A few days ago, the Yongzhao Emperor was struck by a sudden whim and posed a question. He asked Cao Yan if the other princes would rebel once he named a successor. The remark left Cao Yan breaking out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, the Yongzhao Emperor did not force an answer out of him. Instead, he instructed Cao Yan to spread the word that he would offer an Imperial Edict as a prize during the Imperial Royal Hunt. He specifically added that whoever obtained this Imperial Edict would be granted the freedom to enter and exit the Capital City at will in the future.
Cao Yan was deeply astonished. Since ancient times, such a privilege had never been granted as a prize. He truly could not fathom the meaning behind the Emperor’s actions. However, as a servant, he dared not ask questions and simply did as he was told. Now that the Yongzhao Emperor suddenly brought it up, Cao Yan was caught off guard. He put on his signature sycophantic smile and prevaricated, "Your Majesty’s favor is, naturally, something everyone desires."
"You old fox, playing dumb with me again!" The Yongzhao Emperor gestured playfully toward Cao Yan, though there was no hint of anger in his tone. He did not press him further but instead looked upward and gazed into the distance, lost in memory. He thought back to his own days of fighting for the throne and the various schemes he had entertained. Measuring others by his own yardstick, he wondered if his own sons might harbor similar intentions.
Chapter 420