Linlin could do a good job in Liaodong and eventually be welcomed into the Eastern Palace.
You wouldn't have allowed it before, but now you have to beg and plead not to waste this talent sent down from the heavens.
Emperor Wen was so resentful.
As for the title "Prince Ming," it was the result of his own deep contemplation over several days.
The brilliance of the sun and moon is called Linlin, and only this word truly deserves the title "Linlin."
Emperor Wen felt that he was merely a ruler who maintained the status quo, and that the future prosperity and great undertakings would depend on Linlin.
Unlike his father, he did not feel threatened by his son's excellence.
He dreams of retiring.
He wanted Linlin to stand on his shoulders, so she could see higher and farther.
How can I let my child, on whom I have placed such high hopes, suffer losses and be wronged?
Today's so-called "public trial" is nothing more than Emperor Wen wanting Linlin to appear in front of everyone in a special way.
Let them see, this is my son!
Furthermore, Gao Zheng, you also need to be careful. This is my precious daughter, and I cannot tolerate any mistreatment from her.
Upon hearing the imperial edict, the crowd erupted in uproar.
Gao Zheng's face showed surprise.
The emperor entrusted him with the case, which he felt was a sign of trust; but now this charade is just putting him in a difficult position.
Was the Emperor putting him under even greater pressure, to see if he dared to remain impartial towards the Prince?
Okay, I got it.
Your Majesty, I can!
Linlin, the person in question, remained calm, accepting the imperial edict with both hands and saying in a deep voice, "Yuwen Duo accepts the edict and expresses his gratitude."
The most excited was Lang Xuan.
Because she knew that in her previous life, the emperor had the greatest favoritism towards Yuwen Duo, and she firmly believed it.
How could she have forgotten? The Emperor must have made arrangements.
She's so stupid, really.
But Lang Xuan couldn't contain her joy.
Now, Yuwen Duo is definitely safe.
It seemed unnecessary for her to bring out what she had prepared.
After all, once she ensured his safety, she also needed to be able to live a humiliating life without drawing attention to herself.
Thinking of this, Lang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed she should go home to avoid worrying her father and aunt.
But her feet felt like they were nailed to the ground.
Wait a minute, let me take another look.
Upon closer inspection, the problem became apparent.
Although he no longer had to kneel, Gao Zheng's questions were clearly setting a trap for Yuwen Duo.
Furthermore, why did he speak so aggressively?
What makes him so special? Standing right in front of him is Prince Ming, fresh out of the pot and still piping hot!
How could it cool down so quickly!
The sandalwood incense used to receive the imperial decree, though burned out, is still emitting smoke.
Lang Xuan was excited and wanted to step forward, but then she thought about it and was afraid of causing trouble for Linlin.
He had already spoken up for her once; what if Gao Zheng punished him if he stood up again?
This time, Lang Xuan was smarter; she looked around.
Then she saw Yanran sitting on the rooftop across the street, eating sunflower seeds.
Sitting next to Yanran were also acquaintances.
Lang Xuan recognized him; he was Cui Ling, her husband from her previous life.
So it turns out that the two of them were already so close at such a young age; they truly are childhood sweethearts.
Yanran said excitedly, "My father is amazing! The timing was perfect!"
Cui Xiaoqiu laughed and said, "Didn't you notice? The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree had actually been here for a while. He was just waiting for that moment!"
"Oh? Really? Father is mischievous too." Yanran said with a grin, "This Gao Zheng is quite capable! He's a real talent!"
Although she's been digging her own grave, the fact that she can even dig a grave for her own brother shows she's no ordinary person.
Cui Xiaoqiu said, "He is indeed quite interesting."
"What do you mean? Do you know him?"
"I know him. Before he passed the imperial examination, my grandfather tried to recruit him, but he didn't succeed."
"That's quite unique! So, who did he end up with?"
"He didn't go with anyone," Linlin said. "He was actually one of your maternal grandfather's men. Your grandfather didn't take him under his wing, but he regarded your grandfather as his teacher."
Yanran: "Sigh, that's perfectly normal. Even my grandfather, who was so difficult to please, preferred my maternal grandfather! So it's perfectly normal that your grandfather couldn't compare."
Cui Xiaoqiu smiled and said, "You're absolutely right. In fact, when you think about it, Lord Tang really did do him a great service."
Yanran touched her nose. "Hmm?"
"You probably don't remember the cheating scandal that happened six years ago."
Yanran definitely didn't.
But Tang Zhuyun knew this, and remembered it vividly.
That seemingly innocent but actually virtuous woman next door to the Tang Residence, wasn't her good-for-nothing cousin Ruan Anruo involved in it?
Later, Tang Mingfan was ordered to thoroughly investigate the matter, and the examination was re-examined.
"... He had failed the exam, but because of Lord Tang's uprightness and his insistence on reason, the Emperor Emeritus ordered everyone to retake the exam, which gave Gao Zheng the opportunity to stand out."
Yanran: "He received a favor from my maternal grandfather? I didn't see that coming."
"This person's mind is different from ordinary people. He might even think that your brother has disgraced your maternal grandfather's reputation. But I don't know him very well either, so let's wait and see."
Yanran: "Perhaps all of you geniuses are a little abnormal."
Cui Xiaoqiu laughed and said, "What's wrong with me?"
She praised him as a genius, which pleased him greatly.
"You love reading!" Yanran said.
What normal person loves reading and studying?
Cui Xiaoqiu was speechless.
Yanran suddenly said, "That, that's Lang Jiu, right? Why wasn't she arrested? She's waving at you? What does she want? Ah! She, she wouldn't have taken a liking to you, would she?!"
Cui Xiaoqiu, you need to have some principles!
A honey trap won't work.