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

Finally, he stood before the crowd, his hands trembling as he unfurled the scroll.

The voice was choked with sobs and choked with emotion, yet the speaker tried to make each word clear: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have inherited the great mandate and ruled over all the lands for decades, through countless seasons, with unwavering diligence and concern. Now, my health is failing, and my illness is incurable. The responsibility for the nation and its people cannot be delayed. Crown Prince Xiao Muyao is kind and benevolent, virtuous and cultivated, wise and intelligent from a young age, and renowned for his filial piety and brotherly love."

"Since childhood, he has devoted himself to the classics and history, and has studied the principles of governance for many years. His conduct is upright and he is a model for the world. Now I have decided to pass the throne to the Crown Prince, so that he may succeed to the throne, inherit the imperial lineage, and rule over the nine provinces. I hope that you, the civil and military officials, the imperial relatives and vassals, will devote yourselves to assisting the new emperor, supporting the country, and jointly building a great and prosperous empire. Do not fail my high expectations. Respectfully yours!"

Upon hearing this decree, no one showed any surprise on their face.

After all, it was something that was expected.

They all lowered their heads and shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise; we obey your decree."

In this atmosphere that was either sorrowful or submissive.

Only the Fourth Prince's lips curled up slightly, revealing a relieved, bitter smile.

That smile was full of relief.

His eyes were as deep as an ancient pool, calm yet teeming with a deathly stillness.

And the eldest prince, his face flushed red, with veins bulging on his forehead.

His hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white, as if he wanted to squeeze all the resentment and anger in his heart into his palms.

Upon hearing the decree, Xiao Muyao remained calm and composed, showing neither fear nor smugness.

He first took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, then lifted his robe and slowly knelt down, his movements steady and solemn.

Its back is straight, like a proud pine tree.

With his head slightly lowered and his hands clasped above his head, his voice was clear and firm: "Your subject is entrusted by Your Majesty and will certainly devote himself wholeheartedly, working day and night, to following Your Majesty's sacred teachings, upholding the virtues of benevolence and filial piety, respecting Heaven and Earth and the gods above, caring for the common people below, guarding the territory of our dynasty, and revitalizing our nation. Even if there are thousands of difficulties and dangers, I will never back down and will not fail the expectations of our ancestors."

After speaking, he touched his forehead to the ground and performed a deep bow.

Then, Xiao Muyao slowly stood up, his clothes fluttering lightly, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his head held high and chest out, exuding the aura of a king.

His gaze was firm and profound. Facing the assembled officials, he was composed and dignified, exuding an aura of authority without anger. His every move already revealed the demeanor of an emperor.

Emperor Jingzhao, barely managing to stay upright, turned his head slightly and focused his gaze with difficulty on Xiao Muyao.

Those originally cloudy and dim eyes suddenly became bright, like a candle making its last leap before burning out.

His lips curled up slightly into a smile, a smile brimming with the joy of decades of anticipation finally coming to fruition.

Looking at the son she had carefully nurtured and on whom she had placed high hopes, a wave of joy welled up in her heart.

Every wrinkle seemed to be etched with trust and approval for her son.

At this moment, he felt completely at ease, as if he had reassured himself of the burdens of his life and his soul had found peace.

The smile and relief in his eyes became his final, affectionate gaze upon Xiao Muyao, and also upon the future of this dynasty.

Then, Emperor Jingzhao, though weak in breath, still exuded an undeniable majesty and slowly said, "All my beloved ministers and members of the imperial clan, please withdraw from the hall for the time being."

Though his words were soft, they resonated like a great bell in everyone's ears.

Upon hearing this, all the civil and military officials bowed in unison and then filed out.

His steps were steady but could not conceal his solemnity, and the sound of his robes rustling echoed in the silent palace.

The members of the imperial clan dared not be negligent and respectfully withdrew in turn.

Afterwards, Emperor Jingzhao also expelled all the concubines except for the Empress and Consort Li.

Besides them, all that remained were his children and their respective families.

At this moment, Emperor Jingzhao lay on his dragon bed, surrounded by flickering candlelight, the light and shadow shimmering on his haggard face.

He slowly surveyed his children gathered before him, his eyes filled with love and reluctance. After a long while, he finally managed to open his mouth with difficulty.

"My sons and princesses, my time is coming to an end; this is my destiny."

His voice was hoarse yet dignified: "Sixth Prince, as the king, you should take the world as your responsibility, care for the common people, make good use of the virtuous and capable, and not act arrogantly. There are undercurrents in the court, so you must use both kindness and severity to ensure the stability of our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Muyao's expression turned solemn and dignified, his eyes filled with sincerity and determination as he said, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my heart and I will never forget them. I will certainly defend our land and protect our people, ensuring the eternal stability of our dynasty and the peace and tranquility of the land, so as not to fail Your Majesty's trust."

Xiao Muyao spoke earnestly, his tone steady and powerful.

Every word seemed to be a vow bursting forth from the depths of his heart, echoing throughout the palace and demonstrating the future monarch's responsibility and spirit.

Emperor Jingzhao nodded slightly upon seeing this, his eyes filled with appreciation and relief.

Those eyes, which had been clouded by serious illness, now seemed to be shining brightly.

Then, with difficulty, he turned his gaze to Lingyan and slowly said, "Sixth brother's wife, you have extraordinary talent. Although I have always felt that you are unfathomable and difficult to understand, I have always had unwavering faith in you because you have a strong sense of righteousness and are devoted to your country. Your past actions have all made unparalleled contributions to our Great Zhao."

"Now that I am leaving, you will be the mother of the nation. You should work hand in hand with the sixth prince to dedicate yourselves to the great Zhao dynasty. I firmly believe that with you by my side, the great Zhao will stand firm in the face of storms and sing a glorious song in this prosperous age. I hope you will not fail my trust and will protect the thousands of people of the great Zhao, ensuring the continuation of the nation's destiny and its prosperity."

Upon hearing this, Lingyan remained composed and dignified, meeting Emperor Jingzhao's gaze with composure.

She replied softly but firmly, “Your Majesty is too kind. Your daughter-in-law has only done her bit. Now that I have assumed the responsibilities of the Empress, I will certainly do as Your Majesty said, prioritizing the nation and the people, understanding their hardships, and devising long-term strategies for the country, so that our Great Zhao Dynasty may enjoy peace for thousands of years to come.”

After speaking, Lingyan lowered her head, but her posture remained upright, fully demonstrating her fearless and responsible spirit.

Upon hearing Lingyan's words, Emperor Jingzhao's eyes, which had been clouded with emotion, were now filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

He nodded slightly, the movement light and slow, yet seemingly carrying immense force.

That was an acknowledgment of Lingyan's promise and a sense of reassurance about the future of Dazhao.

Then, he looked at the eldest prince, his gaze becoming more stern: "Eldest son, do not harbor resentment because you have not obtained the throne. You should assist your brother. If you have any disloyal intentions, you will be despised by the people of the world."

Upon hearing this, the eldest prince bit his lower lip and nodded slightly, but the resentment in his eyes still lingered.

Then Emperor Jingzhao turned his gaze to the remaining princes and princesses, his eyes softening instantly.

His gaze swept over his children, his eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance.

Finally, Emperor Jingzhao's gaze fell upon the Empress and Consort Li.

He trembled as he reached out his withered hands and grasped their soft hands tightly.

Those hands, which once held the world in their hands, can now only barely transmit a trace of warmth.

He tried to open his lips, but only a few weak breaths escaped his throat, as if fate had choked his last words.

The Empress and Consort Li were already sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down their faces and dripping onto Emperor Jingzhao's hands.

As he exhaled his last breath, Emperor Jingzhao's hand slid down limply, and he slowly closed his eyes.

The entire palace was instantly enveloped in a heavy atmosphere of grief.

The Empress and Consort Li collapsed on the bedside, their cries shaking the heavens.

The princes and princesses also knelt down, some sobbing and some wailing.

Their cries of sorrow echoed through the empty palace.

It seemed as if a lament was being played for the departure of Emperor Jingzhao.