Chapter 159: Seeking Worthy Scholars (1)

Chapter 11: Seeking the Wise

"The chaos of the five nations is about to begin, and the State of Yan is at a critical juncture of life and death. I do not want to see Yan destroyed in my hands, so I wish to pass the imperial seal to you and enthrone you as emperor!" The Emperor of Yan stared intently at Yan Chuan, speaking with utmost solemnity.

As he spoke, a eunuch behind him stepped forward holding a jade box. Clearly, the imperial seal of the State of Yan lay within that very box!

"Father!" Yan Wudi exclaimed in astonishment.

Sipping fine wine, Yan Chuan's gaze remained sharp and collected. He stared at the Emperor of Yan, trying to discern whether the emperor's words were genuine or merely a hypocritical facade.

"Father, you are the Emperor of Yan, how could you...?" Yan Wudi asked anxiously.

"The Emperor of Yan? No, Wudi, the State of Yan originally belonged to the Prince of Equal Rank, and Yan Chuan is also of the orthodox royal bloodline of Yan!" The Emperor of Yan shook his head.

"But, but...!" Yan Wudi still looked somewhat reluctant.

"There are no 'buts.' Among the imperial family, aside from you, who still has potential, your brothers and sisters are utterly useless good-for-nothings. I originally intended to pass the throne to you, but you have already entered the path of immortality and have a brighter future ahead. You must not miss this golden opportunity!" The Emperor of Yan said in a deep voice.

"Yet, yet...!" Yan Wudi's brow remained furrowed.

"If the State of Yan were handed over to your brothers, it would be destroyed in the blink of an eye. No, even if I continue to rule Yan, its destruction is only a matter of time. Only Yan Chuan, the Prince of Equal Rank, can shoulder the great banner of the State of Yan!" The Emperor of Yan said solemnly.

"Oh?" Yan Chuan stared at the Emperor of Yan with a skeptical look.

"Your Brocade-Clad Guard should be more than enough to resist the armies of various nations. As for the interference of immortal sects from other countries, you have the Great River Sect backing you. Although your father has passed away, the Great River Sect cannot simply sit by and watch you fall into danger. As long as you become emperor, the Great River Sect will surely protect the State of Yan. Once we buy a few decades of time, Crown Prince Yan Wudi will have grown completely, and by then, he can safeguard the State of Yan for generations to come!" The Emperor of Yan asserted with certainty.

The Emperor of Yan made it sound utterly selfless, yet he could not fool Yan Chuan.

A faint smile touched Yan Chuan's lips as he gently took another sip of wine.

"Father, Uncle could have entered the immortal sects and seized the opportunity for longevity. How can he be trapped upon the imperial throne?" Yan Wudi frowned, filled with worry.

"Wudi!" The Emperor of Yan glared at him.

"Father, I feel this is unfair to Uncle. Uncle could have pursued longevity and cultivation. If he becomes emperor, he will grow old and frail within decades at most...! By the time he returns to cultivation, it will be too late. Besides, decades from now, will the Great River Sect still care about the favor owed to Grandfather Yan Tao?" Yan Wudi shook his head.

"Unfilial son! I am doing this for your own good, and for the good of the Yan lineage!" The Emperor of Yan said, bursting with anger.

The Emperor of Yan had originally intended to use the righteous cause of the Yan bloodline to bind Yan Chuan, but he had never expected his own son to tear down his scaffolding.

"What you are doing is simply wrong!" Yan Wudi stubbornly insisted.

"Hahahaha!" Yan Chuan suddenly burst into hearty laughter, interrupting the father-son dispute.

"Hm?" Both of them frowned and turned to look at Yan Chuan.

"No need to argue. Thank you for your kind intention, Nephew! This imperial throne—I accept it!" Yan Chuan said with a smile.

"Really?" The Emperor of Yan's eyes lit up.

"Yes!" Yan Chuan nodded affirmatively.

Yet, upon seeing Yan Chuan nod, for some inexplicable reason, a trace of reluctance and unwillingness welled up in the Emperor of Yan's heart.

"Then please accept the imperial seal. Tomorrow, I will issue an edict to the court and select an auspicious day for your enthronement!" The Emperor of Yan said, looking at the box containing the imperial seal with lingering attachment.

With a slight smile, Yan Chuan shook his head.

"Hm? Why are you changing your mind again?" The Emperor of Yan asked, frowning.

"I originally intended to found a new state and establish a dynasty, and my initial plan did not necessarily have to be the State of Yan. After all, you and I share the same bloodline, and I had no wish to contend with you. However, since you are determined to abdicate, I will accept it upon this foundation. Rest assured, as long as I live, I will protect the lineage of the Yan family!" Yan Chuan said with solemn assurance.