Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 570 The Emperor's Final Wish

Yan Taifeng paused.

He then resumed his declaration.

"My children..." he began.

"If there is one thing I desire..."

"It is neither a command nor a decree, but merely my heartfelt wish!"

A profound silence descended.

"Live without any regrets!"

The late Emperor understood that neither an imperial edict nor the designation of a successor would quell the inevitable struggle for the throne.

Thus, his final words were a plea for his children to act, whatever their choices, without the burden of regret that had plagued him.

If the aspiration was to contend for the throne, then contend.

If the desire was to withdraw, then withdraw.

There was nothing further he could do, leaving their destinies to unfold as they would.

This, it seemed, was the Emperor's final testament.

The assembled princes and princesses remained silent, their expressions inscrutable.

Minister Yan observed them, a sigh escaping him.

"This concludes His Majesty's final words! I pray you engrave them upon your hearts!"

The reading of the Imperial Decree was finished.

Silence!

A heavy, oppressive silence that stretched on.

Then, murmurs began to ripple through the hall.

"There is... no Crown Prince declared?"

"No successor appointed? He named no one?"

"It appears the decision now rests with us."

All eyes subtly shifted once more, their gazes moving.

From the Emperor's still, lifeless form...

To one another.

This time, the pretense of restraint vanished entirely.

The First Prince, Yu Zidi, remained outwardly motionless.

However, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

A fleeting disappointment flickered in his eyes.

(He did not choose me...)

A shadow of disbelief crossed his thoughts for a moment.

He had truly believed—no, he had been utterly convinced—that his father would name him.

After all, not only was he the eldest son, but he had also tirelessly strived for every achievement.

He had dedicated himself to earning his father's favor and had been actively involved in the Empire's governance from a tender age.

He was certain no one was more fitting to ascend the throne. (Why? WHY? Just tell me why?)

He had endured so many sacrifices, toiled relentlessly, yet still failed to capture his father's true acknowledgement.

(How am I inferior to them?)

His gaze swept over the others, a hint of resentment surfacing. While he might not claim the highest cultivation or possess mastery in arts like alchemy or formations, when it came to managing the affairs of the court, his experience was unparalleled, making him the most logical choice.

He had secured the loyalty of numerous ministers, and during the Emperor's absences, he had consistently shouldered the greatest burden among his siblings.

Yet, it seemed these strenuous efforts were never truly recognized by his father.

A blend of sorrow and anger washed over him.

But that fleeting emotion swiftly passed, supplanted by something sharper, colder.

(It matters not!)

His lips curved into a faint, almost undetectable smile.

(This outcome is even better.)

The absence of a named successor meant the Emperor hadn't favored him—but

crucially, it also meant no other sibling was favored either.

Observing the current atmosphere, he knew, without a doubt, that he stood as the

strongest contender among all present.

His gaze surveyed the assembled royalty.

The Second Prince.

The Fourth Princess.

The remaining siblings.

Some appeared contemplative.

Some exuded confidence.

Others were already strategizing their next moves.

Yu Zidi's slight smile widened fractionally.

(You all believe you stand a chance...)

His eyes darkened with resolve.

(But you lack the means. The Vermillion Pill Empire has already pledged their support to me.)

A cold certainty flashed through him.

With the backing of the Vermillion Pill Empire, he could overcome any

rival, regardless of their strength.

Of course, he wasn't convinced any of his siblings possessed the capability to challenge him, even without external aid.

(Once the funeral rites are concluded... I shall claim the throne.)

However, this ambition was not his alone.

Other princes and princesses, having long prepared for this very contest, similarly held firm to the belief that their meticulously laid plans would culminate in their ultimate triumph.

Yu Zidi cast another glance at his siblings.

Noticing their composed demeanor, their palpable confidence, and their thinly veiled ambitions, he let out an internal scoff.

(You are all deluding yourselves. The throne will be mine.)

They remained standing, their gazes fixed on the visage of their departed father.

Then, Yu Zidi took a deliberate step forward.

His expression had already returned to one of perfect composure.

The internal turmoil of moments prior had vanished, leaving only a serene facade.

He slowly let his gaze drift across the surroundings.

Over his siblings.

Across the Empress and the consorts.

Toward the still figure resting upon the bed.

He then began to speak.

"Father Emperor has departed this mortal coil."

His voice was measured, steady.

"The Empire shall now observe a period of mourning lasting forty-nine days."

His tone grew progressively firmer, imbued with burgeoning authority.

"All non-essential activities are to cease forthwith. No festivities. No

feasts. No military maneuvers shall be undertaken without appropriate cause."

His words flowed with an inherent command.

The other princes and princesses were not entirely pleased to witness the First Prince assuming an air of leadership, as if he were already the Emperor.

A slight narrowing of the eyes was observed from the Second Prince.

The Fourth Princess maintained a perfectly neutral expression.

A silent exchange of glances occurred among several individuals present.

However, no one dared to interrupt him, as, being the eldest, his actions were not entirely out of bounds.

"The funeral rites will commence after the period of mourning has concluded. These ceremonies shall be performed with the utmost solemnity, befitting the Emperor's station."

The intentions behind Yu Zidi's actions were clear to most observers.

He was seizing the initiative, projecting an aura of authority as if he were already in command.

In essence, he was acting as though he had already ascended to the throne.

Some averted their gazes, uninterested in the unfolding power struggle for the crown and gave it little further thought.

Others offered faint, knowing smirks.

(Seize the moment while you still can. Relish this time before it inevitably fades.)

This unspoken sentiment echoed in the hearts of many.

(Very soon, it will be I who issues the commands!)

Then, Yu Zidi advanced another step.

His gaze, this time, shifted its focus.

Moving away from his royal siblings...

...and towards the Empress and the consorts.

The faint sounds of their weeping still lingered within the grand chamber. Some openly sobbed.

Others concealed their faces, their sleeves trembling with suppressed emotion.

Regardless of the true depth of their sorrow, the scene was undeniably one of profound grief.

Yu Zidi inclined his head slightly.

His expression softened, a mask of empathy settling upon it.

His voice, losing the commanding tone it held moments before, adopted a gentler cadence.

"Mother Empress... Esteemed Mothers... I implore you to take solace. Our Father Emperor would not wish to witness you in such deep anguish."

His words were imbued with a respectful, seemingly caring timbre.

He then turned, his gaze landing upon Yan Taifeng. "Minister Yan!"

His tone abruptly reverted.

Firm once more. Authoritative again.

"See to the necessary arrangements."

Yan Taifeng immediately clasped his hands in acknowledgment.

"Understood, Your Highness!"

Yu Zidi continued his pronouncements.

"Issue an official decree across the entirety of the Empire."

A brief, pregnant pause followed.

"Announce the passing of His Majesty the Emperor."

The gravity of these pronouncements hung heavy in the air.

"The period of imperial mourning is to commence without delay."

"All provinces, all cities, and indeed all sects and clans under the Empire's dominion are hereby ordered to observe this solemn period."