The Seven Princesses' Journey Across Time

The ministers were stunned by the imperial edict, each one gaping in astonishment, at a loss for words. They looked at each other, their hearts filled with confusion and shock. Some even wondered if they had heard correctly.

"No, is the emperor crazy? Or has he been bewitched by Prince Yu?" A minister muttered to himself, with a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Another minister echoed, "Yes, he's in the prime of his life, why would he abdicate so suddenly? And it's not even a prince ascending the throne, which would be fine, but Qingshu is a woman, how could she be emperor? This is outrageous!"

The ministers began to discuss the matter, their voices growing louder and louder, and the entire court became noisy and chaotic. Some thought it was a farce, while others thought the emperor might have been under some kind of pressure or threat, but no one dared to easily believe this sudden decision.

Finally, a minister stood up and respectfully said to the emperor, "Your Majesty, please reconsider and revoke your order."

The other ministers also echoed the minister's opinion, expressing their support. They hoped that the emperor would reconsider this decision to ensure the stability and development of the country. However, the emperor did not respond to their request. He just sat quietly on the dragon throne, looking forward with a determined look.

The atmosphere in the court was tense and solemn. The ministers wore serious expressions and furrowed brows, clearly taking the issue very seriously. Many stood up to express their opposition, their words fierce and their emotions agitated.

"Your Majesty is in his prime, in good health and full of energy, and is fully capable of continuing to govern the country. We should believe that he can lead us to a better future," said an old minister.

Another minister echoed, "Indeed! The country is now prosperous, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. It is far too early to discuss the succession. We should give Your Majesty more time to handle government affairs and make the country more prosperous and strong."

However, these words were not recognized by everyone. Some people believed that although Prince Yu was not the emperor's biological child, her achievements were outstanding and worthy of a trial.

"Prince Yu has made great military achievements and has made great contributions to the country. Her talents and wisdom are recognized by everyone. If she can become the next emperor, it may bring new development opportunities to the country." A young official expressed his opinion.

But many more people firmly opposed Prince Yu's succession to the throne. They believed that the succession to the throne should follow the orthodox system and could not be changed at will. As a woman and of a different family name, Prince Yu was not eligible to inherit the throne.

"The succession to the throne is the foundation of the country. How can it be easily changed? Although Prince Yu has military merits, she is a woman after all and cannot shoulder the responsibility of leading the country." An old minister said passionately.

Faced with the overwhelming opposition, the voices supporting Prince Yu seemed weak. The entire court was plunged into chaos, with various opinions arguing endlessly.

At this time, another minister also stood up and echoed: "Your Majesty, since ancient times, it is rare for women to be in power. This hens crowing at dawn will probably cause turmoil in the court and the country, and unrest in the country!" However, the voices of opposition from the court officials continued to rise one after another.

Emperor Qianlong sat on the dragon throne, looking solemnly at the quarrel among his ministers. He sighed inwardly: these ministers were indeed loyal to him, but it was a pity that he had to abdicate in accordance with the will of heaven.

Emperor Qianlong turned to look at Qing'er, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. "Prince Yu, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Qing'er looked directly at Emperor Qianlong fearlessly, her eyes firm and clear. She whispered, "Uncle Emperor, what did my Mother Goddess tell you?"

When Emperor Qianlong heard Qing'er's words, his expression changed slightly. He immediately sat up straight and looked at Qing'er in surprise: "You...you actually know your own origins?"

Qing'er smiled slightly and nodded, "When the Mother Goddess came to see me last night, she told me everything."

When Qianlong heard this, a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. If what the Heavenly Emperor said was true, then who would be the emperor? And if it was someone from the Aisin-Gioro clan, then everything would be easy.

He then said firmly, "My mind is made up. You need not say anything more. This is the will of Heaven, and we must obey it. The imperial decree has been issued, and the matter is settled. The Imperial Astronomical Observatory should quickly select an auspicious day for the new emperor to ascend the throne. Court is dismissed!"

Li Yu shouted loudly: "Dismiss the court!"

The ministers watched the emperor's departing back, knowing that there was no turning back. They shook their heads and sighed. Then, they all looked towards where Qing'er had just stood, only to find that she had vanished without a trace.

Upon hearing this news, everyone in the harem found it incredible, like a fairy tale. After all, no matter what, they could not have imagined that Qing'er would inherit the throne. Even if it was the Fifth Prince, Yongqi, who took the throne, they would not be so shocked and unable to accept it. Although Concubine Ling was puzzled, she was fine with it. After all, she didn't have a son yet, and she shouldn't be the one who should be worried anyway. She just felt that she had failed to please the emperor for so many years, but being able to live a better life was a comfort.

The most indignant person was undoubtedly the Empress. Her Twelfth Prince was a legitimate heir to the throne. However, the Emperor was now determined to pass the throne to Qing'er, leaving the Empress filled with confusion and anger.

The Queen sat in her bedroom, her face gloomy as if water could drip out of it, the silk handkerchief tightly clenched in her hand already crumpled into a ball. Her eyes revealed endless anger and unwillingness, and she secretly pondered how to deal with this sudden change.

"How could the Emperor be so foolish!" the Empress said through gritted teeth, her voice low and suppressed, filled with dissatisfaction and resentment towards the Emperor. "My son is the legitimate heir to the throne. That Qing'er is just an insignificant woman. How could she dare to covet the throne?"

Rong Mama stood aside, hesitant to speak. She knew very well that Qing'er was no ordinary woman. Not only was she a martial arts expert, capable of expanding territory, but her literary attainments were enough to outshine any other prince. However, seeing the Empress so furious, she didn't know whether to speak or not.

The queen's personal maids stood cautiously by, not daring to breathe, for fear of bringing bad luck to the queen.

The queen stood up and paced back and forth in frustration, her mind racing. She knew that if she didn't take action, her son would lose his chance to inherit the throne forever. She absolutely could not tolerate this happening.

"No, I can't just sit there and wait for death." The Queen stopped, looked into the distance with a determined gaze, and said in a resolute tone. "I must find a way to make the Emperor change his mind and let my son ascend the throne."