Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Chapter 313 Big News Tonight

In the third year of Tianze, when the previous emperor ascended the throne, the Jiazi year coincided with the change of reign title to Tiangeng. At that time, the nation prospered, its might so great that neighboring nations bowed to it. The people lived a prosperous and peaceful life, enjoying peace and contentment. However, as time passed, the situation underwent an unexpected change...

At this point, Huangfu Changshui took a sip from his wine glass, as if to calm himself. Zhang Jingwei, sitting nearby, chimed in, "The late emperor passed away thirty years after Tiangeng. During this time, he appointed several crown princes, but they all tragically died young! You've already mentioned this to me."

Huangfu Changshui nodded slightly in agreement, then lowered his voice and said, "But the crown prince doesn't necessarily have to be the prince! Those twenty-odd princes all died mysteriously without exception!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei was shocked and blurted out: "My dear mother!"

This is even more miserable than Song Renzong! His eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.

Huangfu Changshui sighed deeply and continued to narrate the heartbreaking past: "Since then, the Empress couldn't bear such a heavy blow, and her mental state deteriorated, eventually becoming devastated. Later, she even lost her mind and was imprisoned in the Tianguan. As for whether she is alive or dead now, no one knows." After a brief pause, Huangfu Changshui suddenly changed the subject, "In his later years, the late emperor secretly summoned your father and issued a secret decree!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded and took over the conversation, saying, "I already know what happened next. After receiving the imperial edict, my father rushed to the north without stopping! I believe his purpose must be to find the late emperor's son in the north!"

A hint of appreciation flashed in Huangfu Changshui's eyes, and he smiled and replied, "Yes, that's right."

Zhang Jingwei asked anxiously, "Have you found it?" His eyes were fixed on Huangfu Changshui in front of him, as if he wanted to see some clues from the other's expression.

Huangfu Changshui's face was solemn, and he said slowly: "Too many people have died for this answer. Even your father... was unfortunately among them!" He sighed softly, with deep regret in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingwei shuddered slightly, his face turning pale. After a moment's silence, he muttered to himself, "Actually, I've even suspected that the so-called adopted child might actually be me. But after careful calculation, I realize that the adopted child must have been born before the year of Renchen. I wasn't born until the year of Xinchou, a full eight years later."

Huangfu Changshui glanced at Zhang Jingwei, shook his head helplessly, and said, "This is the will left by the late emperor. As for other matters, my knowledge is really limited."

Zhang Jingwei frowned, staring into Huangfu Changshui's eyes, and questioned, "Are you really just unaware? Or are you simply unwilling to tell me the truth?"

Huangfu Changshui met Zhang Jingwei's gaze and answered frankly, "You now know everything I need to know. So, why are you suddenly asking me about this?"

Zhang Jingwei took a deep breath, calmed himself down a bit, and continued, "It's because there's a tablet dedicated to the late emperor at home. Ever since I can remember, my father has been worshipping it devoutly. It's a rather ridiculous misunderstanding. On the day of my wedding, my sixth uncle searched everywhere for my father's tablet, but couldn't find it. In the end, he found the tablet of the late emperor instead!"

Huangfu Changshui couldn't help but sigh after hearing this, "Your father was truly a loyal minister! It's a shame that he was ultimately charged with treason."

Zhang Jingwei gritted his teeth and said to Huangfu Changshui gratefully, "Thank you!"

Huangfu Changshui waved his hand and asked doubtfully, "What's there to thank me for?"

Zhang Jingwei said with a determined look, "I seem to have found my next goal."

Huangfu Changshui, who was standing by, couldn't help but frown when he heard this and asked anxiously, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Zhang Jingwei clenched his fists tightly and said through gritted teeth, "I must find that unfortunate prince and have him redress the injustice done to my father!"

Huangfu Changshui quickly reached out and pressed Zhang Jingwei's shoulder, earnestly admonishing him, "Don't keep messing around like this. Wasn't what I said before clear enough? Too many people have died because of this. So, I really don't want to see anything happen to you or Ling'er."

However, Zhang Jingwei responded confidently, "Rest assured, father-in-law. From what I've heard, the prince is currently safe. If I'm not mistaken, he should be in Rong territory. Furthermore, I remember my father once reached a deal with the Khan of the Rong tribe, but even my sixth uncle has kept the details of the deal a secret, refusing to reveal them to me. The more secretive they are, the more I feel there's something fishy going on. If the truth were so easily revealed, it would be rather dull."

Hearing this, Huangfu Changshui shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Alas, you young and energetic children, why are you so unwilling to listen to the advice of your elders?"

Zhang Jingwei, however, smiled disapprovingly and retorted, "If you're obedient, are you still a young man?"

For a moment, Huangfu Changshui was speechless. After a moment's silence, the two looked at each other and then burst into laughter. Then, they raised their glasses and drank several glasses of wine with great enthusiasm.

Suddenly Zhang Jingwei thought of something and muttered, "Hey, something is not right. The person sitting on the throne now..."

Huangfu Changshui's face was solemn, and he lowered his voice and replied, "That's the eldest son of Prince Liang, and also the legitimate grandson of the late emperor!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "If that's the case, why not let Prince Liang ascend the throne directly? Given his status and position, it should be a natural progression."

Huangfu Changshui sighed softly and explained, "While Prince Liang undoubtedly possessed lofty ambitions to govern the country and bring peace to the nation, he unfortunately suffered from a disability that limited his mobility. Despite this, after the previous emperor's passing, he bravely stepped forward to assume the position of regent, and it was thanks to this that our Celestial Empire was able to maintain stability for several years. However, Prince Liang tragically passed away shortly after the birth of the current emperor. Since then, the Celestial Empire has been plunged into unrest and chaos."

Zhang Jingwei nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly had an idea. He said to Huangfu Changshui with a playful smile, "Ah, father-in-law, in my opinion, it would be better for you to rebel and invade the capital. If you have no children, then I would be happy to take on the position of crown prince."

Before he could finish his words, Huangfu Changshui unexpectedly responded: "Actually... I have a son..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingwei was so frightened that he started coughing non-stop, "Cough cough cough...what...what!?" He looked at Huangfu Changshui in disbelief, his face full of astonishment and surprise.