books44 Chapter 332 Pass away!
Chapter 332 Pass away!
Ji Chang paused slightly, then took a deep breath, as if to concentrate all the strength in his chest into his next words.
The air around him seemed to freeze at this moment, and every pair of eyes was staring at him, expectant and faintly uneasy.
"Something,"
He spoke slowly. Although his voice was soft, it clearly penetrated the eardrums of everyone present. "I need to explain everything to you in advance to prevent changes in the future and catch you off guard."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's heart trembled, and an indescribable sense of heaviness quietly spread.
They exchanged glances with each other, and without saying anything, they all understood that Ji Chang was about to reveal a topic that they were reluctant to face but had to confront - the arrangements for his funeral.
Ji Chang's eyes swept across everyone present one by one, with a look that contained both reluctance and determination.
Finally, his eyes fell on Bo Yikao, who was kneeling beside him. He was his proudest and most beloved eldest son.
"Yikao," Ji Chang's voice was a little more gentle and firm, "You are my eldest son. You have shown extraordinary character and intelligence since childhood. Your filial piety makes me feel very happy."
"I know very well that after I am gone, only you can inherit the Great Zhou and its millions of subjects, and lead them to a more glorious future."
When Bo Yikao heard this, his eyes instantly became moist. He tightly grasped Ji Chang's hands, which had gone through vicissitudes of life but were still warm, and his voice was choked with sobs that he could not suppress:
"Father, you..."
Ji Chang gently patted the back of Bo Yikao's hand, signaling him not to say more, his eyes full of trust and expectation.
"Yikao, I know you have a lot to say in your heart, but at this moment, I just hope you can listen to me."
Ji Chang continued, his voice weak but every word powerful:
"Although I have experienced many ups and downs in my life, I have no regrets as long as you are by my side."
"Yikao, as my eldest son and the future ruler of the Great Zhou, you must distinguish right from wrong, stay away from villains and stay close to loyal ministers."
"There are bound to be treacherous people in the court. You must always be vigilant and never be fooled by their appearances."
"At the same time, we must not be greedy for pleasure, but always pay attention to the people's food and clothing, and be sympathetic to their feelings, so as to win their hearts and consolidate our rule."
Bo Yikao nodded seriously. Every word of his father Ji Chang was like a brand, deeply engraved in his heart.
He knew very well that this was not only his father's expectation, but also a heavy responsibility on his shoulders as the future monarch.
Ji Fa, who was standing by, listened to his father Ji Chang's earnest exhortations to his eldest brother Bo Yikao, and felt waves of indescribable anger and unwillingness in his heart.
He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, and he was able to barely suppress the gasps that were about to come out.
Originally, when Ji Fa learned that his elder brother Bo Yikao died in Chaoge because of taking the blame for his father, he was secretly delighted.
He thought that as long as his father Ji Chang passed away, he would naturally become the first heir to Xiqi and hold the power of life and death over this country.
However, fate always seemed to play tricks on him.
Unexpectedly, the eldest brother Bo Yikao was not dead and returned to his father Ji Chang safely.
At this moment, Jifa's heart was filled with mixed emotions, including jealousy, unwillingness, and fear of the unknown future.
He was worried that all his years of hard work and planning would be in vain because of the return of his elder brother Bo Yikao.
But more than that, he had an unspeakable resentment towards his elder brother Bo Yikao.
Why? Why is the eldest brother always so lucky? Why can he always easily gain his father's love and trust? Is it because he is the eldest son?
Ji Fa's eyes inadvertently became sinister. He secretly glanced at his father Ji Chang, who was lying on the bed and looked particularly weak, and an indescribable impulse surged in his heart.
He wanted to ask his father why he had never received so much attention and expectations even though he was his son?
But reason told him that now was definitely not the time to attack.
Therefore, Ji Fa could only suppress his inner anger and unwillingness, and forced a smile. He knelt in front of Ji Chang's bed and said respectfully:
"Father, you must take care of yourself. The Great Zhou needs you, and I can't live without you."
Ji Chang smiled slightly, and that smile was full of kindness and relief.
He looked at Ji Fa, then at Bo Yikao, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart.
Ji Chang knew that these two sons were his pride, but their personalities and ambitions were completely different.
Bo Yikao was gentle, kind and tolerant, while Ji Fa was witty, courageous and extremely intelligent.
Previously, when Ji Chang learned that his eldest son Bo Yikao was no longer alive, he planned to make his second son Ji Fa the next heir.
Therefore, in his daily affairs, Ji Chang began to cultivate Ji Fa intentionally or unintentionally and let him participate in more government affairs.
However, fate always seemed to like playing tricks on people. The eldest son, Bo Yikao, was not dead, but traveled thousands of miles from Chaoge to here and returned to his side.
At that moment, Ji Chang's heart was filled with indescribable excitement and joy, as if it was as precious as a treasure that had been lost and recovered.
In comparison, Ji Chang naturally prefers Bo Yikao.
After all, he was his eldest son and the heir he had once placed high hopes on.
What's more, in order to save himself, Bo Yikao did not hesitate to bring valuable gifts to Chaoge and suffered torture. This filial piety and courage made Ji Chang deeply pleased and proud.
"Fa'er," Ji Chang said softly, "you must also remember that when brothers are united, they can break any obstacle."
"No matter what the future holds, you must support each other, face difficulties and challenges together, and protect the Great Zhou."
Ji Fa was shocked when he heard this. He looked up at his father and then at his elder brother Bo Yikao.
He took a deep breath, tried to calm his emotions, and then nodded solemnly:
"Yes, I will live up to my father's expectations."
Ji Chang felt a warm feeling in his heart when he heard this. He turned to look at Jiang Ziya, his brows relaxed, and he said slowly:
"Prime Minister, I'm afraid I can't do it. I'll have to trouble you to supervise and assist the imperial examination."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya bowed and said respectfully and firmly:
"Your Majesty, I am very sorry for your kindness. I will do my best to assist Your Majesty and devote myself to the future of the Great Zhou until my death."
After hearing this, Ji Chang showed a relieved smile on his face.
He knew that Jiang Ziya was not only wise but also loyal. With him around, Yikao would be able to successfully take over the responsibility of the Great Zhou.
"Prime Minister, how about this? I will make the decision and let Yikao recognize you as my father-in-law. This is also a token of my love for you. What do you think?"
Although Ji Chang's voice was soft, every word he spoke was powerful and full of unquestionable firmness.
As soon as he finished speaking, an indescribable ripple arose in Jiang Ziya's heart.
He knew very well that the so-called "sub-father" was actually adoptive father. It was not just a change of title, but also Ji Chang's unspoken trust and reliance on him, and an affirmation of his status in the Great Zhou.
Jiang Ziya lowered his head slightly, cupped his hands, and his voice trembled a little:
"Your Majesty, how could I have deserved such great love from you? Please take back your order!"
After hearing this, Ji Chang smiled and waved his hand gently, indicating that Jiang Ziya did not need to be too humble:
"Prime Minister, I am well aware of your intelligence and loyalty."
"It is a blessing for Yikao to have a father-in-law like you, and it is also a blessing for our Great Zhou. Don't refuse it anymore."
After saying this, he turned to look at Bo Yikao standing beside him and continued:
"Yikao, why don't you go and pay your respects to your father-in-law. From now on, you should consult the Prime Minister more often on everything and not make decisions blindly."
Ji Chang's words were full of expectations and teachings for Bo Yikao.
When Bo Yikao heard this, a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He bowed deeply to Jiang Ziya and said in a respectful and firm voice:
"Your Majesty, please accept my father's greeting. From now on, I will learn from you with an open mind and live up to your trust."
Seeing this, Jiang Ziya was also moved. He quickly helped Bo Yikao up and said in a gentle and loving voice:
"Your Highness, please stand up quickly. In this case, I will do my best to assist Your Highness."
Seeing this, Ji Chang nodded with satisfaction, and then explained some matters.
Finally, he could no longer hold on, slowly closed his eyes, and died in front of everyone.
At that moment, the entire tent fell into silence and sorrow.