Everyone perked up, realizing that the real show was about to begin!

Now, Yuan Shao, the Commandant of the Capital Region, and the forces he represents have become the most powerful faction in the Eastern Han court after He Jin.

They were the spokespeople for the powerful clans and aristocratic families of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

On the issue of succession to the Eastern Han Empire, the Yuan family and He Jin had already reached a tacit understanding: to firmly support the eldest son, Liu Bian.

Although Yuan Shao later went to Bohai Commandery after Dong Zhuo entered the capital and forced Han Fu, the governor of Ji Province, to cede Ji Province, thus gaining control of the vast territory of Hebei, Yuan Shao wanted to enthrone Liu Yu as emperor and establish a separate court.

But at this time, Yuan Shao was still very loyal to the Han Dynasty.

After all, the Yuan family had held high office for four generations, gaining immense fame and benefits from the imperial court.

"Minister Yuan, what do you have to report?"

The fact that the Grand Tutor was the first to step forward suggests that the issue is unlikely to be the selection of an heir apparent.

Liu Hong was somewhat prepared at this point, so he asked loudly.

"On the first day of the new year, as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, I believe it is the perfect time to establish an heir apparent and solidify the foundation of the nation."

"Once the matter of establishing an heir is settled, the ministers will be at ease and will work together to quell rebellions in various regions and restore the glory of the past."

Yuan Feng had white hair, but his voice was loud and clear, resounding with conviction.

As soon as he finished speaking, a roar erupted in the hall.

Liu Hong did not expect that the first thing they raised was the issue of establishing an heir.

He frowned as he looked at Yuan Feng, as if he wanted to devour him.

Unexpectedly, led by Grand Commandant Huangfu Song, Minister of Works Yuan Kui, Imperial Censor Zhu Jun, and Commandant of the Guards Lu Zhi, almost half of the officials stood up and reported in unison:

"Your Majesty, we humbly beseech you to stabilize the foundation of the nation!"

Liu Hong was startled by the overwhelming force of so many important officials and looked at He Jin.

Although He Jin did not make a move, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

These ministers were an alliance he had formed through lobbying efforts by sending his advisors over this period.

Many ministers certainly hoped that Liu Hong would appoint a crown prince as soon as possible, but they also wanted to gain certain benefits during the handover between the old and new emperors.

Therefore, he deliberately maintained a wait-and-see attitude, and followed His Majesty's orders in everything.

In order to win them over, He Jin naturally offered certain conditions, such as official positions or wealth.

They hesitated for a moment before readily agreeing to help bolster their momentum.

He Jin met Liu Hong's piercing gaze without flinching.

Liu Wei had anticipated this situation, after all, Liu Bian was the Empress's son and the eldest son of the legitimate wife, so the legitimacy of his succession was beyond question.

The ministers, of course, would not be swayed by Liu Hong's preferences.

A stable transition of imperial power, with everyone following the established practices, is a win-win situation.

Liu Yu and Liu Biao couldn't help but question what Liu Wei had said at Feifeng Tower that day.

To propose establishing the Prince of Chenliu in such a situation is tantamount to going against all the ministers.

The two looked at Liu Wei with concern, but he remained calm and unconcerned.

"Then...then my beloved ministers, you say that we should establish a crown prince to establish the foundation of the country, and I wholeheartedly agree."

"I have three princes, each with different talents and abilities. Which one do you think is the best choice to be the crown prince?"

Liu Hong was no pushover; he would not yield to these ministers' pressure.

What was originally a competition between his two sons suddenly included Liu Wei, confusing the issue.

Sure enough, the ministers who proposed establishing a crown prince were all stunned.

What does Liu Hong mean?

Surprisingly, Liu Wei was also listed as a contender for the crown prince position.

However, they quickly realized that Liu Hong was doing this on purpose.

These ministers were not so easily fooled. Yuan Wei immediately reported, "Your Majesty, why is there still a need for selection?"

"Throughout history, it has always been the case that the son of the empress should be made crown prince. It is a matter of course and there are no other alternatives."

As soon as Yuan Wei finished speaking, the other ministers followed suit, each offering their own report:

"Yes, Your Majesty, we request that you designate the Prince of Hongnong as the Crown Prince!"

"We should appoint the Prince of Hongnong as crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize the people's hearts, quell the rebellion, and revitalize the nation."

“The Prince of Hongnong is the rightful and reasonable heir, and there is no room for doubt.”

"If Your Majesty wishes to appoint someone else as Crown Prince, that would be a violation of ancestral rules and a rebellion against the Heavenly Order!"

"......"

The crowd was aggressive, spitting everywhere, almost spraying spittle onto Liu Hong's face.

Faced with the words of such a minister, Liu Wei felt for the first time the immense power of the ancient civil service group.

These civil officials were not individuals; their presence on the central stage of the empire represented the interests of a group of people.

Their words and actions are closely related to many more people.

"Your Majesty, establishing the Prince of Hongnong is the will of Heaven and the will of the people. You cannot go against the will of Heaven!"

Seeing that the crowd had pressed forward and Liu Hong was powerless to resist, He Jin stepped forward to make the final decision, saying, "Rebellions are raging everywhere, and foreign tribes are rampant. I urge Your Majesty to resolve this matter at today's court assembly to put the people at ease!"

They could never achieve such perfect coordination without rehearsals.

"Your Majesty, please stabilize the foundation of the nation and reassure the people!"

As soon as He Jin finished speaking, the ministers shouted in unison.

The sound was deafening.

Situ Qiaoxuan and Shangshu Ling Wang Lang exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

They had a close relationship with Empress Dowager Dong, and this time they were entrusted by her to speak in court, proposing to depose the eldest son and establish a younger son in favor of the youngest.

I thought that during this grand court assembly, everyone would first report on some other important matters, and then bring up the issue of establishing an heir later in the meeting.

Unexpectedly, the Yuan family fired the first shot, getting straight to the point, and then the ministers followed suit, giving no room for maneuver whatsoever.

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