Generally speaking, shouldn’t they send a visiting card in advance to see the prince? What was going on?
The officials returned his greeting: “We’ve come to congratulate the Crown Prince.”
“Crown Prince?” The old steward looked up, his expression bewildered.
An official reminded him, “Doesn’t the steward know? Today at court, an imperial edict was read. The prince has been named Crown Prince—”
Before he could finish, the old steward collapsed. Fortunately, the quick-reflexed attendants behind him caught him before he fell.
The officials exchanged glances.
Judging by the steward’s reaction, Prince Yan hadn’t received any prior notice.
But of course, the appointment of an heir was no small matter. If the Emperor had kept even them in the dark, how could he have leaked information to a prince?
“Is the steward alright?”
The old steward looked up at the sky in a daze.
A golden sun hung in the eastern sky.
The sun hadn’t risen from the west, but their prince had become Crown Prince…
After who knows how long, the old steward suddenly pushed away the attendants and ran off like a streak of smoke, leaving the officials to look at each other in confusion.
Someone in the crowd whispered, “I always thought Prince Yan’s Chief Steward was quite a steady fellow, but this—”
Thinking of the hot-tempered Prince Yan who was quick to throw punches, there seemed to be only one explanation: like master, like a man.
Then, remembering that their prince was now their Crown Prince, the officials suddenly felt uncertain about the future.
Yu Jin was in the front courtyard study, pretending to read, when a young servant reported that many officials had arrived. He immediately put down his book and walked out, only to see the old steward rushing towards him.
“Your Highness—”
Yu Jin stepped aside, his face full of disgust. “Steward, compose yourself.”
What kind of behavior was it to throw oneself into his arms? So undignified for his age.
The old steward, after all, was getting on in years. Such a run left him panting: “, Your Highness, you’ve been appointed Crown Prince!”
“Oh, so those people have come to congratulate me?” Although Yu Jin was somewhat surprised by Emperor Jingming’s speed, he was prepared and appeared very calm.
What was so strange about him being appointed Crown Prince? If not him, who else?
The old steward, thinking Yu Jin hadn’t heard clearly, repeated: “Your Highness, you’ve been appointed Crown Prince!”
Yu Jin gave him a look and calmly replied with an “Mm.” He added, “Steward, you represent my image. You must remain composed. Don’t let others laugh at us.” With that, he walked past the steward and headed out.
The old steward stood there for a good while, unable to process what had happened.
Since when did he need the prince to remind him to be composed? Was he not a steady person?
But the prince had become Crown Prince!
The old steward felt his blood rushing to his head again and took a deep breath. “Stay calm, stay calm.”
Governess Ji, who had hurried to overhear the commotion, stopped and looked puzzled. “What are you muttering about, Steward?”
The old steward jumped up: “The prince has been appointed Crown Prince!”