Realistic governance games for both male and female audiences

Chapter 24 You... how about making your younger brother your crown prince?

"It's already started!"

Knowing all along what the Empress Dowager intended by summoning him back to the capital, Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, knew that he absolutely could not reveal his desire to stay in the capital at this time. Therefore, he immediately showed a troubled yet touched expression.

"Mother, what you're saying... My fiefdom in the Western Frontier also needs someone to look after it, doesn't it? After all, it's the frontier barrier of Daliang. As a member of the royal family, it's my duty to share the burden with my elder brother and guard the border."

Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, with an air of patriotic devotion, comforted the Empress Dowager.

"Why can't anyone go? Why does it have to be you?" Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face instantly darkened. Her brows furrowed, and she rebuked her without any politeness, "Can't any of the civil and military officials in the entire court find a capable person to guard the western frontier for you? Are you making excuses to shirk your responsibility, or... do you simply not want to stay in the capital and keep this old hag company?"

"How could this be? My son wishes he could stay by his mother's side all the time, but... isn't this the law of our ancestors that cannot be changed?" Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, said, feigning helplessness.

"Mother, please calm your anger. You know that my brother Su is sincere and loyal."

Suddenly, at that very moment, Emperor Xiao Qingkuang calmly walked to the Empress Dowager's side, gently patting her back to help her breathe. His face remained impassive, a serene smile playing on his lips, as if he were completely unaware of the Empress Dowager and Prince Su's plans.

"Actually, there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep Su-di in the capital!"

"However, since this involves the laws of our ancestors, I think we must find a way to both take good care of Su's fiefdom and ensure that you, sir, will not be saddened by not seeing him and will miss him every day!"

…………

Upon hearing Xiao Qingkuang's words, the Empress Dowager knew that the time was right. She immediately stopped beating around the bush and eagerly revealed her own brilliant idea.

"I have an idea!" The Empress Dowager took a deep breath, first glancing around before fixing her gaze solemnly on Xiao Qingkuang. "You... make your younger brother your crown prince, what do you think?"

These words shocked everyone present!

Although everyone had already guessed, when the Empress Dowager actually said those words, it was still like a thunderclap.

Many people's wine glasses trembled, their eyes darting back and forth between the emperor and Prince Su, and they dared not even breathe loudly.

"Isn't this a very good idea?" The Empress Dowager said to herself, ignoring everyone's astonishment, her tone full of self-righteousness. "Firstly, your younger brother can help you manage the court and share your burdens; secondly, he can stay by his mother's side year-round and fulfill his filial duties... Your Majesty, what do you say, is it acceptable?"

The hall was deathly silent, all eyes were fixed on Emperor Xiao Qingkuang, awaiting his response.

At this moment, in the hall, some were expectant, some were worried, and some were fearful...

However, to the surprise of many, Xiao Qingkuang did not show any panic or anger on his face. He simply looked at the Empress Dowager, then at Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, whose face was filled with "fear" but could not hide his ambition. Finally, a deep smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Actually, there's nothing wrong with that!"

Xiao Qingkuang spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of everyone present.

Just as Xiao Qingkuang had implied during his conversation with Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, he actually supported making Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, the crown prince!

Or perhaps, Xiao Qingkuang and others have been waiting far too long for the words of Prince Su, Xiao Suyue, that he would become the crown prince!

After all... Your Empress Dowager and Xiao Suyue coveted the position of Crown Prince of the Daliang Dynasty, but Emperor Xiao Qingkuang also coveted your elite cavalry in your western frontier fiefdom.

As long as Xiao Suyue is willing to be the crown prince of the Daliang Dynasty, then, for Xiao Suyue as the crown prince, he is the successor of the entire Daliang Dynasty!

As the heir, have you seen the dangers posed by the feudal lords?

If you see this, should you reduce the power of the feudal lords?

As the heir, do you want to avenge the people of the northern frontier who were killed by the Northern Xiongnu?

If you want revenge, why don't you take out all the wealth you have in the Western Frontier and use it to fight the Northern Xiongnu?

For Xiao Qingkuang, he has at most thirty years to develop in this world. If he cannot defeat that female opponent within this time, then only death awaits him!

If he could defeat that female opponent and gain the "authority" to rewrite the underlying rules of the real world, then at that time, having already returned to the real world to enjoy life, he would naturally not care whether the throne of the Daliang Dynasty was actually inherited by Prince Su, Xiao Suyue!

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Xiao Qingkuang immediately stepped forward, firmly grasped the Empress Dowager's hands, and then spoke with a sincere expression:

"I believe... what the Empress Dowager said earlier makes perfect sense!"

"My brother Su is accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and is also my own brother. To establish him as heir apparent is truly a blessing for the nation and a boon for the people!"

"If Brother Su has no objections, then I... grant permission!"

…………

"Snapped!"

No sooner had Emperor Xiao Qingkuang finished speaking than a crisp clapping sound abruptly echoed through the silent Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At this moment, upon hearing the unmistakable "Granted" from Xiao Qingkuang's mouth, the Empress Dowager's eyes flashed with an uncontrollable joy and triumph. The slapping sound from earlier was the sound of her slapping her thigh hard.

"Good! Good! Good!"

The Empress Dowager said "good" three times in succession, her cloudy eyes gleaming with a dazzling light.

Then, she suddenly turned her head, her gaze piercing as she stared at a tall figure in front of the hall.

"Huo Zhong!"

At this moment, the Empress Dowager's voice was filled with excitement, to the point that her tone was slightly distorted.

"Your subject is here!" Huo Zhong quickly stood up and answered, his movements swift and decisive.

"liquor!"

The Empress Dowager gave the order directly, her finger lightly touching the wine jar on the side.

"As the Empress Dowager commands!"

As Huo Zhong received the order, he quickly glanced at Emperor Xiao Qingkuang's expression, a subtle, complex look flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Immediately, Huo Zhong turned around and strode to one side.

Everyone's eyes followed Huo Zhong's figure, and their hearts skipped a beat—they knew that the Empress Dowager... was probably serious!

A moment later, Huo Zhong returned.

He held a black tray in both hands, on which sat an ancient bronze wine pot. The pot was engraved with intricate patterns, exuding an air of vicissitude and solemnity.

On either side of the tray, there is a bronze wine vessel made of the same material.

Huo Zhong walked down the steps, first bowed deeply to the Empress Dowager, and then picked up the tray with both hands and climbed the steps one by one.

When he reached Xiao Qingkuang and Xiao Suyue, Huo Zhong immediately knelt down on one knee and raised the tray above his head.