Chapter 5: Does He Even Deserve This Throne?

Within the Kaifeng Prefecture Office, Zhao Guangyi—Prefect of Kaifeng and also the Prince of Jin—sat calmly attending to official matters.

Being in the prefecture office felt as comfortable and familiar to Zhao Guangyi as being at home.

Indeed, one might even say this place was his true home.

After all, he had served as Prefect of Kaifeng for a full fourteen years.

Though officially an imperial appointment, the Kaifeng Prefecture felt more like Zhao Guangyi’s own domain.

A soft knock came at the door.

“Enter,” Zhao Guangyi said, pausing his work and looking up with a gentle smile.

Despite not ascending to the throne, the Prefect of Kaifeng was known for his gracious and humble demeanor.

Or rather, he carefully maintained such an image in public.

The door opened, and a man named Cheng Dexuan stepped inside. Cheng was a bailiff in the prefecture, particularly skilled in medicine, and held Zhao Guangyi’s utmost trust, often accompanying him closely.

Seeing the Prince of Jin’s warm and respectful gaze, Cheng felt a comforting warmth rise within him.

The Prince consistently treated others with kindness and respect, never looking down on those of lower rank or those familiar to him.

“Your Highness,” Cheng greeted respectfully, hastening to Zhao Guangyi’s side and producing a small sealed letter from his sleeve, presenting it with both hands.

Zhao Guangyi immediately became alert. This was a dispatch from the palace, delivered by an agent from Wang Ji’en’s side.

Wang Ji’en was the chief eunuch serving his elder brother, a figure inaccessible to most, and this channel was crucial for Zhao Guangyi to obtain news from the palace, especially regarding his elder brother.

His concern for his brother’s safety was sincere and singular; he harbored no ulterior motives, only the desire to ensure his brother was not deceived or endangered.

Examining the intact seal, Zhao Guangyi broke it open and read the contents carefully.

Afterward, he burned the letter and meticulously ground the ashes to dust. A broad smile spread across his face, impossible to suppress.

His mood was evidently ecstatic.

Cheng Dexuan remained silent, quietly pondering the situation.

Could it be that the emperor was gravely ill?

Why else would Wang Ji’en, who seldom communicated with the outside, send a message out?

And why would the Prince of Jin be so joyful upon reading it?

“My dear nephew entered the palace yesterday, bringing along a poorly dressed youth, eagerly going to see my elder brother.

Yet, the youth he brought was immediately imprisoned by my elder brother, and my dear nephew left the palace looking like a defeated rooster…”

After a moment, Zhao Guangyi’s smile grew even wider as he spoke these words to Cheng Dexuan.

Cheng thought to himself with some regret: if only the current emperor were seriously ill.

However, Zhao Dezhao, that reckless child, being snubbed by the emperor was somewhat satisfying.

What was Zhao Dezhao anyway? Overestimating himself to challenge the Prince of Jin?

Did he deserve the throne?

“Your Highness, do we know why Zhao Dezhao brought someone to see His Majesty, and what caused His Majesty’s displeasure?”

Zhao Guangyi took the initiative to discuss the matter, putting Cheng at ease.

With a smile, Cheng pressed for details.

Zhao Guangyi shook his head. “He does not know either. After Zhao Dezhao met with my elder brother, he ordered the attendants to leave, then introduced that youth to him. What was said or done, no one knows.”

Cheng felt regretful. There must be a hidden story behind this, likely quite intriguing.

If they could uncover it, they might act accordingly to shift the situation and push His Majesty to designate the Prince of Jin as crown prince directly.

Another knock came at the door.

The two lowered their voices and stopped speaking as the door opened once more.

“Enter,” Zhao Guangyi called.

A man named Ma Shao stepped in and bowed respectfully, addressing Zhao Guangyi as Your Highness.

It was no surprise to Cheng Dexuan that Ma Shao was present.

Ma Shao was also a trusted confidant of Zhao Guangyi, possessing a unique skill set.

While Cheng was skilled in medicine, Ma Shao’s specialty lay in mysticism—performing rituals and invoking spirits.

This skill was usually kept secret, known to very few.

He was highly valued by Zhao Guangyi and considered a close aide.

Such men were rare talents, often capable of turning the tide in critical matters.

For example, years ago, if not for the rumors of divine signs supporting his elder brother’s claim to the throne, how could they have successfully removed Zhang Yongde and replaced him as head of the palace guards?

How else could they have draped the yellow robe on his brother at Chenqiao Station and gained widespread acceptance thereafter?

“Your Highness, the day before yesterday, Zhao Dezhao returned to the capital and was stopped by a rural youth.

It is said that this youth told Zhao Dezhao that he came from a thousand years in the future…”

Ma Shao did not avoid Cheng Dexuan but spoke the news openly.

They had already shared many similar stories before.

Even in the Prince’s presence, they addressed Zhao Dezhao by name without reservation.

The Prince of Jin never reproached them and now, in private, also addressed him directly.

“Is this true?” Zhao Guangyi and Cheng Dexuan exchanged astonished and delighted glances.

Cheng kindly asked Zhao Guangyi first.

“Of course it is,” Zhao Guangyi replied.

“Ha! Wonderful!” Cheng beamed broadly.

“Congratulations, Your Highness! Heaven surely favors you!”

Cheng immediately cupped his hands in salute.

Ma Shao was momentarily taken aback by this reaction.

Zhao Guangyi, controlling his excitement, then shared the palace message delivered by Wang Ji’en’s agent with Ma Shao.

Ma Shao instantly understood why the Prince and Cheng were so elated.

He too was filled with surprise and joy.

What does it mean when one sits quietly at home and joy descends from the heavens?

This was it!

Zhao Dezhao had truly been foolish to believe such nonsense.

He not only believed it himself but solemnly brought such a man to the palace to meet the emperor.

He was clearly presenting a treasure to the emperor!

Foolish! Utterly foolish!

Who had ever seen such stupidity?

And this man thought he could contend with the Prince of Jin for the crown prince’s position?

What a joke!

As these thoughts swirled, a bold idea suddenly arose in Ma Shao’s mind, growing irresistible with each passing moment.

He hurriedly turned to look at Prince Zhao Guangyi and spoke...