Some days later, Ah Chen went to the Imperial Palace, claiming she wanted to personally make something for Song Chong and Consort Li. Although the two were reluctant, as she was their most "beloved" daughter, they had to agree.

"Your Majesty, Lady Li, this is the mushroom soup I’m best at," Ah Chen served each of them a bowl, "Try it and see how it tastes?"

Though the two were somewhat displeased, they decided to give it a try out of courtesy. To their surprise, the taste was indeed quite good, and they soon finished a bowl, wanting more, and drank another.

Despite their dislike for Cui Chen, the mushroom soup she made today was really quite good.

Ah, I knew no one could resist mushroom soup, just look at how much they’re enjoying it.

"Your Majesty, among the Princes, who do you think is the most capable of taking on great responsibility?" Ah Chen asked with a smile, as if chatting casually with Song Chong.

There were other palace staff in the room, who were all taken aback upon hearing this. What did Princess An Ning mean by this question? Then again, Princess An Ning was truly bold — as Your Majesty’s most favored daughter, she dared to ask such things.

Song Chong and Lady Li but thought if their confidants close to them were not present, they would surely be laughing in their hearts at their ideas. Your Majesty and Lady Li didn’t have a good impression of Cui Chen.

Song Chong frowned and said, "It’s too early to discuss this now. Your brothers each have their strengths and weaknesses. They still have a lot to learn before they can inherit the throne."

"I don’t think they’re capable, Your Majesty. Why not choose me?" Ah Chen went on, "Let me be the Crown Princess of Nan Qi, I guarantee I’ll be more competent than my brothers, what do you think? I went to Bei Qi and came back safe — doesn’t that count as a blessing?"

The palace staff were already terrified, worried for their heads. Princess An Ning, even if you are favored, you shouldn’t say such things.

They waited for Song Chong to get angry, but after a long while, they realized Song Chong was not angry.

"Your Majesty, choose me as the Crown Princess, establish me as the Crown Princess. After all, Canglan Country has an Empress, we shouldn’t fall behind in Nan Qi. We should have a female ruler too," Ah Chen said with a smile.

The onlooking palace staff were shocked — is this something to compare? Princess An Ning’s competitive spirit was indeed strong.

No, even when Princess An Ning said it so clearly, why wasn’t Your Majesty angry? This concerns the future of all of Nan Qi, choosing a Crown Prince is not child’s play.

Could Your Majesty’s favor for Princess An Ning be so strong? Is he seriously considering this?

How could it be possible?

"Chenchen really wants to be Emperor?" Song Chong asked instead, as if he hadn’t found anything wrong with Ah Chen’s words.

Ah Chen replied, "Of course I want to. Your Majesty, make me the Crown Princess. In time, I can prove I’m stronger than my brothers."

"I won’t embarrass you."

The ministers attending the morning court were all astounded, thinking their Emperor had gone mad, ready to establish Princess An Ning as the Crown Princess.

Though Your Majesty favored Princess An Ning previously, no one found it odd. But no one expected him to go this far. Even if Princess An Ning had gone to Bei Qi and suffered grievances, earning merit, it shouldn’t have reached the point of naming her Crown Princess, right? Even if Your Majesty wanted to compensate Princess An Ning, this wasn’t necessary. Wasn’t this reckless?

Nan Qi had five Princes, all quite capable and alive and well. Even if there were no Princes, the Imperial Family wasn’t short on candidates — a Princess shouldn’t inherit the throne.

The entirety of the court opposed it, and the attending Princes were bewildered — what kind of magic potion did Ninth Sister give to their father?

Yet Song Chong was persistent, issuing a decree in court, appointing Princess An Ning, Song Chen, as the Crown Princess. That very day, he even took Ah Chen to court, reminding the ministers that as the Crown Princess, she was duty-bound to attend court. Not only should she attend, but duties were also assigned to Ah Chen, with the momentum of genuinely grooming her as an heir.

Song Chong’s actions frightened the entire court. Even a few ministers used drastic measures to prevent him, yet these attempts didn’t make Song Chong retreat; those individuals only got hurt in vain.

Princess An Ning — no, now Crown Princess — nonchalantly arranged for the Imperial Physician to treat the injured ministers, further remarking that bumping one’s head isn’t an easy path to death, and instead one’s pain may persist, advising the ministers against foolish actions. Her abilities were not inferior to her brothers; Canglan Country had an Empress, so why couldn’t Nan Qi have a Crown Princess? Moreover, she chided them for being outdated, expressing that they should keep up with the times lest they be left behind on the sands like relics.

Truly infuriating.

But calm observers noticed that this Princess An Ning, should be called Crown Princess now, indeed exhibited an unusual performance in court today. Is this what it means to be someone who returned from Bei Qi?

Even if she was exceptional, she shouldn’t inherit the throne of Nan Qi. Your Majesty must be confused!

"Ninth Sister, you’re quite something." Usually silent, the Eldest Prince, Song Mo, couldn’t help but remark as he followed Ah Chen out of the Golden Throne Hall. Secretly and openly, the brothers competed so much, all for that position, wasn’t it?

Who would’ve thought their Ninth Sister, who grew up outside, quietly became the Crown Princess? Their usually gentle and rational father stood firmly on this issue, despite opposition from many, decisively setting the matter.

Not just the brothers, but likely the entire court wasn’t pleased.

At present, their father still reigns; the next Emperor’s ascendancy might be far off, during which much can happen. Currently, Ninth Sister is the Crown Princess, not necessarily guaranteed to last until the end. Historically, many Emperors ascended from Crown Prince positions, didn’t they?

Therefore, though they didn’t understand it fully, being eager, it wasn’t yet the critical moment. Their hearts indeed harbored some discontent.

Why her?

"Thank you for the compliment, Eldest Brother." Ah Chen responded with a smile, "When it’s just the few of us, calling me Ninth Sister is fine. In public, addressing me as Crown Princess would be better, so others don’t speak ill of you."

Song Mo, frustrated, felt as if after giving her some leeway, she wanted to open a dye workshop.

Song Mo gritted his teeth, muttering, "Then may the Crown Princess have her wish granted."

"Thank you for your good words, Eldest Brother." Ah Chen accepted gladly.

She would indeed have her way.

Though not by inheriting the throne of Nan Qi, rather by conquering your Nan Qi.

"The Crown Princess is truly formidable," Second Prince Song Wei’s smile was somewhat stiff; today’s events at the morning court were the second most shocking thing he had witnessed in his twenty-some years, the first being Canglan Country overturning Bei Qi overnight.

"Second Brother, are you envious of me?" Ah Chen asked.

Song Wei, furious inside, also felt speechless — could someone like her really ascend to great power? She might not even know how she’ll meet her end. With those few by her side, let’s see how long she lasts.

Third Prince Song Feng also spoke, albeit in a rather ominous tone, "Crown Princess, take care to stay safe." With that, he turned to leave.

"Thank you for the reminder, Third Brother, I definitely will live well. I am much younger than you, after all, with a longer lifespan."

Song Feng: She really knows how to infuriate, and so haughty.