Lan Ji did not want to analyze the impossible too much.
As for the current situation, the Emperor's prospects were uncertain.
But at least Prince Yu had the ability to ensure that their Nanming dynasty would not be handed over to others.
"If you are unwilling to make a choice, then wait and see."
This was Lan Ji's only advice to Chu Lingyang.
"The people need to be appeased, and someone from the royal family must attend the ceremony tomorrow. If the Emperor was not kidnapped, then he is truly on his deathbed. He will absolutely not be able to attend the ceremony tomorrow."
"What else can they do by sending you there now? They want you to preside over the ceremony with Prince Yu!"
"How can I? I am merely a prince, and moreover, I have only known how to lead troops into battle for so many years. How would I understand how to manage such a ceremony?"
"Whether you can or not is one thing. The most important thing is that as long as you attend, you will also be showing your intention to contend for the throne."
"I absolutely have no such intention, I can swear to the heavens!" Chu Lingyang immediately raised his hand.
Lan Ji smiled faintly, walked over, and pulled his hand down.
"I know you have no such intention, but the people of the world do not know, the officials do not know, and even the Emperor may not know."
"If you are unwilling to preside over the ceremony when Prince Jing seeks you out tonight, then they will persuade you to help the Emperor."
"If the ruler wants a minister to die, the minister cannot refuse to die. Assisting the Emperor is naturally what I should do!"
"Then what if they ask you to assist a fake Emperor, to deceive everyone with a fake emperor, just like today?"
Chu Lingyang could not utter a single word.
A fake Emperor had already appeared today. If Lan Fan had not pointed it out, everyone would have been deceived.
Were they planning to use the same trick again tomorrow?
This was absolutely unacceptable!
"That night you said that Miss Chu climbed onto the dragon bed. After thinking about it, I feel something is not right."
Lan Ji tugged at his sleeve, pulled him to sit on a chair, and said softly, "The Emperor has never been moved by any woman for many years. How could he, upon being moved, immediately push someone onto the dragon bed?"
"Furthermore, knowing that so many people were waiting outside, how could the Emperor disregard everything..."
Seeing Chu Lingyang's face slightly flushed, she smiled, "You say it yourself, just listening to it makes your ears and cheeks burn. The Emperor has always been steady, how could he do such a thing in plain sight?"
Chu Lingyang thought for a moment, and suddenly, his heart brightened, "You mean, the person that night was also... also Prince Xuan?"
"You don't know? Miss Chu was once Prince Xuan's consort."
This was something Chu Lingyang truly did not know. Why would he proactively investigate such private matters of others?
He had thought that Xiao Li'er was Ah Chu's person.
"Although the two have divorced, who can guarantee that a passionate young couple would not reconcile in private?"
In short, the events of that night were considered to have been revealed to Princess Ling.
She sighed helplessly, "They have repeatedly deceived everyone with a fake Emperor. I do not have much confidence in the Emperor... for the time being."
She looked at her husband, her voice soft but firm, "The Emperor is gravely ill and has no heir. Prince Xuan of Beiming is too involved in the matters outside.
"The Emperor's relationships may not be as pure as they once were. In comparison..."
She sighed softly, her gaze still gentle.
"In comparison, although Prince Yu's temperament is somewhat brutal, he has an heir and is wholeheartedly devoted to Nanming. He seems... more worthy of our support."