Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

Just as Xiao Muyao returned to the Prince Rui's residence after court, the official decree establishing the heir apparent was issued.

Xiao Muyao and Lingyan led the entire household in the main hall to receive the imperial edict.

Of course, the two of them were standing, while everyone else was kneeling.

The class system in ancient times was so clearly defined.

At this moment, Eunuch Yuan was dressed in an extremely magnificent palace robe and held the bright yellow imperial edict that symbolized supreme authority.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, he slowly unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud in a loud and clear voice: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have been blessed by Heaven and have been in charge of the world. I have devoted myself to the long-term prosperity of our dynasty. Now, I hereby establish an heir apparent to ensure the stability of the country and the well-being of the people."

Prince Rui, Xiao Muyao, is a man of both virtue and talent, benevolent and magnanimous. He is capable of governing the country and securing peace, and of conquering battlefields with unparalleled military prowess. With a heart for all the people and lofty ambitions, he is truly the one whom the people desire. Therefore, he is hereby appointed Crown Prince, with the hope that he will be strict with himself, uphold the law, have the world in his heart, be loyal to the emperor and love the people, and bring blessings to all living beings.

Eunuch Yuan paused slightly, then turned his gaze to Xiao Muyao, who stood to one side with an imposing air, his eyes revealing a hint of awe and respect.

Then, he raised his voice again and said in a booming tone: "There is also Lingyan, the descendant of a loyal minister. She comes from a prestigious family, is virtuous and gentle, and has outstanding talent."

Lingyan and Crown Prince Xiao Muyao are deeply in love and their affection is unwavering; they are a match made in heaven. Therefore, Lingyan is hereby appointed Crown Princess, to be united with the Crown Prince for a hundred years, to cultivate virtue together, to assist the Crown Prince, and to jointly govern the realm.

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Eunuch Yuan respectfully closed it with both hands and carefully handed it to Xiao Muyao: "Your Highness, please accept the edict."

With a solemn and dignified expression, Xiao Muyao strode forward, solemnly accepted the imperial edict with both hands, and said in a clear voice: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations, and devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

Lingyan gracefully bowed, her voice clear and melodious yet firm: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness. I will certainly uphold the virtues of a woman, strictly abide by the palace rules, assist the Crown Prince, and dare not slacken in the slightest."

Everyone in the hall shouted in unison, "Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Congratulations, Crown Princess!"

For a time, the joyful and respectful cheers echoed throughout the Prince Rui's residence, lingering for a long time.

After Eunuch Yuan and his entourage left, Ling Yan looked at Xiao Muyao with a bright smile and said, "Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Xiao Muyao looked at her with a beaming smile and said, "Congratulations, Your Highness the Crown Princess!"

………………

After returning to the Prince Su's residence, the Fourth Prince locked himself in his room without saying a word.

Although Zeng Qi was very worried, she knew that the prince had to get through this on his own and that he had to overcome it on his own.

So she offered no advice or comfort, but simply prepared three meals a day and placed them at the door.

The fourth prince remained in seclusion for a full ten days.

He got himself completely drunk to numb himself and stop thinking about it.

But no matter how drunk he got, his mind remained clear.

He was unwilling, disappointed, and frustrated.

He mocked himself for being less skilled and hated that he had become the loser.

All his efforts over the years have become a joke, and he feels he has no idea how to support himself and get back on his feet.

He has lost that drive.

What he always wanted was not the throne, but the desire to surpass everyone else's heart.

He was unwilling to be subordinate to others, and unwilling to be inferior to others.

But now it turns out that he really can't compare to others.

He lost to someone he could never surpass from beginning to end.

He hid himself in the shadows, his face obscure, making it impossible for anyone to discern his true thoughts.

All that is known is that ten days later he opened the door himself and walked out calmly…

The other princes reacted differently.

Those who have no ambition to become heirs naturally don't care.

Anyway, they always knew who would eventually inherit the throne.

Therefore, their reactions after learning about this were all very calm.

However, the princes who coveted the throne were indignant.

Why?

Why is he still sixth in the end?

Does the Emperor only have the sixth son in his eyes and heart?

They were angry, they were anxious, they were indignant, they were resentful.

They still wouldn't give up.

He was merely made crown prince.

Throughout history, how many crown princes have successfully ascended to the throne?

It was all the other princes who ultimately succeeded.

They still have a chance, and a very good chance!

So, Sixth Brother, we'll see!

………………

Now that Xiao Muyao is the Crown Prince, he should move into the Eastern Palace.

However, both Lingyan and Xiao Muyao said they didn't want to move and that it was fine to keep things as they were.

One must be freedom and not being controlled.

Secondly, he had grown accustomed to living in the Prince Rui's Mansion and did not want to leave.

So Xiao Muyao explained to Emperor Jingzhao that he did not want to move into the Eastern Palace.

Emperor Jingzhao offered a few words of advice, but seeing that the man had made up his mind, he agreed to the matter.

However, although they don't need to move into the Eastern Palace, the staff of the Eastern Palace still need to be fully staffed.

The three tutors of the Crown Prince—Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Protector—were primarily responsible for teaching the Crown Prince the proper conduct between ruler and subject, moral norms, and providing him with comprehensive instruction and assistance.

The Grand Chamberlain was in charge of the affairs of the Eastern Palace, similar to the Ministry of Personnel in the imperial court, and was responsible for the administrative work of the Eastern Palace.

The positions of Left Vice-Chancellor, Middle Advisor, and Director of the Imperial Secretariat were similar to officials in the Secretariat, responsible for attending to the Crown Prince, assisting with ceremonies, refuting the Crown Prince's orders, and reporting to the emperor.

The Left Imperial Tutor and the Left Grand Master of Remonstrance were mainly responsible for instructing and admonishing the Crown Prince, equivalent to the Left Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and the Left Grand Master of Remonstrance in the Secretariat.

The tutor instructed the crown prince in politics, literature, and other subjects.

The Grand Physician of the Crown Prince's Palace was in charge of guarding the Crown Prince's palace.

The attendants were responsible for guarding the Eastern Palace and could also serve as secretaries and servants.

The Crown Prince's advisors were responsible for assisting with etiquette and advising the Crown Prince on his mistakes.

The head of the household is responsible for managing the daily affairs of the Crown Prince's palace, including food and finances.

The Chief of the Imperial Household Department was responsible for managing matters such as water clocks and rituals in the Eastern Palace.

The servant was in charge of the Crown Prince's carriages, horses, ceremonial guards, and so on.

The Left and Right Guards were responsible for commanding the guards of the Eastern Palace and ensuring its security.

The scholars of Chongwen Hall were responsible for managing the Eastern Palace's library, collecting and organizing books.

The attendants and lecturers were responsible for explaining classics and historical books to the crown prince and tutoring him in his studies.

Yishan was responsible for correcting the Crown Prince's mistakes and assisting him in cultivating good character and habits.

The Crown Prince's Chamberlain assists the Chamberlain in handling the specific affairs of the Eastern Palace.

The clerk was responsible for handling documents, archives, and other management tasks.

Emperor Jingzhao had already been keeping an eye on these positions and had already selected the candidates.

Therefore, everyone took office within just a few days.

With so many new people at the Prince Rui's residence, every day is incredibly busy and lively.

The usual tranquility was gone.

However, these are all normal and necessary things, and Lingyan has adapted to them well.