The old king didn't plan out who would be the next emperor before he died? I mean... I get it's tradition and all that, but that's really poor management... At this point, wouldn't generals, another nobelmen also join to become king?
I feel bad for the servant that got killed...
Imagine going to work one day thinking everything is fine. Suddenly your boss' older brother (who doesn't work/live there) shows up (for who knows what reason) and decides to murder you because you decided to speak up about something your boss...