Decree

Emperor of huajin was growing weaker by the day. No amount of herbs were able to make him better, strange thing was his body didn't have any disease. Even without a disease his vitality was slipping each day making all the physicians, consuls and Shiyou worried.

Emperor now could only be awake for a very short time and even then it took great effort for him to speak. He himself felt that his life was nearing its end and it was time for him to handle the major issues. Learning that his eldest son had gone to find miraculous herb and that his mother and sister were praying for him made him felt more guilt.

Looking at his past memories he vaguely remembers when they were still toddlers learning to walk and he was young. How they would brighten and jump on his embrace greedy for his love and praises. He also remembers his second son whom he was always proud of and how he was the only one beside him when greatly angered.

He now realizes long time has passed and he was now old. His body was not that strong as it looked and was finally showing of how much weary it had been. He also feels regret for not able to kill his nemesis and unable to see huajin hailed as the supreme ruler of all the countries.

He with great effort orders his eunuch to prepare for the people and the things to be summoned in his chamber. The eunuch who had served the emperor from young age couldn't help but be teary eyed from the order.

Half an hour later Shiyou, prime minister, two generals, head of the neutral faction and the royal scribe were inside the chamber. They knew the time had come and maintained utmost silence. The royal scribe was ready with the scroll, ink, brush and royal stamp beside the emperor.

Emperor first drinks the vitality pill so that he would be able to give the decree without failing mid way and then speaks "Zhen had ruled for long and have fair share of good and bad memories...Zhen in youth wasn't much capable even loosing out two cities which were once obtained from blood and sweat of ancestors...but Zhen is proud to have filial and capable children who for sure will do great things in future...

Second son legitimate by birth Xu Shiyou is to obtain the throne as the rightful and undisputed heir of Zhen...Zhen after learning of his ability and intellect from childhood had personally groomed him to be the next emperor of huajin..Zhen is assured to put huajin in his capable hands and hopes for the entire huajin to support him with all their might after Zhen leaves the mortal realm...Qing"

Shiyou unlike other times had red eyes and after saluting three times formally goes near to his father and grasps his shaky hand. Emperor gives a warm smile then turns to stamp the royal seal and his personal seal on the decree.

Each and every person bows to the emperor and leave the chamber for their presence was no longer needed. Prime minister puts the sealed edict in a exquisite box and takes it with him only to be opened after the death of the emperor.

Shiyou still had grasped his father hand and speaks gently "father...don't worry...for you are just weak...you don't have any disease...after proper recuperation you will be just fine...the important thing is not to give up...currently the elders of the sect are working hard to cure you...and with their ability it won't be long when you gain your strength.."

Emperor looks at his hopeful son and giving warm and gentle smile replies "okay...father knows...father hasn't given up...just preparing and securing your position...Shi'er you are the son that father has personally groomed...it is inevitable that in time you will make our dreams come true...father is not being soft or mushy just feels that somethings need to be done for your benefit...

if Shiyou is able to return then leave him be...with fathers decree he isn't a threat...you can cut of his limbs if you want to feel safe...but do not kill anymore of your siblings...for the public and consul may take it as a chance to drag you...Shi'er you have to accept that without acceptance of public and consul to sit on the throne is more prickly and difficult...and till the day you succeed you must absolutely refrain from ruling with iron fist.."

Shiyou nods his head and helps the tired emperor to cover with blanket. Despite everything he too felt that it wouldn't be long for him to pass away. He felt fortunate to have caught his fathers eye from a very young age resulting to him being groomed and favored among all of his siblings. Thus their bond was stronger and at this moment the greedy unfeeling Shiyou had tears running down his cheeks silently while looking at his frail father who can pass away at any moment.