We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

People cried for a long time before their emotions calmed down a little.

With the help of everyone, Shopkeeper Hou managed to stand up, wiped his tears with his sleeves, and continued reading with sobs.

The reason why Emperor Qing wanted to announce the edict to the world was to pave the way for Li Che to inherit the throne and establish his indisputable legality.

Therefore, the wording of this will is extremely straightforward, so that even the people at the bottom can understand it at once.

"Although I am dead, my sixth son, Li Che, is a good man, responsible and capable!"

"You common people don't have to panic. He will continue to lead Daqing like I did and let everyone live a good life..."

"If there are those traitors who want to take advantage of my death to stir up trouble, harm the country, and bully you..."

"People! Pick up your sticks and hoes and help your new emperor to kill those traitors!"

These approachable words made the grieving people feel inexplicably close to them.

It was as if the deceased emperor was standing before them, waving his fist to encourage them.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves came from the other end of the street, accompanied by a rude shout:

"Get out of the way! Everyone, get out of the way!"

The cavalrymen carrying command flags were galloping towards them, paying no attention to the pedestrians on the street.

The crowd dodged to the sides in panic.

The leading cavalryman reined in his horse in front of the notice wall and jumped down.

He also held a brand new notice in his hand, and with an arrogant glance at the tearful people present, he announced loudly:

"Convey the imperial decree!"

"His Majesty has passed away, and the whole nation is in mourning..."

"...The eighth prince, Li Ming, is wise and intelligent, prudent and filial, talented in both civil and military affairs, and capable of conquering the seas and mountains. He is destined by heaven!"

"He has ascended the throne before the late emperor's spirit and inherited the great throne!"

When these words were spoken, everyone was stunned again.

Someone blurted out subconsciously, "That's not right! Didn't the edict just now say... that His Royal Highness would succeed to the throne?"

The knight who announced the decree suddenly had a cold look in his eyes. He stared intently at the person who spoke and shouted sternly, "Who? Who is spreading lies to confuse the people?!"

"Li Che murdered the emperor and his father. He is an unforgivable traitor. Everyone in the world has the right to kill him! Who dares to make him emperor? They are his accomplices and will be killed without mercy!"

Hearing this, everyone involuntarily turned their eyes to the city wall.

The cavalryman seemed to realize something and his expression suddenly changed.

He rushed forward and roughly tore the jute paper off the wall. He tore it into pieces in his hands in a few seconds and then threw it hard on the ground.

"This is a false edict! It's the traitor Li Che's conspiracy to usurp the throne!"

"Anyone who dares to spread even a single word of this false edict will be charged with treason and executed immediately!"

The cavalryman looked around fiercely, his tone full of threats.

The people were so frightened that they shrank their necks and lowered their heads, and no one dared to speak.

The cavalryman snorted coldly and posted the ornate edict in his hand on the wall.

He then mounted his horse and rode away with his men.

All that was left were scraps of paper on the ground and a group of confused people.

It was a long time after the cavalry left that the people dared to slowly gather around again.

Looking at the new edict on the wall, their faces were filled with confusion, and they were talking in low voices:

"What...what on earth is going on?"

"Manager Hou, how about... could you take another look at what this new notice says?"

"How did His Royal Highness Prince Feng become a traitor? He was clearly fighting against the Hu people in the north and they dared not come south. He was a good prince."

"Shh! Shut up! Do you want to die? Didn't you hear what that official said just now?!"

The shopkeeper Hou was pushed in front of the imperial edict again.

He stood there silently, his gray brows tightly furrowed, reading every sentence and every word in the new edict word by word.

Its content is completely different from the previous will, even completely contrary to it.

Finally, his gaze moved to the bottom of the edict, to the vermilion seal, and he looked at it for a long time.

This seal doesn't look very old, it looks like it's brand new...

. . . . . .

The fleet arrived at Dalian Port.

Li Che did not stay at the port for long, and rushed all the way to Fengtian City.

It was already evening when we arrived at Fengtian City.

Without summoning any ministers, Li Che walked straight through the palace corridor and went straight to his own bedroom.

As he stepped into that familiar room, fatigue instantly engulfed him.

He didn't even have time to take off his armor. He staggered to the bed, fell down, and fell into a deep sleep in an instant.

Chang Ningxue, Yelu Xian and the three daughters of the Yan family hurried over after hearing the news and gently pushed open the door of the palace.

Li Che on the bed was already snoring heavily and evenly.

They looked at each other, but no one made a sound to disturb him. They walked forward in tacit understanding, unbuckled Li Che's armor, took off his combat boots, and pulled the quilt over him.

After doing all this, they stared at Li Che for a moment before quietly leaving the bedroom.

I slept soundly that night.

When Li Che woke up naturally, the sun was shining brightly outside the window.

He straightened up, rubbed his swollen and aching forehead, and found two huge furry figures, one orange and one white, lying at the foot of the bed, snoring back and forth.

Seeing them, Li Che couldn't help but smile.

He rubbed his head, got up from the bed and pushed open the door of the hall.

Qiu Wen, who had been guarding outside the door, immediately came forward and said, "Your Highness is awake. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." Li Che waved his hand. "Where's Huai En?"

Huai En almost trotted over from the corridor: "Your Highness, I'm here. I've been waiting."

Seeing Huai En, Li Che's thoughts couldn't help but drift away for a moment.

He thought of the old eunuch who stayed in the Changsheng Palace and chose to die with Emperor Qing.

That old fellow was clearly afraid of death, yet at the last moment, he chose to follow Emperor Qing...

However, when you think about it carefully, it doesn't seem surprising.

If Emperor Qing could die of old age, Huang Jin might be able to return home with his savings.

pity......

Li Che shook his head vigorously, getting rid of these messy thoughts.

"Huai En, immediately notify all officials and generals to hold a court meeting in Fengtian Hall! Anyone in the capital must be present!"

"Yes! Your Highness!"

Huai En bowed and accepted the order, then turned around and trotted off to convey the command.

Half an hour later.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, bells and drums rang out.

Important civil and military officials stood solemnly on both sides of the hall according to their ranks.

The hall was silent, and everyone knew that...a storm was coming!

A tall figure with an air of travel dust, stretched out by the sunlight, appeared in everyone's sight.

Li Che walked into the hall step by step, the soles of his boots tapping on the smooth floor, the sound echoing in the hall.

The civil and military officials all lowered their heads, their eyes respectfully following the leather boots as they passed before their eyes until the figure reached the end of the hall.

Li Che turned around in front of the throne, facing the ministers, and slowly scanned every face below.

Huai En took a step forward, took a deep breath, and saluted loudly: "Your Highness has arrived——"

All the ministers bowed in unison, and the roar of joy shook the palace:

"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you!"

Li Che did not immediately ask everyone to stand up as usual.

He was silent, silent.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Che spoke softly:

"Issue a nationwide order..."

"The Fengtian Army enters the pass!"