Chapter 85 The Crown Prince

The outstanding female students of the academy are granted official positions for their achievements and appear in the court, which is already accepted by everyone. So, shouldn't everyone also accept the appearance of the teachers who taught these outstanding students in the court?

That's impossible!

That's the Dowager Consort! One of the late Emperor's consorts!

Looking at Consort Wan, who had been appointed as a scholar-in-waiting by the Emperor, standing in the procession, everyone's feelings were quite complicated.

Although it was only a fourth-rank official position, and although it didn't seem like an important position, it was the Hanlin Academy, the place that civil officials had to pass through to reach the highest position!

What does the Emperor mean? Does he want to give her a sinecure, or does he have higher expectations for Consort Wan?

They dared not think about it; they were angry for a moment, but dared not say anything.

After all, there are quite a few people in the court who are eyeing them covetously and want to bring them down.

The princes were targeting those who had previously submitted memorials opposing the movement, while the newly appointed female officials in the hall were all wide-eyed, hoping they would step down.

Let alone opposing female officials, they would be lucky to keep their current positions, so naturally they wouldn't dare to make the slightest mistake.

But if we can't target Consort Wan, can't we target Zhen Yuandao instead?

The condemning and disdainful gazes made Zhen Yuandao feel utterly ashamed and indignant.

After the court assembly ended, Zhen Huan happily walked over to her father, who was waiting for her at the palace gate.

"Father."

Zhen Yuandao frowned. He was currently serving as the Vice Censor-in-Chief in the Censorate, a mere fourth-rank official. Looking at Zhen Huan in her official robes, his expression darkened, and he couldn't help but rebuke her: "Huan'er, as a concubine of the late Emperor, how can you show yourself in public like this? Isn't this like a hen crowing at dawn? What kind of decorum is this?"

Zhen Huan was taken aback. She thought Zhen Yuandao would be happy for her. "Father, didn't you say before that it was a pity that Huan'er wasn't born a man and couldn't serve the country? Now that Huan'er is an official as a woman, what difference does it make?"

"How can that be the same!" Zhen Yuandao's brows were filled with impatience and shame. "Do you know what my colleagues will think of me?"

So, it's all for his pride?

Zhen Huan had never seen Zhen Yuandao's true colors so clearly before. At this moment, she suddenly understood Huan Bi's hatred. She should have realized it sooner: what kind of person could a man who would pass off a concubine's daughter as a maidservant of the legitimate daughter for the sake of his reputation?

Zhen Huan's face turned cold. "How do I view Father? Of course, I envy Father. I am now an official in the court. This is the Emperor's decree. I have been able to make my mark in the officialdom through my own talent and wisdom. This is an honor. Who would dare to object?"

Zhen Yuandao froze, his face showing embarrassment, dissatisfaction, and even a fleeting hint of jealousy towards her daughter.

Seeing this clearly, Zhen Huan's heart grew even colder, and her words became somewhat harsh: "Isn't Father also following the Emperor's decree? Does that mean other women can become officials, but I can't because I'm Father's daughter?"

"This move has put the Zhen family's reputation in jeopardy!"

Zhen Yuandao was furious. Seeing that Zhen Huan was unmoved, he flung his sleeves and was about to leave. "I can't control you anymore. I hope you'll think more about your mother and not bring shame to the Zhen family!"

Zhen Huan watched Zhen Yuandao's departing figure without saying a word. She had worked so hard to reach the throne, and no one could threaten her for any reason; even filial piety was subject to the law.

She thought she understood what the Emperor had said before the end of the girls' school: as long as she stood high enough, no one would dare to question her, and the Zhen family would only be proud of her.

Therefore, she will never stop, she will never be defeated, and she will step by step stand at the forefront of the court.

...

Since Consort Wan has already gone to court to serve as an official, what's wrong with the two empress dowagers and other consorts and concubines leaving the palace to serve as teachers at girls' schools?

People lower their bottom line step by step like this.

After this news was released, the court officials didn't even think it was worth mentioning, nothing serious. They thought it was reasonable and typical of the emperor's actions, something they were already used to!

After all, those who weren't used to it are probably back home selling sweet potatoes now.

After all, the emperor said that an official who doesn't serve the people and spends all his time worrying about trivial matters like love and sex might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes.

Those princes were rather short-sighted. No sooner had the emperor dismissed them from their posts than they ostentatiously sent over tools for roasting sweet potatoes.

Of course, there was another important matter in the imperial court that could touch everyone's hearts: the establishment of a crown prince.

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

Having received the mandate of heaven and ruled over all the lands, I yearn for the continuation of our dynasty and the flourishing of our lineage. My eldest son, Yonglian, is intelligent and virtuous, possessing a profound and magnanimous character. His filial piety and brotherly love are renowned within the palace, and his benevolence is known throughout the land. From a young age, he has been intelligent and studious, well-versed in the classics and history, and skilled in etiquette. Observing his many admirable deeds, I truly believe he possesses the virtues of a crown prince.

I hereby issue this edict, establishing Yonglian as Crown Prince to succeed me to the throne and assume the weighty responsibility of the imperial regalia. I hope that he will faithfully follow the ancestral teachings, diligently cultivate political virtue, strive to learn knowledge, revere Heaven and follow the example of our ancestors, care for the people and be diligent in his duties, and constantly improve his virtue, thus becoming a model for all subjects of the realm.

All princes, ministers, and officials, both civil and military, shall wholeheartedly assist the Crown Prince in ensuring the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty and the great achievements of the nation. So be it!

At the grand court assembly on the first day of the ninth month of the third year of Qianlong's reign, Hongli ordered someone to announce this imperial edict, appointing his seven-year-old eldest son, Yonglian, as the crown prince.

Some were surprised, while others were delighted.

Ma Qi, who was still alive after retiring from official life, was overjoyed upon learning of the imperial decree and immediately summoned everyone in his clan for a speech.

"Today, Prince Yonglian has been appointed as the Crown Prince, which is the greatest honor for our clan. However, you should know that fortune may bring misfortune. The position of Crown Prince is under the spotlight, and we, as the Crown Prince's maternal clan, are under the watchful eyes of everyone."

Ma Qi's voice was deep yet carried an undeniable authority. His stern gaze swept over the crowd. "From this moment on, you must be careful with your words and actions. Think carefully before you speak, and never speak recklessly about politics or gossip, lest you bring unnecessary trouble upon the Crown Prince. Before acting, consider whether it is appropriate in the Crown Prince's name and whether it will damage his reputation."

Ma Qi paused slightly, pondering the Emperor's intention in bestowing the title of Crown Prince at this moment, and continued, "Furthermore, our clan must be utterly loyal and obedient to all of the Emperor's decrees and orders. The Emperor's commands are like divine edicts, and there must be no slackening or disobedience. Regarding the matter of female officials, our Fucha clan must provide strong support, and once the girls' school opens, we will send all our outstanding daughters there."

"Only with absolute loyalty and prudence can we ensure the Crown Prince's stability and the long-term prosperity of our clan. Always remember, until the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Emperor is the only master of our Fucha clan!"

Seeing his clansmen respond in unison, Ma Qi breathed a sigh of relief. From the moment Lang Hua first entered the Prince's mansion and made a mistake, he knew that the current emperor was no ordinary person.

Now that they had already placed their bets, no matter who the crown prince was, the Fucha clan would never waver. Recognizing their master was the most important thing Ma Qi had learned from the emperor.