Summit Farmer

Nobody expected such an event to occur, and even more unexpectedly, Your Majesty suddenly collapsed.

A group of ministers stood within the hall, their expressions becoming extremely somber. In times of national crisis, the imperial court requires a wise and valiant Emperor to control the situation. Alas, after such an incident, the empire's future is indeed worrisome.

While everyone was in chaos, a eunuch emerged to summon a few ministers inside.

Upon witnessing this, everyone became increasingly alarmed.

Indeed, bells rang out after 2 hours, signaling the passing of the Emperor!

As the bells tolled mournfully, the ministers widened their eyes.

Your Majesty has passed!

Several events occurred in the subsequent time that ordinary ministers were unaware of, but everyone knew that a few royal princes within the imperial court were constantly scheming against each other. Given such circumstances, with no will left by Your Majesty, it's unclear who will succeed to the throne.

The ministers returned home, each with a heavy expression, uncertain of what course of action to take. The situation left everyone unsure of what to do.

Mattie Brown returned home to gather the elders of the Windsor Family.

Clearly aware of the Emperor's passing as well, each of them bore a heavy expression, knowing that mishandling the situation could implicate the family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, changes have already occurred within the imperial court. It's likely Prince Samuel will succeed the throne, but Prince Frank commands a large army. The Sixth Prince also has command over the Southland Legion, and Prince David exercises great influence over the Western Legion. Prince Samuel's influence primarily lies with the Imperial Guard, and although he also influences the Eastern Legion, the Eastern Legion has been complacent due to the lack of warfare, stationed by the sea. Now ordered to aid the Northern Region, whether they return alive remains uncertain!"

An elder, experienced in the affairs of the Imperial Dynasty, quickly laid out the situation.

Mattie Brown nodded, "You're right, Prince Samuel's succession is certain, but given there's no will, undisguised ambition surely lingers among the princes. Under such circumstances, the imperial court's situation is unpredictable!"

Stone Brown smiled, "Has our Windsor Family not yet qualified to discuss alliances?"

Mattie Brown glanced at him, "You haven't yet recognized our Windsor Family's power. While previously our family lacked qualification, the situation is drastically different now. We have a capable army under our control. Do you think they wouldn't fixate on our Windsor Family?"

Upon hearing this, everyone thought of Peter Brown, who commands over a hundred thousand troops. Such a force, being noted by everyone, cannot be underestimated.

An elder shook his head, "Though Peter Brown has an army under control, everyone knows his predicament, surrounded by the Foreign Tribe Army. Survival itself is a challenge. How could he possibly aid us? You're overthinking it!"

Mattie Brown languidly pondered, nodding, "Indeed, under current circumstances, they won't target our Windsor Family for now. All we can hope for is that Peter Brown stabilizes his situation."

After another day, news of Prince Samuel's succession indeed arrived, followed by several princes leaving Kingston citing various reasons.

Seeing the princes leave, the ministers in Kingston felt all the more terrified. With their shrewd minds, they understood the situation; those princes likely indeed harbor ambitions beyond loyalty.

Meanwhile, within Prince Samuel's Manor, preparing for the coronation, Prince Samuel gloomily gazed at the ministers—his loyal followers.

After surveying them, Prince Samuel stated, "I know they'll flee, but there's no means for me to stop them. Alas, letting them leave will surely plunge the entire court into turmoil."

A minister sighed, "They left prepared, with substitutes here, while their true selves have long departed. Next, they'll surely seek to seize power, Your Highness; it's best to plan ahead."

"What do you propose? I control the Imperial Guard and the Eastern Legion, and although my strength isn't low, the Eastern Legion is heading to the Northern Region. My greatest concern is the traitor within! What if I lose the Eastern Legion due to a slip-up?"

Concern over the Eastern Legion is deeply embedded within everyone's minds.

"Your Highness, what needs to be done now is to gather alliances from various powers. Peter Brown has over a hundred thousand troops in his hands, worth showing goodwill."

"That young man is besieged there, with no reinforcements besides the Eastern Legion. His imminent destruction renders outreach meaningless, doesn't it?"

"Whether meaningful or not is another matter; as long as they possess power, showing goodwill isn't a loss. Your Highness, granting him some benefits isn't a bad idea—it's not much of a loss anyway."

Prince Samuel thought for a moment, nodding slightly, "That's right, as long he doesn't align with them, some benefits from me aren't a big deal. Let's see, now he's a Baron, let's promote him to Viscount then."

"It's inadvisable, Your Highness. He doesn't yet hold significant achievements; bestowing a noble title is inappropriate. Let's observe for now and grant him the title of General of the North, overseeing Northern Region affairs. If he proves meritorious, then offer noble rank."

"Alright, let's proceed with that. Peter Brown's forces, numbering over ten thousand, indeed serve little purpose—just keeping him steady."

"Your Highness, preserving strength is paramount. I advise ordering the Eastern Legion to cease advancing."

Prince Samuel's gaze sparkled as he nodded slightly, "Immediately issue the decree, ordering them to return to Kingston for its protection!"

Clearly feeling threatened, with several princes possessing armies, inevitable conflict over the imperial throne will arise.

While the Windsor Family's members were discussing, Prince Samuel's decree arrived, though not yet coronated, the content was conducted in the form of an Imperial Edict.

The Windsor Family members were somewhat bewildered; Peter Brown genuinely became a General, thus solidifying his status as a noble military figure.

After the eunuch departed, everyone sat there, staring at the Imperial Edict as the complexity of emotions welled within them. Despite their lifetime struggles failing to achieve such standing, Peter Brown, through his efforts, attained remarkable success.

After a while, Mattie Brown sighed, "I hope Peter Brown can survive this ordeal!"