165: Chapter 165 The Crown Princess

"Since both of you lords say so, it must be correct!"

"Who would have thought that the Ninth Princess's consort is a talented Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"In that case, I wholeheartedly support the Ninth Princess being named Crown Princess!"

"Me too!"

As the words fell, the stance of the civil and military officials shifted dramatically. Their previous hesitation and wait-and-see attitude transformed entirely into agreement and support.

Xiang Tian lifted his eyes, his expression calm and ripple-free. When he spoke, his tone was quiet yet resonant.

"To be honest, since Zhi Yan is my woman, I originally did not want her to become Empress—"

His tone shifted slightly, and a hint of tenderness appeared in his eyes.

"But this is the dream she has obsessed over for many years. Today, this Young Master will shamelessly use my status as a Personal Disciple of Miaoxian Peak of the Heavenly Sword Sect to fully support her being named Crown Princess."

His expression was composed, and every movement displayed the demeanor of a Personal Disciple from a major sect.

The Grand Preceptor stroked his long beard and nodded slowly.

"Hm! Since a Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect has strongly recommended her, the Ninth Princess is indeed qualified for the position of Crown Princess."

Seeing this, the Prime Minister hurriedly stepped forward, bowing and cupping his hands toward the Emperor on the dragon throne.

"Your Majesty, we humbly request that you name the Ninth Princess as Crown Princess!"

The Emperor's expression remained stern, his deep gaze slowly sweeping over the officials below.

He asked in a deep tone: "Oh? Has your earlier hesitation vanished into thin air now?"

The Prime Minister quickly bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, this is a once-in-a-millennium Opportunity for our Tianyun Kingdom! Besides, isn't the ruler of our neighboring Dayue Kingdom also a heroic woman? With the Heavenly Sword Sect backing her, and possessing the talent to govern, why worry about her inability to bring peace to the nation?"

On the other side, Xiang Tian's gaze had already drifted past the crowd.

But how could the several princes be reconciled to this outcome?

The Eighth Prince was the first to step out, bowing to the Emperor.

"Father, the ancestral customs cannot be violated! Our Tianyun Kingdom has never had a precedent of a woman serving as the heir. I beg Father to think thrice!"

The Emperor glanced at him: "Oh? Eighth, you still insist on your opinion?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the other princes.

"What about you all? Are you the same as the Eighth?"

One of the princes was the first to recover from his shock, the unwillingness on his face instantly fading away.

He walked quickly to Xiang Tian, his face full of smiles: "Father, your son didn't know earlier that our brother-in-law is actually a talented Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Why didn't you say so earlier!"

As he spoke, he bowed and cupped his hands to Xiang Tian.

"Brother-in-law, greetings. I am your Second Brother!"

A flash of caught-off-guard confusion passed through Xiang Tian's eyes.

He quickly reacted and returned the salute: "So it is Second Brother, a pleasure, a pleasure."

Seeing this, the other princes dared not fall behind.

They all hurriedly stepped forward, surrounding Xiang Tian to exchange pleasantries.

The previous hostility and unwillingness had long since vanished.

The Emperor's voice sounded again, carrying a hint of majesty: "Do you have any objections to Princess Zhou Zhiyan being named Crown Princess?"

The Grand Preceptor was the first to bow and cup his hands: "The Ninth Princess being named Crown Princess is beneficial to the nation and the people. Even if it slightly violates ancestral customs, it is understandable! I have no objections!"

The civil and military officials below followed suit.

They echoed in unison: "We have no objections!"

The Emperor then slowly nodded, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face: "Good, since all ministers have no objections, then it is settled!"

He raised his hand and announced loudly: "Pass on my decree—the grand ceremony for investing Princess Zhou Zhiyan as Crown Princess will be held tomorrow at the Imperial Palace's Investiture Platform!"

With those words, the position of heir to the Tianyun Kingdom was finally settled.

The next morning.

The Imperial Palace's Investiture Platform was solemn and majestic.

The Emperor sat upright on the high dragon throne, his expression majestic; below, on both sides, the princes, Xiang Tian, and others were seated in order.

The civil and military officials sat neatly on both sides below the steps.

Just at this moment.

An old man dressed in court attire walked slowly onto the Investiture Platform, holding a bright yellow imperial edict.

He bowed to the Emperor, performed a salute, and turned to look at the civil and military officials.

"This old servant strictly follows the holy decree of the Tianyun Kingdom's Emperor to publicly read the investiture edict today!"

As the words fell.

The civil and military officials stood up one after another and knelt on the ground; Princess Zhou Zhiyan and the princes also bowed and knelt, only Xiang Tian remained seated, his expression composed.

The Emperor's gaze swept over, and seeing his posture, did not say anything more.

The old man unfolded the edict, his voice resonant, echoing throughout the Investiture Platform:

"In the 4352nd year of the Dragon Rise of the Tianyun Kingdom, the Emperor, by the grace of Heaven, decrees: I have received the mandate of Heaven to rule the four seas and hold the mountains and rivers. To solidify the foundation of the nation and stabilize the court, I hereby appoint an heir to bring peace to all people. Princess Zhou Zhiyan is intelligent and learned, well-versed in etiquette, and possesses both literary and military talents. In past years, she offered excellent strategies for border security, protecting our territory. Her heart is loyal and filial, and her nature is benevolent and forgiving, earning praise throughout the court and the public. Now, I follow public opinion and ancient ways to name Princess Zhou Zhiyan as Crown Princess. She shall reside in the Eastern Palace and participate in deciding important military and national affairs. I hope she will Cultivate virtue, respect the worthy, love the people, bear the weight of the ancestral temples, solidify the destiny of the Tianyun Kingdom, and not fail my expectations or those of the people! Let this be proclaimed to the world so all may hear. Respect this!"

After the edict was read, Princess Zhou Zhiyan finally let out a slow sigh of relief.

Trembling, she took the edict handed over by the old man, her eyes filled with unbelievable bewilderment.

The dream of many years was finally realized today, yet it felt as hazy as a dream.

She quietly tugged at Xiang Tian's sleeve beside her. "Xiang Tian, pinch me. Am I dreaming?"

Xiang Tian rolled his eyes helplessly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing, but he still raised his hand and gently pinched her cheek: "It is just a Crown Princess title, look at how little composure you have. With your personality, I fear the rules of the Eastern Palace will make you suffer in the future."

Princess Zhou Zhiyan's cheeks flushed slightly as she quietly lifted her eyes to glance at the Emperor on the high seat.

"As long as I can sit in this position and realize my dream, I can endure even the most difficult rules."

The Emperor watched the two below, a faint, imperceptible smile crossing his lips, and then announced loudly: "The position of Crown Princess is officially set today! My ministers, follow me into the palace for a banquet to celebrate this event!"

As his words fell, his figure flashed and disappeared from the dragon throne.

For the next few hours.

The entire palace was decorated with lanterns and festoons, lively and extraordinary. The officials feasted, and laughter and cheers were endless.

However, as the protagonist of this celebration.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan quietly pulled Xiang Tian and hid in the Eastern Palace, avoiding the noise outside.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan leaned on Xiang Tian's shoulder, her face flushed.

She asked softly: "Xiang Tian, are you leaving for the Heavenly Sword Sect tomorrow?"

Xiang Tian raised his hand and gently stroked her long hair. "Yes, I must go to the Heavenly Sword Sect to become stronger. In the future, you will be the Emperor. With me, a Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, I can help you block many troubles and make those who covet your position a bit more wary."

He was telling the truth.

Background and strength can often save one from many unnecessary disputes.

Princess Zhou Zhiyan nodded gently. Although there was reluctance in her eyes, she was still firm: "I understand. You need to go out and venture; I will never stop you. But Xiang Tian, you must promise me that no matter how strong or glorious you become outside in the future, do not forget that there is a woman in the Tianyun Kingdom who is always waiting for you to return."

She lifted her eyes to look at Xiang Tian, her gaze incomparably serious.

Seeing this, Xiang Tian couldn't help but roll his eyes again.

"The way you say that, it's as if you are the only one in this imperial city waiting for me. Aren't Xiao Yu and the other women waiting for me to return at the Prince's Mansion?"

Princess Zhou Zhiyan's cheeks turned red, and she lightly punched him.

The next morning.

Xiang Tian quietly slipped out of the Eastern Palace and returned to his Prince's Mansion.

He said goodbye to the women in the mansion and instructed them to take good care of themselves.

Just as he walked out of the gate of the Prince's Mansion, he saw Xiang Liu already waiting outside. She was dressed in tight martial attire, her posture spirited.

"You are more punctual than I expected. Let's go!"

Xiang Tian had no extra nonsense. A flash of spiritual light appeared under his feet, a long sword emerged, and he stepped onto the sword to rise. He flew toward the direction of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"Wait for me! You are quite something, not even waiting for your Sword Servant!" Xiang Liu scolded with a smile.

She leaped, a long sword also appeared under her feet, and she quickly chased after him.

During the flight, Xiang Liu raised an eyebrow and looked at Xiang Tian.

"Xiang Tian, are you really going to the Heavenly Sword Sect all alone? You didn't bring a woman with you? It would be good to have someone to take care of your daily needs."

Xiang Tian heard this but did not respond to her.

He remained focused on controlling the long sword to fly.

Not long after, Xiang Liu noticed something was wrong.

She hurriedly asked: "Hey, why did you change direction? This is not the way to the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

"I almost forgot, I still need to go say goodbye to my aunt." As Xiang Tian said this, he controlled his long sword and flew toward the direction of the Ouyang Family's Changting Peak.

The two soon arrived at Changting Peak and saw Xiang Ting and Ouyang Changgong in the courtyard.

When Xiang Ting saw Xiang Tian coming, a look of concern immediately appeared on her face.

She stepped forward quickly and urged: "Little Tian, this time going to the Heavenly Sword Sect, remember not to be reckless. The Heavenly Sword Sect is full of geniuses and hidden Masters. In everything, restrain your temper, do not easily provoke trouble, and cultivating steadily is the right thing to do."

Xiang Tian bowed, a look of obedience on his face.

He promised with a smile: "Aunt, don't worry, I have remembered it all. When I arrive at the Heavenly Sword Sect, I will definitely be a good Disciple to my Master and will never cause trouble."

Xiang Ting nodded gently upon hearing this, and then seemed to recall something.

She spoke slowly: "Speaking of your Master, I actually forgot to tell you one thing—your Master is actually my Senior Sister from when I was cultivating at the Heavenly Sword Sect."

"What?" Xiang Tian's face was full of shock, his brows knitting tightly.

"Aunt, did I hear that right? Is the world really this small? Then why did you leave the Heavenly Sword Sect back then and not continue cultivating?"

His heart was full of confusion. Xiang Ting's talent was so outstanding; if she had continued cultivating at the Heavenly Sword Sect, her current achievements would certainly have been limitless.

"This matter, it's all my fault." Ouyang Changgong, who was on the side, suddenly spoke up.

"Your aunt, back then, in order to help me achieve a Breakthrough to the Martial Emperor Realm, she..."

As he spoke, Ouyang Changgong told the past events in detail. To help him break through the Bottleneck, Xiang Ting had exhausted her own cultivation. She even went as far as using forbidden techniques, which ultimately led to her being unable to maintain her status as a Saint.

After hearing this, Xiang Tian's brows furrowed even tighter.

[Host, rest assured. You only need to accumulate 2 million face-slapping points to exchange for a Medicinal Pill that can restore your aunt's cultivation, helping her recover her status as a Saint, or even reach a higher level!]

Xiang Tian secretly grumbled in his heart: "You System, you are really a skinflint, asking for 2 million points right off the bat!"

But even so, he let out a sigh of relief in his heart. As long as there was a way, no matter how many points it took, he could slowly accumulate them.

He stepped forward and tightly grasped Xiang Ting's hand.

"Aunt, don't worry. No matter what the cost, I will find a way to heal you and let you restore your cultivation as a Saint."

Xiang Ting quickly waved her hand, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

"Silly child, don't take it to heart. I am not in any life-threatening danger; whether I can restore my Saint cultivation or not, it doesn't matter. As long as you Cultivate well, take care of yourself, and don't overwork, Aunt will be at ease."

Even without the cultivation of a Saint, her Lifespan was far longer than Ouyang Changgong's. She had no regrets in this life.

As she spoke, her gaze slowly turned to the side.

She called out to Ouyang Yuexi, who was standing there foolishly: "Yuexi, what are you still standing there foolishly for? Your cousin is going on a long journey today to the Heavenly Sword Sect; why don't you know to go forward and see him off?"