Accidentally dressed as an empress

Chapter 237: Established as Crown Prince

Lin Hong stood quietly at one side of the hall, his armor gleaming coldly in the candlelight. Upon hearing the objections from those old ministers, his thick eyebrows instantly twisted into a deep "川" character, and his face was so gloomy as if a storm was coming.

After a moment, he opened his mouth coldly and said word by word: "Opponents, offer your heads as sacrifice." The voice seemed to be wrapped in ice, squeezed out from between his teeth, and pierced straight into everyone.

After saying that, he suddenly raised his arm and made a decisive and crisp gesture.

The soldiers who had been ready for a long time rushed forward like wolves pouncing on their prey, accurately capturing those opponents who were still making arguments.

Then, with a crisp "clang" sound, a cold knife was unsheathed like lightning. Before everyone could react, the knife flashed, and scarlet blood instantly bloomed on the necks of several old ministers. The heads rolled down and hit the floor tiles of the hall heavily with a dull sound. The warm blood gurgled and spread, winding on the cold ground.

"Who else objects?" Lin Hong spoke again, his tone was flat and his voice was not loud, but there seemed to be an invisible magic that caused the temperature in the entire Yunji Palace to drop sharply in an instant, and the air was filled with a chilling and murderous atmosphere.

For a moment, the once boisterous and clamorous hall seemed to be cast under a silencing spell, everyone falling silent. Those ministers who had just held onto their dissenting opinions, their hands trembling slightly as they tried to open their mouths to argue, now paled with fear, their lips trembling, and they swallowed back the words that were on their lips.

They lowered their heads, but could not help but look back and forth between Lin Hong and Yun Lang with frightened eyes. They thought that Yun Lang had the intention of usurping the throne and Lin Hong was so cruel and bloodthirsty. They were afraid that their lives would be lost today.

Yun Lang sneered at this moment, his voice icy cold. "Hmph, the head of state? I think you are clinging to old customs, ignoring the current corruption in the court. Foreign nations have repeatedly invaded our borders in recent years, but what have the ministers in the court done? You hold high positions, but you can't come up with good policies, causing the people to suffer."

He paced forward as he spoke, his eyes sweeping over the ministers. Everywhere he looked, they unconsciously lowered their heads. "Now that I have returned, I have the power to turn the tide and ensure the eternal stability of our dynasty, rather than just following the old ways and waiting for death."

Lin Hong nodded slightly, his eyes full of admiration, and gripped the hilt of the long sword in his hand even tighter, as if he was ready to clear the area for Yun Lang if they had any disagreement.

At this critical moment, Yun Se spoke up, breaking the deadlock. "My Lords, today's court dispute is nothing more than for the future of this country. But paving the way with blood is definitely not the best strategy."

Yun Se first looked at Yun Lang, then glanced at the ministers, "Lang'er, since you have such great ambitions, I believe you have a blueprint for governing the country and maintaining peace. Why not share it with us? It will also put your lords at ease."

Yun Lang was slightly startled, then realized that Yun Se was trying to secure a change for him. He thought for a moment and then said, "I propose to reform the civil service system, selecting the virtuous and capable, regardless of their background, regardless of gender, and appointing them based solely on their merit. Externally, we will strengthen the military and rebuild the border defenses, so that foreign powers will not dare to invade easily. Internally, we will reduce taxes and levies, allow the people to rest and recuperate, and ensure they live and work in peace and contentment."

His words were powerful, and many young officials showed thoughts and admiration in their eyes.

However, several veteran officials snorted in disdain. One, trembling on a cane, stepped forward and said, "You idiot, you're just talking nonsense! Reform is no easy task. If you're not careful, you could shake the foundation of the nation and plunge the people into disaster."

"You are right. Innovation is not easy, but can being conservative definitely protect the country and the people? The court has been plagued by long-standing problems, corruption is rampant, and the people are living in misery. If we don't change, we will be doomed." Yun Lang said bluntly, looking at everyone with a firm gaze.

Yun Se weighed the situation, a complex expression flashing across his eyes. He then spoke, "Although Lang'er is a man, he possesses the talent to govern a country. He has been well-read and studied military tactics since childhood, and he cares deeply about the people of the world. His past actions also demonstrate his strategic and courageous nature. In this critical moment, only he can shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country and its people. He should be made Crown Prince."

Yun Se slowly walked onto the stage. She took a deep breath, as if she had made some kind of decision. She put one hand on Yun Lang's shoulder, pressed Yun Lang down, and sat on the chair that symbolized supreme power.

Yun Lang looked up at Yun Se, and Yun Se smiled.

At this moment, the ministers looked at each other in confusion. After a brief moment of shock, they quickly came to their senses.

He who knows the current affairs is a hero. How could these ministers who have been working in the court for many years and are well versed in the ways of the world not understand what this means?

Then, they straightened their robes, bent down in perfect unison, and shouted in unison, "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."