164: Chapter 164 The Struggle for the Crown Prince

The Imperial Palace.

The Golden Throne Hall was solemn and dignified, with wisps of incense curling in the air.

The Emperor sat upright on the dragon throne at the highest point of the hall.

"Father!" Princess Zhou Zhiyan walked into the hall, holding Xiang Tian's hand.

She let go of his hand and bowed gracefully towards the direction of the dragon throne.

"Your Majesty." Xiang Tian also slightly raised his hands in a bow.

It was a simple bow, fulfilling the basic etiquette.

With his current status as Prince of Equal Status, coupled with the backing of being a Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he did not need to be overly humble.

The Emperor raised his eyelids, lifted his head, and asked in a deep voice: "Little Nine, why have you suddenly brought someone into the palace to see me?"

His gaze swept over Xiang Tian.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan looked up, meeting the Emperor's eyes directly, without the slightest hesitation.

Getting straight to the point: "Father, I want to be the heir and hold the future power of Tianyun Kingdom."

"Hmm?" The Emperor's brows twitched violently, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Do you really want to sit in my position? Do you know that the position of heir is not a child's game?"

"Father, can I?" Princess Zhou Zhiyan did not retreat in the slightest.

Her gaze met the Emperor's probing eyes directly, without any evasion.

Beside her, Xiang Tian felt secretly ashamed, his mouth twitching slightly.

This woman was too bold; the position of heir was the foundation of the country.

She was asking for it so bluntly; was she not afraid that the Emperor would get angry and have her locked up?

The Emperor slowly sat up straight, his expression becoming serious instantly.

"My position has never been easy to sit in. This position of heir carries the safety of the entire Tianyun Kingdom, the livelihood of hundreds of millions of people, and heavy responsibilities, not something you can use for fun."

"Father, instead of letting a few Imperial Brothers fight to the death and cause chaos in the court, you might as well pass the throne to me."

Princess Zhou Zhiyan said this while pointing at Xiang Tian beside her.

"I have backing. As long as you make me the heir, all the major families will fully support me—at the very least, the Xiang Family, Ouyang Family, Qin Family, and Chen Family will firmly stand on my side."

She solemnly mentioned these four great families again.

The Emperor's gaze fell on Xiang Tian again, scanning him carefully for a moment, and a glimmer of calculation flashed in his eyes.

How could he not know that, based on Xiang Tian's current status alone, even without the support of those four great families, it would be enough to support half the country for an heir.

This was an excellent opportunity to climb up to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

After pondering for a moment, the Emperor slowly spoke: "Little Nine, it's not that my position cannot be passed to you. But you must remember that this position concerns the foundation of the country and must not be treated as a game. Once you sit on it, there is no turning back."

He solemnly declared again.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan waved her hand dismissively.

She said casually: "Father, just let me sit for a few days to try. If it really doesn't work, I will abdicate the throne, and I will definitely not pester you!"

"You little girl!" The Emperor was so angry that veins popped out on his forehead, and he pointed his finger at Princess Zhou Zhiyan.

"Have I been too indulgent with you usually, making you so unscrupulous that you dare to treat the position of the throne as a game?"

Just then, Xiang Tian spoke slowly.

"Your Majesty, I think it's fine to let Zhi Yan try and let her have her fun. Maybe she can really break the conventions and become an empress who leaves her name in history!"

"Presumptuous!" Just as Xiang Tian finished speaking, a reprimand came from the entrance of the main hall.

"The Golden Throne Hall is an important place for discussing state affairs. How can you, an outsider, speak casually and discuss the heir of our Tianyun Kingdom?"

"Big Imperial Brother!" Princess Zhou Zhiyan turned to look at the entrance and shouted in a low voice.

A middle-aged man in a brocade robe stepped into the hall.

His face was somewhat similar to the Emperor's, and he was surrounded by a sense of majesty.

It was the Emperor's eldest son, the First Prince.

The First Prince walked quickly into the hall.

He bowed respectfully to the Emperor on the dragon throne: "This son greets Father!"

After bowing, he turned to look at Princess Zhou Zhiyan.

"Father, in our Tianyun Kingdom of the Zhou Family, there has never been a tradition of women holding power. Even if this son has mediocre Aptitude and is not the material to hold the country's power, we must absolutely not let Ninth Sister be the heir. This is against the ancestral system!"

"Hmm? Big Imperial Brother, are you looking down on women?" Princess Zhou Zhiyan snorted coldly, her willow eyebrows furrowed.

"Could it be that women are definitely inferior to men and cannot hold the country's power and protect the Tianyun Kingdom?"

"Imperial Sister has misunderstood; I do not mean to look down on you." The First Prince continued to bow to the Emperor.

"I am just discussing the matter as it is; the ancestral system cannot be violated. Once the precedent of a woman being the heir is set, our Zhou Family's country and society will surely fall into chaos in the future, with endless troubles!"

The Emperor nodded slowly, his expression solemn.

What the First Prince said was not unreasonable; breaking the ancestral Legacy rashly could indeed trigger turmoil.

But on the other hand, the Heavenly Sword Sect behind Xiang Tian was a backer he did not want to miss.

For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma and began to ponder secretly.

Just then, two groups of people stepped into the Golden Throne Hall one after another.

The two leaders were both wearing brocade robes and had handsome faces.

"This son greets Father!" The two groups bowed in unison, their voices uniform.

One of them took a step forward.

He bowed to the Emperor and said: "Father, this son believes that Ninth Sister is as good as any man, is intelligent, courageous, and resourceful. Perhaps she could really become a good ruler who protects the Tianyun Kingdom; she might not be inferior to us princes."

"Fourth Brother, what do you mean by this?" The First Prince was instantly displeased and turned to look at him sharply.

He scolded: "Regardless of whether you or the Eighth Brother become the heir, I won't say a word against it. But the position of heir concerns the survival of our Zhou Family and the future of the Tianyun Kingdom. How can you be so confused as to support a woman to be the heir?"

"That's right, what Big Imperial Brother says is reasonable." Another leading prince also stepped forward and nodded in agreement.

"The ancestral system cannot be violated. Women holding power is detrimental to the country. I ask Father to think twice."

The Emperor raised his eyes, his gaze slowly sweeping over the princes in the hall.

He said in a deep voice: "The eldest supports adhering to the ancestral system, the fourth supports Little Nine, and the eighth agrees with the eldest. As for the other princes, what do you think should be decided?"

The position of heir was both a major event for the Tianyun Kingdom and a Family matter for the Zhou Family.

He needed to listen to the opinions of all the princes and weigh the pros and cons.

"Father, you know that this son only wants to focus on cultivation and does not ask about political affairs. Who becomes the heir has nothing to do with this son, so this son will not express an opinion."

A prince in a plain brocade robe said with a bow, his expression indifferent.

"Father, this son thinks that Fourth Imperial Brother is right. Ninth Sister does have the ability, and she might not be unable to take on the position of heir."

Another prince echoed.

"This son also feels that Eighth Brother is right; the ancestral system cannot be easily broken."

"Rules are meant to be broken."

For a time, several princes held different opinions.

Some agreed with the First Prince, some supported the Fourth Prince.

The hall was suddenly plunged into an argument, with neither side giving in.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan frowned, looked at the arguing crowd, and immediately stepped forward.

She suggested to the Emperor: "Father, since the Imperial Brothers have their own ideas and it is difficult to decide, this son suggests inviting the ministers of the court and the Old Ancestors of the major families to come and discuss this matter together. Let them judge it together, how about that?"

She already had a plan in mind.

With Xiang Tian standing there, he was her greatest confidence. With the backing of the forces behind Xiang Tian, this matter would surely succeed.

The Emperor pondered for a few breaths and nodded slowly: "Hmm... What Little Nine says is very reasonable. This matter concerns the foundation of the country, and we should indeed listen to the opinions of the ministers and the major families. Only then can it convince everyone."

After speaking, he shouted to the outside of the hall: "Come here! Quickly go and invite all the ministers in the court, and then go and invite the Old Ancestors of the major families to enter the palace. Tell them that I have major matters to discuss, and there must be no mistakes!"

Since the princes could not reach a consensus, he could only let the ministers and the major families decide together.

This would not only appear fair but also allow him to use this matter to see the stance of each major Family.

An hour later.

The ministers of the court stepped into the Golden Throne Hall one after another.

They were all important figures in the Tianyun Kingdom.

"This old subject greets the Emperor!" An old man with white hair and wearing court robes was the first to bow; he was the Imperial Preceptor of the Tianyun Kingdom.

He slowly scanned the princes in the hall.

He also looked at Xiang Tian, who was standing beside Princess Zhou Zhiyan, and already had some guesses in his heart.

"Imperial Preceptor, no need for formalities." The Emperor raised his hand slightly.

"I invited you here because there is a major matter to discuss. Since not everyone has arrived yet, please wait for a moment."

Another old man in a purple robe walked quickly into the hall.

He bowed respectfully to the Emperor: "This old subject greets the Emperor!"

His expression was calm, and his gaze was sharp.

"The Prime Minister is here, please take a seat." The Emperor waved his hand and ordered in a deep voice.

"Come, give seats to the Prime Minister, the Imperial Preceptor, and all the civil and military officials!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The ministers bowed in unison to thank him and sat down one by one.

Just then, several old figures stepped into the hall together.

They bowed slightly to the Emperor, their tone respectful but not lacking in confidence: "Your Majesty, you summoned us old guys into the palace overnight; what urgent matter is it?"

"Old Ancestors, thank you for coming from afar. Please take a seat!" The Emperor still did not have any extra pleasantries and ordered seats directly.

After everyone was seated and the hall became quiet.

He cleared his throat and said slowly: "Today I invited all the ministers and Old Ancestors here because there is a major matter to discuss with you—my ninth daughter, Princess Zhou Zhiyan, has taken the initiative to request to run for the heir and hold the future power of the Tianyun Kingdom. I wonder what you all think?"

After the words fell, the Emperor stopped speaking.

His gaze slowly swept over everyone, waiting for their reply.

"What?!" The Prime Minister stood up first, full of shock.

He retorted: "Your Majesty, this must not happen! As a woman, how can the Ninth Princess be the heir? In our Tianyun Kingdom, there has never been a precedent of a woman holding the country's power since ancient times. This does not conform to the ancestral system, nor does it conform to the Heavenly Dao!"

As soon as the Prime Minister's words fell, the civil and military officials in the court suddenly exploded.

They echoed one after another: "That's right, Your Majesty, this is a strange story since the beginning of time, it must not happen!"

"Your Majesty, this is setting a precedent. Once an exception is made, chaos will surely arise in the court in the future!"

"How can a woman be the heir? This old man has looked through ancient and modern history and has never found an example of a country becoming rich and strong with a woman in power!"

"A woman as heir will only cause many negative effects and damage the majesty of our Tianyun Kingdom. I ask Your Majesty to think twice!"

"This old subject also feels that this matter is inappropriate. Your Majesty's move is too inconsiderate!"

The ministers spoke one after another, all strongly opposing.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

The Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face calm.

Listening to everyone's discussion, he did not express his attitude at all.

He just silently observed everyone's expression.

"Hmph! Why can't a woman be the heir?"

Just then, Ancestor Qin stood up abruptly.

The Aura around him suddenly surged, and a majestic pressure swept across the entire hall.

The civil and military officials were immediately frightened by this pressure and trembled, and the discussion stopped abruptly.

"The ancestral system is dead, but people are alive! Although there has been no precedent of a woman being an heir since ancient times, which prince can compare to the Ninth Princess's ability and courage? Why can't a woman hold the country's power and protect the Tianyun Kingdom?"

Just as Ancestor Qin finished speaking, Ancestor Chen also stood up slowly, stroking his beard.

He echoed firmly: "Old Brother Qin is right! The position of heir values ability, not gender. The Ninth Princess is intelligent, courageous, and resourceful, and has a powerful backer. She might not be unable to become a good heir and protect our Tianyun Kingdom for long-term stability."

The civil and military officials were shocked by the Aura of the two Old Ancestors and dared not refute casually.

They all cast their eyes on Princess Zhou Zhiyan.

They didn't really look down on women; they were just afraid of the hidden dangers caused by breaking the ancestral system.

Just then, a civil official's eyes lit up.

His gaze was fixed on the hands of Princess Zhou Zhiyan and Xiang Tian.

He spoke slowly: "Reporting to the Emperor, reporting to the Old Ancestors, if the Ninth Princess insists on being the heir, this old subject has one thing I don't understand. The Ninth Princess is now intimate with this Young Master. If the Ninth Princess ascends to the throne in the future, wouldn't the country and society of the Tianyun Kingdom follow and change its surname, falling into the hands of an outsider?"

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Princess Zhou Zhiyan and Xiang Tian.

Seeing the two holding hands tightly, looking intimate.

They also revealed serious expressions one after another.

Nodding in agreement: "That's right, what this official said makes sense!"

"Ninth Princess, if you want to be the heir, this official believes that it is not suitable to decide on the position of the consort for the time being, so as not to cause chaos in the court in the future!"

"I ask the Ninth Princess to think twice and take the country as the foundation!"

Princess Zhou Zhiyan's expression remained unchanged, still calm and composed.

While Xiang Tian's mouth curled slightly.

At this time, Ancestor Shangguan stood up slowly.

Stroking his gray beard, with a smile on his face.

He spoke slowly: "Everyone, stay calm. Do you know who exactly this consort beside the Ninth Princess is?"

Hearing this, everyone was stunned.

They all turned to look at Ancestor Shangguan, full of doubts.

They asked in unison: "Ancestor Shangguan, who exactly is this Young Master? To be able to make you value him so much?"

Ancestor Shangguan pointed at Xiang Tian.

He said word by word: "He is no ordinary person; he is the Personal Disciple of the Peak Master Miaoxian of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"What?!" As soon as these words came out, the entire Golden Throne Hall fell into a dead silence.

Immediately after, there was the sound of everyone gasping.

"Hiss—Heavenly Sword Sect?! That is the top Sect in the cultivation world. This Young Master is actually the Personal Disciple of Peak Master Miaoxian of the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

"My God, no wonder the Ninth Princess is so confident; it turns out she has the backing of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"The Personal Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, that status is more noble than us, the Old Ancestors of the families!"

Everyone was shocked, and their gaze towards Xiang Tian instantly became awestruck.

How could they not know the strength of the Heavenly Sword Sect?

That was an existence that even the Emperor had to fear by three points.

If they could climb up to the Heavenly Sword Sect, the Tianyun Kingdom would surely flourish in the future.

There would be no need to fear other forces ever again.

Just when everyone was shocked, Xiang Tian spoke slowly.

"Everyone, don't be too surprised. I have not officially gone to report to the Heavenly Sword Sect yet. After I handle all the trivial matters of the Tianyun Kingdom, I will go to the Heavenly Sword Sect to join the Sect."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and gently wiped a simple token on his waist.

It was the exclusive token of a Personal Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The Prime Minister and the Imperial Preceptor were both people who had seen the world.

Their gaze fell on that token, and after careful observation for a moment.

Their expressions changed immediately, they gasped again, and looked at each other.

"Hiss! That's right! This is indeed the exclusive token of a Personal Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, absolutely not fake!" The Prime Minister blurted out.

"I didn't expect that this Young Master is really the Personal Disciple of Peak Master Miaoxian of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Our Tianyun Kingdom is truly fortunate!"