In fact, Ye Jingchen knew very well that whether it was the emperor, these ministers, or even the people in the Eastern Palace who had heard his 'childish words,' they all thought he was naive.
This is exactly the effect he wanted.
Using the image of an innocent child to deceive the masses and gain more favor and pity from certain people (specifically the emperor) is a very worthwhile thing.
Although he looks like a child, he is not at heart; his 'innocence' is just a protective facade.
As the crown prince, the emperor's favor and trust were the foundation of his position. As long as the emperor protected him, and he didn't court death, he wouldn't die.
Of course, he couldn't live off the emperor's favor alone.
The saying goes that it's better to rely on yourself than on others; only by becoming strong can you live a better life.
Xie Chang'an represents the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion and the Xie Family Army, the strongest general and the strongest army in Dayuan, and is also extremely loyal to Dayuan.
He is both the legitimate heir of Dayuan and intends to befriend the Xie family. If he can win over Xie Chang'an, the Xie family army will definitely become his strongest backing.
As for the other three companions, they will become prominent figures in powerful ministers, noble families, and aristocratic clans, respectively. Winning them over is equivalent to winning over most of the power they represent.
As for the princes, the one who will be the most reckless in the future is now the most obedient and considerate younger brother. If he is properly nurtured, he will become a great help to the prince.
As for the others—
As long as the Imperial Concubine remains love-struck and doesn't want to get involved in the power struggle, the Ji family behind her will definitely not voluntarily get involved in it.
After all, the Ji family has existed for a thousand years and has experienced the rise and fall of several dynasties. They understand better than anyone the principle that prosperity must eventually decline.
The ambitions of the other princes largely stemmed from the powerful maternal clans behind them.
Consort Shu has become Consort Shu.
Consort De has also fallen into his trap.
The others who could be kept should be kept; those who couldn't be kept should have their power weakened by the emperor, and then they should be encouraged to send their children to the Eastern Palace on their own initiative.
Once his younger brothers enter the Eastern Palace, Ye Jingchen will make them understand clearly what mission and responsibility a qualified monarch will shoulder. Without their maternal families encouraging them from behind, would they really want to compete for that thankless position, where a slight misstep could lead to eternal infamy, being nailed to the pillar of shame, and being constantly used as a spur by future generations?
Anyway, Ye Jingchen, who came from the future, didn't want to.
Young people of their generation, while mostly unwilling to take responsibility, at least knew what responsibilities they had to bear in their respective positions.
Let's make a simple assumption: if modern young people had to choose between having one million dollars and being an emperor, most responsible young people probably wouldn't choose to be an emperor. After all, 996 is already the limit they can endure, and 007 is out of the question.
Most importantly, people should have self-awareness; they know they cannot bear that responsibility.
When awake, he wields power over the world; when drunk, he rests on the lap of a beautiful woman.
It seems wonderful, but how many emperors in history actually lived long lives?
If any of his brothers, after clearly understanding the responsibilities they bear, still wish to become emperor without any external interference, he would be happy to grant their wish.
By then, he believed he would have the ability to protect himself and retire gracefully.
Of course, the ideal situation is that the emperor is healthy and lives long enough that his grandson is old enough to be able to stand on his own. Then the throne can be passed on to the grandson directly. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
When Zhang Shunde led his men to the East Palace, Ye Jingchen was discussing with his attendants the coursework for Ye Jinghe and the adjustment of class times.
Ye Jinghe's schoolwork is very simple. He is just beginning his education and doesn't even need a tutor. He only needs two lecturers to teach him to recognize and write characters.
Ye Jingchen's focus was on adjusting class times.
Originally, he was supposed to start his morning reading at six o'clock, which would last for an hour. He would then have breakfast at seven o'clock, followed by academic classes at eight o'clock, which would continue until noon. Between the two long classes, he only had fifteen minutes to catch his breath.
Lunch is served at 12:00, and afternoon classes begin at 1:00. The six arts of a gentleman, including rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics, are taught in two large classes each day, with two of the six arts taught each day, and a cycle is completed every three days.
Most importantly, he can only rest one day a month, and throughout the year, apart from the three days of the Lunar New Year, the emperor's birthday, and Ye Jingchen's own birthday, he has to attend classes all the other times.
Ye Jingchen had always known that studying was very hard for princes in ancient times, but he never imagined it could be this hard.
He always liked to plan ahead, but when it came to reading, he always avoided it.
He didn't bother to find out his school schedule or what he needed to learn, thinking he could just relax for one day at a time. Until today, when he had no choice but to find out, the tutor's words were like a bolt from the blue, making him want to die on the spot.
Indeed, the ancient sages never lied to him; to be a superior person, one must endure the most bitter hardships!
To avoid this hardship, he would rather not be a superior person!
"Don't you think there's something wrong with this course arrangement?" he asked sincerely.
He is only eight years old.
Even if he's eighteen this year, we shouldn't push him like this, right?
"Your Highness, since the founding of the Great Yuan Dynasty, the Crown Prince's studies have always been arranged in this way," Prime Minister Wang said casually.
Ye Jingchen sensed that he was gloating, and he had evidence, because he saw the corners of Old Wang's mouth turn up.
Unfortunately, even if he saw it, there was nothing he could do!
"What about the prince?" he pressed on, unwilling to give up.
"Classes at the Imperial College run from 7:40 AM to 8:40 PM, with a break every ten days."
Ye Jingchen mentally translated: 8 am to 5 pm, 10 days a week with 1 day off.
Although it was tough, but—
"Why should I?!" Ye Jingchen asked, his question piercing the heart of the matter.
"As the Crown Prince, your studies will naturally be more demanding than those of other princes and nobles."
"The crown prince is also a human being. Does the crown prince have to study like an ox or a horse from dawn till dusk?" Ye Jingchen said angrily.
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words. Every crown prince before you, including His Majesty, went through the same process," said Prime Minister Wang in a good-natured manner.
"Besides, governing a country is much more difficult and arduous than studying. Only by studying hard now will you be able to govern the country more effectively in the future."
"No! Such heavy coursework is too exhausting. Young children like the Fifth Prince and those with poor health like Young Master Xie simply cannot bear it!" Ye Jingchen said righteously, appearing to be a man of great wisdom.
"Yes, I can't." Ye Jinghe quickly nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I think I can do it." At the same time, Xie Chang'an, who had just overheard Ye Jingchen's words, said calmly.
Ye Jingchen: ...
He looked at Xie Chang'an in disbelief.
No, brother, are you really that ungrateful?
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