The Sickly Regent Prince Who Was Abandoned as a Substitute Bride

He slowly stood up and raised his hand. He said, "I have made up my mind. However, before handing over this military tally, which symbolizes supreme power, I need to confirm one thing—whether the newly promulgated laws can be successfully implemented."

His gaze slowly swept over the ministers in the palace, finally settling on the emperor, as he quietly awaited the emperor's response and decision.

After a moment of silence, the emperor finally spoke: "What Ninth Brother said is indeed reasonable. So, according to your opinion, how should the existing laws be amended?"

Ye Jiuchen raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile: "There is an unreasonable aspect to the current laws of our country. The dowry that a woman brings when she gets married should belong to her and be kept and disposed of by her own discretion. Her husband and his family have no right to interfere with or use these assets."

"Is that all?" Ye Erxiao couldn't help but wonder if she had misheard...

“Brother, such a change is not difficult…” Ye Jiuchen replied with a smile.

"Hahaha, excellent! Someone, draft an imperial edict! Proclaim this law to the world, and make all officials set an example by returning the dowries that belong to their wives." Ye Erxiao ordered loudly with great pleasure.

“Your Majesty, since that is the case, then I will present the military tally.” Ye Jiuchen took out the heavy military tally from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

The eunuch Li Fu carefully took the military tally and respectfully presented it to the emperor. Upon receiving it, the emperor's previously calm face instantly darkened. His gaze fixed intently on the tally in his hand, he said in a low voice, "A secondary tally?"

Standing to the side, the Regent Prince seemed to have anticipated the Emperor's reaction and calmly explained, "Your Majesty, I already handed over the military tally to the eldest son of the Duke of Zhenguo's family. Moreover, this military tally was originally given to me by the Duke of Zhenguo himself, and now his eldest son, Lu Chengfeng, has already shown much of the same qualities as his father. Therefore, I took it upon myself to hand over the tally to him. Your Majesty, you won't blame me, will you..."

No sooner had the Regent finished speaking than the Left Chancellor eagerly stepped forward and echoed, "The Regent has done a fine job. It is only right for a son to inherit his father's position. Your Majesty, please posthumously confer upon Lu Chengfeng the title of Grand General Who Protects the Nation!" Immediately afterward, the other ministers also echoed, expressing their agreement with the Left Chancellor's proposal.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Duke of Zhenguo has been retired for many years. The position of Grand General of Zhenguo should rightfully be taken over by his son."

"I second the proposal..."

"I second the proposal."

For a time, the court was filled with voices of support. However, Emperor Ye Erxiao felt as if he had eaten excrement.

[Ninth Brother, oh Ninth Brother, you truly are worthy of being personally taught by Father.] Ye Erxiao gritted his teeth inwardly, his heart filled with helplessness and resentment.

Faced with pressure from the ministers, Ye Erxiao knew he couldn't refuse the proposal. He gripped the military tally in his hand, remained silent for a moment, and finally spoke slowly: "Since all the ministers think so, then let Lu Chengfeng return to take over the position of Grand General of the State... Court adjourned!" After saying that, Emperor Ye Erxiao turned and left, leaving the ministers looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty..."

"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty..."

Ye Jiuchen slowly rose as well, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials before finally settling on the Left Prime Minister. The two locked eyes for a moment, Ye Jiuchen revealing a barely perceptible smile, before following the Emperor away.

In the imperial study room.

Ye Jiuchen casually followed Ye Erxiao into the imperial study. He found a seat and sat down, saying, "Brother, are you angry with me...?"

Ye Erxiao stopped and turned around, his eyes revealing a hint of displeasure. He frowned and said, "Ninth Brother, you should have informed me before giving the military tally to Lu Chengfeng. Now look what you've done, you've even used a secondary tally to make me change the laws..." Ye Erxiao's tone grew increasingly stern, clearly quite angry.

Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen toyed with the ring on his finger: "Brother, it was I who abdicated the throne to you back then... and Father..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ye Erxiao abruptly interrupted him.

Ye Erxiao's expression turned somewhat grim. He lowered his voice and said, "Ninth Brother, I know all these things. I know you have no interest in the throne, which is why I had the opportunity to become emperor. Back then, Father Emperor's most beloved person was you. He personally taught you the art of being an emperor, and even entrusted you with the command of the entire Heavenly Dynasty's army, along with his elite guards. Now, although I am the emperor, in reality, in terms of power, it seems I am not as powerful as you..." As he finished speaking, a trace of helplessness and bitterness appeared in Ye Erxiao's voice.

"Your Majesty, the reason I did this was entirely out of consideration for the overall situation!"

Ye Jiuchen seemed oblivious to Ye Erxiao's anger, and said calmly, "Lu Chengfeng is the eldest son of the Duke of Zhenguo. It is only natural and reasonable for him to succeed his father's position. Lu Chengfeng is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also resourceful. Making him the Grand General of Zhenguo is absolutely the best choice!"

After hearing this, Ye Erxiao sighed helplessly: "Alas, things have come to this, there's no point in saying more. But whether Lu Chengfeng can be truly loyal to me still needs to be observed for a while longer."

Ye Erxiao thought to himself, "The people you promoted are all your people. You're clearly trying to sideline me, the emperor."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I know Lu Chengfeng's character well. He will certainly serve the country wholeheartedly!" Ye Jiuchen looked at Ye Erxiao.

“I hope so…” Ye Erxiao nodded slightly in agreement, then changed the subject and asked, “By the way, Ninth Brother, why did you suddenly think of amending the laws?”

Ye Jiuchen's lips curled into a slight smile: "There's someone I want to help..."

Ye Erxiao frowned slightly. "What kind of person would dare to change the law? This matter has far-reaching implications, and it will probably not be easy to implement."

"Where there's a will, there's a way," Ye Jiuchen sneered. "This move will also win the people's support. Does Your Majesty not want that?"

Ye Erxiao pondered for a moment, "It's not that I'm unwilling, but this matter needs to be considered carefully and should not be rushed."

"Furthermore, the matter of returning the woman's dowry must be handled properly to avoid causing unnecessary trouble," Ye Jiuchen reminded.

“Of course,” Ye Erxiao nodded in agreement. “The Ministry of Revenue should be able to draft a specific plan.”

“Your Majesty, this matter concerns the rights of women, and it is imperative that the people be informed. Perhaps we could issue a notice to spread the word so that everyone can understand this new law.”

“Good idea.” Ye Erxiao agreed. “This way, more women can benefit.”

"Your Majesty, it's getting late, I must take my leave!" Ye Jiuchen said.

"Ninth Brother, go back after lunch..."

"No, Your Majesty, I can't stand being in the palace. I always think of Father and Mother!"

"Alright, I won't keep you any longer. Take care of yourself..." Ye Erxiao said.

After Ye Jiuchen left the imperial study, Ye Erxiao, who had been all smiles, immediately turned gloomy and stared in the direction Ye Jiuchen had left.