"In the past, no one dared to act recklessly because the Emperor was wise and the Empress was virtuous.
"But in the future, it’s hard to say. Everyone knows the Emperor’s health is failing, but if the heir is clear, those with ulterior motives will also not dare to act recklessly, knowing that the meritorious officials and generals of the court will support the new monarch.
"Now, however, the whole world knows that King Yan is not of imperial blood, and giving the throne to him will be difficult to convince the populace.
"Those who dared not have wild ideas will certainly seize the opportunity to act."
Yang Yi furrowed his brows and looked at him for a long time before slowly sitting down.
Only then did the others follow suit and sit down.
Liang Zhi called for a guard to come in and pour wine, then said, "Even before the issue of the heir arose, Xu Yin had already colluded with the He Family to stir up trouble.
"Who knows how many demons and monsters will be provoked once this news spreads.
"However, we, who have followed the Emperor in conquering the world, are loyal to him no matter what. Even if it means sacrificing a few more lives, we must safeguard the fortune of our Great Zhou.
"Mr. Yang, you’ve had a hard journey. Don’t worry about the palace matters for now. Come, let’s have a couple of drinks first."
Yang Yi glanced at him upon hearing this.
He Zhao, who was standing behind, also glanced at Liang Zhi.
Matters of the palace were like the affairs of one’s parents, even if he didn’t intend to return to inherit the throne or acknowledge that father, he was a true gentleman who thought for the people. How could he not be worried upon hearing such news? How could he still drink?
Yet, it seemed everyone held the same understanding. After Liang Zhi raised his wine cup, everyone else followed suit and drank.
"Mr. Yang, you were truly formidable on the battlefield. A toast to you!" Cheng Chili raised his cup to Yang Yi, "With your skills, why not come to the Capital Camp to serve as a commander? After all, you don’t plan to return to the palace. Just join us in safeguarding the nation!"
Yang Yi felt choked for a moment.
He looked up at this rather bullish fellow, downed his drink in one gulp, then reached for the nearest roasted duck, tore off a leg, and ate it silently.
A table full of people: Liang Zhi, Cheng Chili, Pei Zhan, along with two generals under the Pei family, all watched him.
Yang Yi pointed with the duck leg at the full table of dishes: "Aren’t you hungry?"
Only then did everyone avert their gaze, coughed twice, and started picking up their chopsticks one after another.
After finishing the duck leg, Yang Yi had three more drinks with Pei Zhan, then ate two bowls of rice with the dishes.
Throughout, it was hard to discern any unusual behavior from him; even the serious expression he had when entering had eventually faded away.
Before leaving the table, everyone discussed their upcoming plans. After dispersing, Liang Zhi waited for Yang Yi to leave first, then secretly pulled Pei Zhan into a room.
"Do you think His Highness will compromise?"
Pei Zhan glanced at him: "Why ’compromise’? Why force anyone?"
Liang Zhi grew anxious: "Because Great Zhou needs a monarch! And he is formidable, brave, and intelligent.
"At first, I didn’t take much stock in what everyone said about the ten-year-old eldest prince, but having seen him in battle, I dare to say that even if the deposed Crown Prince were alive and righteous, he wouldn’t compare to this one!
"Just for his concern for the people and his care for Great Zhou, it shows he values the sacrifices of countless soldiers who built Great Zhou!
"For that reason alone, he is the most suitable to be the new monarch of Great Zhou! And now, only he can settle the current chaos!"
This speech made Pei Zhan’s brows furrow with concern: "We still don’t know the situation at court! And we can’t possibly force someone to ascend the throne, can we? Everyone has their own choices, so why insist?"
Didn’t Pei Zhan think the same way as them?
But if, as Liang Zhi suggested, they were to coerce someone into power, Fu Zhen wouldn’t agree, would she?
Although she had promised not to leave, they were not married in the true sense yet, having not consummated. He didn’t want to oppose her before consulting her.
"You! You’re just a henpecked husband! You’ve forgotten everything since you got a wife. I was wrong about you before!"
Liang Zhi suddenly shot him an irritated glance, then pushed him out of his own doorway and slammed the door shut with a bang.
Pei Zhan looked at Jiang Lin behind him, utterly perplexed.
Jiang Lin coughed awkwardly: "You just said it. You said you were afraid that if the Young Madam found out about setting a trap for Mr. Yang, you’d get beaten..."
Pei Zhan: ...