The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Jin Cheng leaned over the bedside, holding His Highness's warm hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of security.

Chu Heng smiled and gently patted his head. "I'm also very happy to see you again. This was actually beyond my expectations."

The little troublemaker looked up, his thoughts drifting back to the one who had betrayed them.

Tears ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‍welled in his eyes as he said, "Your Highness, he betrayed your trust and treated both you and me poorly. Let's forget about him from now on. You don't have to be his son anymore."

Chu Heng froze for a moment, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

Last night, when Zong Zhao had revived him, he had revealed the entire truth. He never expected the mastermind behind it all to be his own father—the same father who had doted on him since childhood and painstakingly groomed him for the throne.

Under the weight of imperial power, hearts were prone to change.

Yet... it was only human nature.

Chu Heng had come to terms with it. He patted Jin Cheng's hand lightly and whispered, "Alright, let's forget about him. Let's forget all the unhappy people and things and focus on living our own lives."

"Mm!" Jin Cheng began chattering excitedly about the day's imperial examination, only mentioning at the end, "Your Highness, I know I'm not strong enough yet to defy them, but wait for me. Once I truly hold power, I'll return the throne to you. You'll be the emperor, and I'll serve as your second-rank official!"

The room held only the two of them.

Jin Cheng was still dressed in his bright yellow dragon robe, yet his words were so sincere and moving that they brought tears to one's eyes.

Chu Heng was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he sighed helplessly and replied gently, "There's no need, Jin Cheng. Only with you on the throne will the world know peace, and the people live in prosperity."

Jin Cheng shook his head stubbornly, his voice tinged with grievance. "No, I don't want to be emperor. You're the one most suited for it. Everyone adores you—you're the most beloved figure in all of Great Chu. Your succession is what the people truly desire."

Chu Heng smiled faintly and asked, "Then do you know what my first act as emperor would be?"

Jin Cheng stiffened slightly but quickly shook his head with conviction. "No, you wouldn't."

Chu Heng pressed further, "Hearts change. How can you be sure I wouldn't, now or in the future?"

Jin Cheng refused to listen. "No, no! You wouldn't—you're not that kind of person!"

Chu Heng sighed. "Even if I wouldn't, what about my descendants? With you and the Luo family around, those in power would eventually move against you. Jin Cheng, your uncle's concerns are justified. And I believe you're better suited for the throne than I am. This was a decision I made long ago, back when I taught you the art of rulership."

He ruffled the boy's hair teasingly. "Did you really think those were lessons meant for a mere second-rank official?"

Jin Cheng pouted, his face a picture of defiance. He turned his head away, as if avoiding Chu Heng's gaze would make his words disappear.

Even when throwing a tantrum, the child was endearing.

Chu Heng's heart melted. Softly, he said, "Speaking of which, three years ago at the Marquis Manor, I once heard you call me 'brother.' Though such a term isn't proper in the imperial family, I rather liked it. Could you call me that again?"

Jin Cheng's eyes reddened as he recalled the time he had mistaken His Highness for Wenxiu. Little did he know, his slip of the tongue had been correct all along.

His Highness was his brother—his blood-related elder brother.

"Brother..." the little troublemaker mumbled, his voice thick with emotion.

Chu Heng responded warmly, "Good boy. From now on, be a good emperor. Fulfill the dreams I couldn't achieve, and let me rest for a while, alright?"

Jin Cheng nodded vigorously, his expression solemn. "You rest. I'll fight for you, seize what's yours, and care for all the people of this land!"

As the brothers shared this tender moment, a commotion erupted outside.

A eunuch barely had time to announce before the Crown Princess's voice rang out sharply, "Duke of State Protection! How dare you barge into the Eastern Palace and disturb His Highness's rest? What are your intentions?"

"Barge in?" Luo Jingfeng sneered. "A new emperor has been enthroned, the Crown Prince deposed. The Eastern Palace is no longer fit for residence—lest someone harbor treacherous thoughts and threaten His Majesty's safety!"

"How dare you slander His Highness? Halt! Take another step, and don't blame me for acting!"

"You'd raise a hand against me?"

The sound of drawn swords echoed outside. Jin Cheng and Chu Heng exchanged a glance before the younger boy sprang to his feet and rushed out.

"Uncle! What are you doing?"

Luo Jingfeng had his sword half-drawn, but at the sight of his nephew, he sheathed it and forced a smile. "Your Majesty, we've finalized the title for the Eldest Prince. I've come to escort him to the Prince of An Ding's residence."

"Prince of An Ding?"

"Indeed!" Luo Jingfeng grinned triumphantly. "The Ministry of Rites has proposed 'Prince of An Ding'—a reminder for the Eldest Prince to remain dutiful and not entertain... inappropriate ambitions."

The Crown Princess trembled with rage. "Duke of State Protection, do not push us too far!"

Jin Cheng's face burned with humiliation. He had been willing to return the throne, yet his uncle had chosen this insulting title to demean the one person who deserved it least.

He felt personally slighted.

His composure shattered, Jin Cheng said coldly, "Uncle, as far as I know, titles proposed by the Ministry of Rites require the emperor's approval before implementation. I reject this one."

Luo Jingfeng's expression darkened. "Your Majesty, you're new to governance. The Ministry of Rites and I are here to assist you. It's merely a title—I've already shown great leniency by not taking harsher measures!" Note: Check M_VLEMPY_R for any corrections.

Jin Cheng's chest heaved with suppressed fury. Switching to the imperial "We," he declared, "We said no. We do not approve of this title. Does the Duke of State Protection not understand?"

Luo Jingfeng glared. "Then what title does Your Majesty propose?"

"Prince of Rui Ning—auspicious tranquility, peace for the realm."

Because with His Highness present, the world would know peace.

Luo Jingfeng's face turned thunderous. "Do you intend to let him ride roughshod over you?"

Jin Cheng stood his ground. "This is the will of the people, Uncle. Opposing them jeopardizes the court's stability."

"Fine, fine, fine," Luo Jingfeng spat, raising a hand sharply to his men behind him. "Escort this so-called 'Prince of Rui Ning' to his new residence—immediately!"

The Crown Princess cried out, "Stop! What are you doing? His Highness is still recovering—he cannot be moved!"

The little troublemaker lunged forward to block them. "Halt! No one enters! Father—Father! Where are you? Help us!"

Outside the palace gates, Xu Wan waited anxiously for news.

Her heart had been in her throat all day, fearing the worst, yet the palace remained eerily calm. The imperial examinations proceeded without incident until, at dusk, a group of officials hurried out.

Xu Wan stepped down from her carriage, expecting an announcement of the examination results.

Instead, she heard: "By imperial decree, His Majesty has fallen gravely ill. The throne passes to the Fifteenth Prince, Chu Jin Cheng."

Her eyes widened in shock. Turning to Cui Zhi and Cui Liu, she whispered, "Did I hear that correctly?"

Cui Zhi stood utterly frozen in shock.

Fortunately, Cui Liu remained composed and quickly responded, "My lady, you heard correctly—it was announced that the throne has been passed to Jin Cheng. Lord Jin Cheng... has ascended as emperor."