Many were filled with doubt regarding what Ying Zheng intended to announce, their minds racing with various speculations.
“What do you think His Majesty plans to announce?”
“I don’t know! But it’s certain to be something incredibly important!”
“You don’t say! As if I didn’t know it was important!”
Many were aware that Ying Zheng had something significant to declare, but none knew precisely what it was.
The only thing they could surmise was that this matter would have a profound impact on them.
Because of this, many among them had already begun to prepare themselves mentally.
However, even with such preparations, they still felt caught off guard when the matter was finally revealed.
During the morning court session, Ying Zheng, in the presence of all his ministers, announced his decision.
“What I have to say is that I will abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince will become the new Emperor of Great Qin, our second Emperor!”
“From the moment of my abdication, I shall be the Grand Emperor and shall no longer manage state affairs!”
This declaration stunned everyone in the court.
They had never anticipated that this would be the matter Ying Zheng wished to announce.
The news caught many of them completely by surprise.
As a result, after Ying Zheng’s announcement, a long silence followed.
Ten breaths later, Ying Zheng spoke again.
“What, are you dissatisfied with my decision?”
At these words, the ministers in the court suddenly came to their senses. They understood that Ying Zheng’s words were true and that they were not dreaming.
“Your Majesty, this humble servant would not dare!”
“Your Majesty, your decision, we wholeheartedly endorse! We firmly support His Highness the Crown Prince’s ascension!”
“We never imagined Your Majesty would have such a decision, but we will undoubtedly give our full support to Your Majesty’s decree!”
Lin Tian’s reputation, naturally, had silenced many, making them hesitant to oppose his enthronement.
However, there were also many who supported Lin Tian.
For instance, the military officials of Great Qin were largely in favor of Lin Tian.
Simultaneously, many civil officials were also utterly convinced by Lin Tian.
Previously, Lin Tian had implemented numerous policies within Great Qin, policies that had brought immense convenience to the common people.
Many ministers had personally witnessed the changes in the populace.
Because of this, their hopes for Lin Tian’s ascension were even greater.
They wished for Lin Tian to bring further changes to Great Qin.
Therefore, they were the first to respond to Ying Zheng.
With these individuals supporting Ying Zheng, the others quickly followed suit.
They understood that this was not something they could oppose, and any opposition would be futile.
Furthermore, they risked incurring Lin Tian’s displeasure by opposing him.
If that happened, their lives would not be easy.
Thus, one by one, they hastily voiced their assent.
Such compliance naturally pleased Ying Zheng greatly.
He found that all the civil and military officials agreed with his proposal.
Therefore, he immediately announced:
“Then let us choose an auspicious date for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne and become the new Emperor of Great Qin!”
“Yes!”
Hearing this, the ministers dared not voice any further opposition.
However, while they outwardly agreed, their hearts were filled with numerous thoughts.
The majority of these thoughts concerned their own interests.
“I never expected His Highness the Crown Prince to ascend so soon! What are we to do? We are not familiar with His Highness the Crown Prince at all!”
“Indeed! With His Highness the Crown Prince ascending, we civil officials are bound to suffer. After all, His Highness the Crown Prince favors those military officials!”
“What can we do? Once His Highness the Crown Prince ascends, our lives will likely become more difficult! With His Highness the Crown Prince’s methods, we will surely be brought under control, and perhaps even be forced to return what we previously gained!”
These officials had profited considerably in the past.
While some among them now refrained from such actions, fearing Lin Tian’s investigation, they could not be certain that Lin Tian would not seek retribution.
If he did, they would all be finished.
Thinking of this, fear gripped their hearts.
“Then, what… what do we…?”
“Heh, what else can we do? Can you possibly oppose His Highness the Crown Prince? Don’t forget His Highness the Crown Prince’s methods!”
“So, we just resign ourselves to fate?”
“Yes! Resignation is the best course of action for us. Not only must we accept our fate, but we must also be honest. If we are not, we won’t even know how we died!”
At these words, many ministers fell silent.
Before becoming officials of Great Qin, many had managed to maintain their integrity and dedicated themselves to serving Great Qin and its people.
However, after becoming officials of Great Qin, their perspectives changed.
They felt they could not simply be honest officials.
If they were merely honest officials, then holding such a position would be quite uninteresting.
Because of this, this simple requirement was exceedingly difficult for many.
It was so difficult that many among them felt they could not achieve it.
However, they still held a deep fear of Lin Tian.
Although they felt incapable, they dared not step forward at this moment to provoke Lin Tian.
If they truly did so, their only path would lead to death.
Therefore, many among them decided to act honestly and diligently for the time being.
As for what would happen afterward, they would see.
Consequently, Lin Tian’s succession to Ying Zheng’s throne proceeded smoothly, encountering virtually no obstacles.
All matters were proactively arranged, and no errors occurred.
Every minister performed their duties to the best of their ability, striving to achieve optimal outcomes.
Even the court affairs in the preceding days became more efficient and concise.
This was an experience Ying Zheng had never encountered before.
Because of this, Ying Zheng could not help but sigh with emotion.
“Indeed, this throne requires my son to occupy it. With my son as Emperor, the ministers’ efficiency in handling affairs has increased significantly!”
“As for me, it is time to roam the mountains and rivers!”
Ying Zheng could sense that Lin Tian alone was capable of commanding the entire court.
Therefore, he harbored no worries and was willing to entrust the empire of Great Qin to Lin Tian with complete confidence.
One month later, the ceremony for Lin Tian’s succession to the throne officially commenced.