Yang Chuxia glanced over and noticed that the Emperorās hand gripping the wine cup had a bulging vein.
"Who is that?" Yang Chuxia quietly asked Dongyang, as if she had never seen this person at the palace banquet before.
"Thatās the Imperial Censor," Dongyang replied. "He was promoted at the beginning of the year. Itās said that he was raised up because he dares to speak his mind, and thatās why the Emperor promoted him. He used to be a small official of the fifth rank."
"A fifth-ranked small official?" Yang Chuxia was puzzled. "How did the Emperor notice him?"
To be a court minister, one must be at least of the third rank. If one is not of court rank, how would the Emperor even remember such a minor official from the Capital City?
"Recommended by the Tong Family."
"I see."
Their voices were very low, and everyone else was focused on the middle of the hall, so no one paid attention to the two of them.
"Your Majesty, I also believe it would be best to establish a Crown Prince early!" The Heir of Prince He also emerged, and as the Clan Chief of the Baili Family, he naturally thought it best to choose a successor early. "Your Majesty, throughout the years of Great Zhou, every previous emperorās enthronement has not been easy. Upon closer inspection, isnāt it always the case that the princes are already grown, and the Eastern Palace remains vacant?"
"I think we should choose the heir early to extinguish othersā ambitions and focus resources on nurturing the Crown Prince," said the Heir of Prince He.
After the Heir of Prince He spoke, a few more people came forward to suggest selecting a Crown Prince.
In fact, Baili Yan had considered the matter of selecting a Crown Prince while in Ning City, but choosing one actively and being suggested to choose one felt different.
"Who do you think should be made Crown Prince?" Baili Yan asked.
After dropping this question, no one spoke because they all wanted to avoid being the first to state their support, fearing the consequences of standing out.
Seeing the silence, Baili Yan said, "Since none of you have thought it through, go back, consider the matter carefully, and present your recommendation on who should be the Crown Prince at the morning court meeting for discussion between the emperor and ministers."
"Yes!"
"..."
The ministers were pleased and restless; the Emperor had agreed to establish a Crown Prince, and who wouldnāt be tempted by the prospect of the next emperor?
Yet, it was unclear which prince the Emperor favored.
Those without factions thought it would be ideal to understand the Emperorās intention and align themselves accordingly in advance.
Those with factions pondered how to sway the Emperor to favor the prince they supported.
Having discussed the matter of establishing the Crown Prince, they thought they could continue drinking. But who knew the Heir of Prince He would again lead the conversation, urging the Emperor to choose a consort!
This was yet another significant matter, provoking even greater interest among those with daughters.
Ye Ziāan watched the people in the hall and almost couldnāt hold back his laughter.
"Brother, youāre laughing." He managed to restrain himself, but Lele couldnāt help it and was pointed out by Yangyang, "What are you laughing at?"
"Donāt speak." Lele gave him a light smack, "Iāll tell you when weāre home."
"Oh!" Yangyang nodded and noticed Chengcheng holding a large crab, uncertain how to crack it open.
"Let me help you!"
Chengcheng beamed a bright smile.
The crab shell was removed, and the meat was picked out with care, dipped in vinegar, "Go ahead and eat; Iāll help you crack open another one when youāre done."
"Thank you, brother!"
Yangyang glanced at him and asked, "How about coming to my house tonight?"
Chengcheng turned to look at Mu Shaoling, signaling with his eyes, is it okay?
Mu Shaolingās eye twitched; he pretended not to see the signal. Without calling him āfather,ā donāt even think heād agree.
However, Chengcheng didnāt plan on seeking his opinion at all. "Iām going to your house!"
"Alright, Iāll ask the Old Poison Master to teach you poison arts later."