The Princess's Path to the Throne 30

Within the capital, an air of gravity surpassed that of previous days.

The Emperor seemed to find the turmoil insufficient and, not even two days apart, proclaimed in court, "With age advancing, it is time to establish a crown prince."

The court officials were taken aback. They had proposed this many times before, but the Emperor had never agreed.

Yet now, without their prompting, he himself brought it up. Could it be that his health was truly ailing?

The Emperor paid no heed to their consternation.

He continued, "Five days hence, I shall formally designate the crown prince. Henceforth, the prince will oversee the court on my behalf. Barring significant events, I shall abdicate the throne to the crown prince after the new year."

The court officials exchanged glances in disbelief.

Establishing a crown prince was not the issue. Passing the throne to the prince was also not the issue. But who was this crown prince to be?