Fancheng is a well-known city in country H. It's not very large but occupies an excellent geographical position, being close to the capital. Most importantly, it holds many resources.
In country H, this city's importance is on par with the capital.
The King is surprisingly generous!
Everyone gasped, their gazes towards Pei Xi changing from appraisal to reverence. To be so favored by the King, his advantage in the competition for the throne was likely no less than that of the other princes.
However, some disagreed. The ministers and royal relatives all had their own factions and supported specific princes.
The competition among the three princes was already intense; adding another meant having to divide the spoils further.
"Your Majesty, even if you wish to acknowledge the Fourth Prince, we do not object. After all, he is your biological son, and it would not look good if a royal child was left to wander outside. However, the Fourth Prince's mother is not of royal blood. It is sudden enough that you are bringing him back, but to grant him a city as well... this..."
"Indeed, this is all too sudden."
"Even for the previous princes, only the Second Prince was granted a fiefdom, and that was due to his early merits."
Simply put, giving Pei Xi a city immediately upon his return lacked proper justification. How could everyone be convinced?
The King, being mild-tempered and willing to heed his ministers' opinions, did not resort to forceful measures. But this time, he was entirely different from his usual self.
"I have already decided."
The unspoken meaning was that no one's objection would be entertained.
The Eldest Prince glanced at him. This was the first time their father had shown such firm resolve since he could remember.
Pei Xi looked at the King, touched. "Father, you..."
As the King looked at him, the solemnity in his eyes softened slightly, and he said gently, "Do not worry, I will not treat you unfairly. This city rightfully belongs to you."
"Your Majesty, how can you dote on him so?!"
"His Highness the Fourth Prince is now of age, and his mastery of poisons is unmatched. By all rights, he is a prime candidate for the next King..."
"However, you are still in your prime and can reign for many more decades. You must not be impulsive."
The ministers couldn't stand it and began to voice their counsel.
Their words were quite direct. To put it more plainly, it was a warning against nurturing a potential threat, as an adult male could pose a significant challenge to the King's throne.
The King's expression darkened. He glared at the speaker, "You are clearly judging a noble heart with ignoble thoughts. I know my son; he would never commit any treasonous act!"
His certainty surprised everyone.
They had never seen the King place such trust in anyone. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
The King suddenly turned to the Eldest Prince. "Pei Lie, what do you say?"
Pei Lie's voice was deep and unhurried. "I naturally follow my father's wishes. However, I do have a question. Based on the Fourth Brother's story, you have known your identity for a long time."
Pei Xi nodded.
Pei Lie continued, "Then, since you've known for so long, you should understand that as a prince, one should consider and even sacrifice for the people of country H. Why then... have you been using your poison skills to make things difficult for others?"
His question was phrased delicately.
Upon hearing this, the crowd couldn't help but sneer. This was also their reason for opposition.
As a member of the royal family, he traded in poisons, harming countless people. The thought of such a person ascending the throne in the future...
was terrifying.
Pei Xi lowered his gaze slightly, his voice still gentle. "In my younger years, I did not understand such things. Later, I met someone by chance, a disciple of a poison doctor. I was being chased by a group of ruffians and nearly died. He saved me and taught me poison arts."
"As for selling poisons to others, that was merely a means of livelihood. My life has been full of hardships over the years, and my body is internally damaged, making me much weaker than ordinary people. I couldn't do any other kind of work."
His words, though simple, hinted at hardships unimaginable to outsiders.
The King, thinking of how his son had suffered all these years without his knowledge, was overwhelmed by guilt and heartache.
"Child, you have suffered."
Pei Xi shook his head, a smile on his face. "Father, I used to think my life was hard. But after finding you, and experiencing your kindness and affection, I knew that all the suffering I endured was for today, for the opportunity to be by your side."
These heartfelt words profoundly moved the King. "Good child, good child!"
The onlookers, however, gritted their teeth.
This fellow was truly glib-tongued, and now he had completely won over the King's heart!
Pei Lie also never expected that this fellow would use his question to play the victim. He was indeed a formidable opponent!
As expected, after this exchange, the King's already partial heart leaned even more towards Pei Xi. "This matter is settled."
The crowd panicked and quickly said, "Your Majesty, at least let everyone vote on this matter."
This was no trivial issue!
The administrator of a city and various affairs were interconnected. Granting away a city would have an impact on other ministers.
The King was silent for a moment, then said, "Very well."
This time, it was the crowd's turn to be surprised.
But since he had agreed, they were no longer anxious. As long as everyone voted against it, they didn't believe the King could still act unilaterally!
The voting results were as they had expected.
Those who supported the three princes cast opposing votes. The remaining neutral elder ministers, though they voted in favor, were too few in number.
Then came the clan elders.
The two elders held the power of a single veto vote, meaning they could make the final decision. However, no one was worried.
The two elders were known for their strict principles and their particular fondness for Pei Ji.
To ensure fairness and justice, they would not agree.
Everyone waited for the King to be forced to concede.
Elder Wu and Elder Sun requested a private space to deliberate. The King agreed. They stayed inside for nearly ten minutes.
Outside, everyone waited with bated breath.
Soon, the two old men emerged one after the other. Elder Sun said slowly, "Old Wu is not one for much talk, so I, this old man, will announce the outcome of our discussion. After deliberating, we have decided to cast..."
Though everyone already knew the result, they couldn't help but hold their breath.
"...an affirmative vote."
This was it. They knew the two elders would...
Wait!
An affirmative vote?!
Everyone was dumbfounded, as if they were meeting Elder Sun and Elder Wu for the first time. To say something blasphemous, they even suspected the two elders had been possessed by some evil spirit!
How could they cast an affirmative vote?!
"Elders, why did you vote in favor?"
Elder Sun said calmly, "Old Wu and I have discussed it. The Fourth Prince has been away from the palace for many years and has been neglected by the King. Our royal family owes him much, and we should compensate him."
"But that's not the way to compensate!"
"Enough," Elder Sun looked at the man and said sternly, "The matter is decided. Your opposition is now futile!"
The crowd was going mad.
Weren't these two elders just causing trouble?!
Pei Lie looked at them deeply, stepped forward, and declared loudly, "I disagree."