501: Emperor Ming's Changes

At the thought of this, the four of them felt a bit anxious, even a little panicked. They knew that military power and warfare were the Foundation of their participation in the struggle for the succession. If both were stripped away, they would lose their Foundation, and what would they have left to compete with others in the future?

Speaking of which, among the princes, besides the four of them, there were actually many Geniuses. For instance, the Thirteenth Prince, Prince Zhao, recently seemed to be highly favored by the Emperor, and his prestige in the military was growing day by day. Moreover, his Tiangong Group had recently provided many good things for the Great Ming, even supplying the front lines with giant god cannons, High Grade Profound Weapons, and the Ten Thousand Soldiers Gathering Profound Formation during this national-level war against the Sea Race. The fact that the front lines could achieve victory in the first battle was likely due in no small part to the weapons he provided...

In addition, with the arrival of the age of cultivation, many immortal seedlings had already appeared among the descendants of several princes. These men, being incapable themselves, would surely invest most of their resources into the great cause of nurturing these immortal seedlings. Perhaps in a few years, one or two figures on the level of Prince An would emerge. By then, wouldn't they themselves have become the waves of the past, destined to be slapped to death on the shore by the waves of the future?

This was the important reason why the four powerful princes, including Prince Rui, were currently both anxious and panicked. They all understood the principle that gaining a head start meant staying ahead at every step; only by securing a sliver of an advantage now could they possibly lay a solid Foundation for their future development!

Thinking of this, Prince Ding was the first to lose his composure. He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Congratulations, Imperial Father! This son has something to say, though I do not know if it is appropriate to speak."

Emperor Ming glanced at him and said, "Speak!"

"Imperial Father, this son knows that I was derelict in my duty while stationed at Dingyuan City not long ago. Lately, I have felt deeply guilty and yearn to serve the country and share your burdens, Imperial Father! Here, I implore you, Imperial Father, to give me a chance to lead troops to the front lines to battle the Sea Race. I am willing to sign a military pledge: I will not retreat until the Sea Race is defeated, and I am willing to stake my life for the Great Ming!!!" Prince Ding said passionately. His words were filled with emotion, moving those who heard them and disheartening his enemies. Everyone looked toward Emperor Ming...

Emperor Ming was silent for a moment before calmly saying, "I know your intentions! However, the task for you few is to guard Shuntian Prefecture. This is the heart of our Great Ming, and it cannot tolerate even the slightest mishap! Regardless of how the front lines fare, or how the world fares, as long as Shuntian Prefecture remains, the Great Ming will remain, and the people of the Great Ming will have a place to turn to... Therefore, do not mention requesting to fight again. Instead, if you are concerned about the front lines, why not bring out more supplies from your estates and send them to Shanhai Pass and Linhai City, so that the soldiers on the front lines can be better provided for!!!"

"Huu—" A sound of exhaling, so faint it was hard to hear, rose in the imperial court. Everyone widened their eyes, unable to believe that Emperor Ming would actually say such things. Anyone with a slightly active mind could hear that Emperor Ming clearly did not want these four princes, who were participating in the struggle for the succession, to be involved in the war!

Why on earth was this?!

One had to know that Emperor Ming had previously tacitly approved of their struggle for the succession. Moreover, he himself had openly retreated to the background, living a reclusive life, allowing Prince Rui to take over some court affairs, and letting Prince Ding, Prince Lu, and Prince Gong recruit court officials, build influence, and compete with each other. He had even adopted a rather tolerant attitude toward some of the more extreme actions these four had taken. Clearly, this was a sign that he wanted to gradually hand over imperial power and fade out of the court. Why, then, had his attitude changed so drastically now, to the point where he wouldn't even give these four a chance to lead troops into battle?!

Everyone knew that military power was the Foundation of governance and rule; if Emperor Ming did not give them military power, they would basically have no chance!

Prince Ding's face turned livid. He had never expected that his performance would not have the slightest effect; on the contrary, he had received an even more explicit rejection from his Imperial Father!

He was even asked to bring out supplies to support the front lines. Wasn't that just asking him to fund the enemy?

What a fine method to weaken oneself and strengthen others!

Anger surged in his heart, but in the full view of everyone, he dared not explode. He had to suppress the fire in his heart and said hoarsely, "This son understands! This son will definitely organize supplies to be sent to the front lines, and will never let the soldiers on the front lines suffer from a lack of supplies!"

"Very good! You people enjoy the treatment of princes in your daily lives, and a considerable portion of the Great Ming's tax revenue is spent on supporting your extravagance. Now that the country is in trouble and soldiers on the front lines are bleeding and sacrificing, do you still have the nerve to continue enjoying your luxurious lives? I hope you can all make a statement today. Everyone, bring out a portion of your estate's savings to send to the front lines. Doing so will also set an example for the officials and the people. The Great Ming is currently facing a great disaster, and everyone has a responsibility to fulfill their obligations. Those with money should contribute money, and those with strength should contribute strength, so as to ensure that our logistics work does not falter or drag us down. As long as we are united from top to bottom and work together, I believe we will definitely be able to repel the Sea Race and restore a bright, peaceful, and prosperous Great Ming!!!" Emperor Ming said loudly.

"His Majesty is wise! We will naturally assist the front lines!!!"

Everyone shouted in unison, their emotions stirred. For a moment, the imperial court turned into a meeting for making pledges. Everyone announced their donation contents in public, which drew bursts of cheers and applause, and this gradually evolved into a competition of donations...

In the military camp in Southern Yue City, Long Yuan and the others watched the somewhat unexpected scene in the imperial court, and they were all stunned!

Especially the three clan elders, Qi Xuming, Geng Nanfeng, and Xu Chuanzhong; their eyes were fixed intently on Emperor Ming, as if they wanted to see something extraordinary in his expression and words...

Because Emperor Ming's performance was far beyond their expectations!

This Emperor Ming was much more spirited than they remembered, and his words were unexpected. Not only did he refuse Prince Ding's request to fight, but he also required all princes and officials to participate in the donations. In the past, this was something that would absolutely never have happened, but today, such a thing was happening right before their eyes!

The three men's mouths were wide open, forming circles, and they couldn't close them for a long time...

The two young women, Qi Lanfang and Geng Miaoxiang, were also eye-opened by the scene before them. Although they were not interested in court affairs, as Geniuses focused on by their Family, they naturally had some exposure to them. After seeing what happened in the Great Ming imperial court today, they also vaguely sensed that the Great Ming's court politics seemed to have undergone some unknown change. This change was so great that even their Old Ancestor had not foreseen it, which showed that there must be some astonishing inside story. Then, what could this inside story that caused such a major change in Emperor Ming's decision-making be?

Their eyes darted around and suddenly both rested on the young figure sitting calmly to the side. Their pupils could not help but constrict, and they thought to themselves, "How can he be so calm? Could it be that he knows something?"