There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 459 The Struggle for the Crown Prince

June 18th, the seventh year of Savar III of Boyu

Amber Palace

Prayer Hall

A gilded dome, stained-glass windows casting dappled light and shadow, and the air filled with the aroma of expensive spices.

King Ardan sat high on his throne, dressed in his most solemn robes, yet he could not conceal the weariness and irritability between his brows.

The market prince stood slightly below him, chin held high, eyes looking down at him with disdain.

Civil and military officials and envoys lined up on both sides, with the Purple Star Envoy also among them.

Princess Changning deliberately stood in a conspicuous position and gave the market a graceful eye roll.

A message came from outside the hall.

"Princess Zoya Savar has arrived!"

All eyes turned to the palace gate.

Zoya slowly entered. Today, she was not wearing elaborate clothes, but a simple moon-white long dress with a light blue gauze shawl over it. Her long hair was simply tied up and adorned with only a jade hairpin.

She held in her hands a roll of brightly colored but obviously crudely made fabric—it was the "Hundred Blessings Blanket".

She walked steadily, her eyes clear, and stepped down to the foot of the imperial steps, where she gracefully bowed.

"Your subject, Zoya, greets Your Majesty, wishing you good health, longevity, and peace in the Kingdom of Boyu."

Ardan, displeased with the sight of his increasingly out-of-control daughter, forced a smile and said...

"Rise. What is that in your hand during today's blessing ceremony?"

Zoya stood up and held the "Hundred Blessings Blanket" high with both hands.

"This 'Hundred Blessings Blanket' was made day and night by all the residents of Star Camp in gratitude for the King's benevolence and the court's virtuous rule. Every stitch and thread on this blanket embodies their hopes for a peaceful life and their blessings for the future. Your son presents it on their behalf, wishing that our nation's suffering will end and hope will sprout."

The eunuch stepped forward, took the blanket, and unfolded a corner of it.

The blanket is made of ordinary materials, but the pattern is exquisite: in the center are stars and new shoots, surrounded by simple symbols representing different wishes for blessings (health, food, peace, etc.). Although rough, it exudes a simple and sincere emotion.

Some officials nodded slightly; the people's sentiments were, in any case, a heartwarming story.

Aldan twitched the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, that's thoughtful," he said, not wanting to elaborate on the matter.

Zoya went along with it.

"Thanks to the blessings of our father, the bravery of our soldiers, and the support of the people, the Star Camp now has over eight hundred residents. Everyone has shelter from the wind and rain, and food to eat every day. The epidemic is under control, the children are being educated, and the situation has begun to stabilize."

"However, in Suleiman, there are still several places similar to the Camel Camp where impoverished people gather, with over ten thousand people struggling to survive in dire straits."

She raised her head, her gaze earnest and resolute.

"Your humble servant has gained some insights from the Star Camp and humbly requests Your Majesty's permission to expand the pilot program, allocate some funds, provisions, and manpower, and allow me to extend the regulations and experiences of the Star Camp to other impoverished areas."

"This move will not only relieve the people from their suffering and bring peace to the region, but also allow us to explore new methods for governing poverty and pacifying displaced people. It will be of great benefit to both the country and the people. Your son is willing to sign a military pledge and will do his utmost to live up to your father's expectations!"

The hall fell silent.

Zoya's words were reasonable and, in fact, placed the king in a very positive light.

Many mid- to lower-ranking officials nodded in approval, agreeing that the princess was indeed pragmatic, capable, and cared deeply for the people.

King Ardan's face darkened.

Expanding the pilot program? Providing money and personnel? And enacting new laws? Wouldn't this just allow Zoya's power and prestige to expand further? He absolutely wouldn't allow it!

"Humph!"

Aldan snorted coldly, "Zoya, you've managed to govern a district and achieved some minor success, yet you're already eager to take credit and advance recklessly? National affairs are complex and multifaceted; how can a young woman like you easily interfere? Governing the poor is the responsibility of local officials! Just focus on being a princess and don't bring up these matters that are unbecoming of your status!"

"Father!"

Zoya took a step forward, her voice rising slightly, trembling almost imperceptibly.

“Your Majesty, I am not seeking credit! Rather, seeing the hardships faced by the people, I am deeply troubled! If the local officials could truly govern properly, how could there be such a hell on earth as Camel Camp? The transformation of Xingxing Camp is not solely due to my efforts, but rather proves that as long as everyone is of one mind and the methods are appropriate, even the most difficult places can offer hope for survival! Father, please give your son a chance, and give those more than ten thousand people a chance to live!”

"enough!"

The king slammed his hand on the armrest of his throne and roared, "How dare you cause such a ruckus in the court! There are laws and regulations governing the country, and we cannot allow a mere princess like you to act so recklessly! Step down!"

Outside the palace plaza, some members of the public, through a loudspeaker secretly placed by Li Shuchen, heard the conversation inside the palace.

"Did you hear that? The king won't let the princess do anything!"

"The princess just wants to help more people like us!"

"Local officials? Bah! What can they do besides collecting taxes and exploiting people?"

"Star Camp is so great, why can't it be promoted?"

"Does the king... simply not care whether we live or die?"

"I think only a princess is fit to manage things! What can the Pasar prince do besides eat, drink, be merry, and bully people?"

"Yes, if only the princess were the crown prince..."

Whispers spread like ripples through the crowd, and discontent began to grow.

Hall

Zoya was reprimanded by the king, and tears welled up in her eyes at the opportune moment (a tactic taught by Li Shuchen: feign weakness to gain sympathy).

She knelt on the ground, her voice choked with sobs yet all the more resolute.

“Father… Your son is utterly devoted, serving only the country and its people, with no other thoughts! If Your Majesty believes that your son is unworthy of his status, your son… Your son is willing to relinquish the honor of being a princess, seeking only to live as a commoner, and dedicate himself to finding a way to survive for the suffering people!”

"You...you've gone too far!"

Ardan was so angry that his beard stood on end.

Just then, Prince Basha jumped out, pointed at Zoya, and shouted loudly...

“Father! Look at her! Where is the slightest bit of dignity a princess has left? She spends her days associating with commoners to win people's hearts, and now she even dares to contradict you and threaten you in court! She clearly has ulterior motives, trying to win people's hearts and plotting something sinister! I think we should immediately take back her jurisdiction over the camel camp, confine her to the palace, and discipline her strictly!”

The market's opening statement escalated the conflict to the level of "plotting something sinister."

"Brother Wang, you are mistaken."

A calm, slightly weak voice rang out.

From the back of the crowd, Prince Hassan, the third prince, had somehow entered the hall. He was still dressed simply, his face pale, and he was being supported by a young eunuch. He coughed lightly twice.

"Princess Zoya cares deeply for the people and is courageous in taking on responsibilities. Her feelings are admirable and her aspirations are commendable. Even if her methods are controversial, she should not be easily accused of having ulterior motives."

"The foundation of a nation lies in its people. It is a good thing that my sister can share my father's burdens and soothe the people's hearts. In my humble opinion, my father might consider granting my sister some authority to try things out, setting limits, and strictly supervising her to observe the results. In this way, my father's benevolence can be demonstrated, and the people's suffering can be alleviated, achieving the best of both worlds."

Hassan's words, seemingly neutral and conciliatory, actually subtly affirmed Zoya's actions, portraying the "right to try" as an act of royal benevolence, and gently deflecting the market's accusations.

Many officials in the hall nodded in agreement, thinking that although the Third Prince was sickly, he had a clear understanding of things.

King Ardan looked at the kneeling, "indignant" Zoya, at the jumping, "accusing" Pasar, and at the "muddying the waters" Hassan, and felt utterly overwhelmed.

None of his three children are easy for him to handle!

Zoya's reputation is too high; we can't give her any more.

The market is too stupid and useless;

Hassan... He's usually so quiet, why is he speaking up today?