Granny Xu responded with a "Yes."
In the imperial court.
Emperor Hui led his officials in a court session in the all-wooden hall of the palace. Today, the earthquake struck, so special arrangements were made.
Grand Secretary Gu, His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and others have gathered information from various sources and have confirmed that Zhongzhou County is the epicenter of the earthquake and has suffered extremely severe damage. However, the exact extent of the damage is still unknown as the earthquake is ongoing.
All that is known is that the government office of Zhongzhou County collapsed and the prefect disappeared.
Countless houses collapsed and countless people and livestock went missing.
"We must send people to provide disaster relief as soon as possible," Emperor Hui said, looking at his ministers. "Let's discuss who would be suitable to send."
The Duke of Cheng'en was the first to step forward: "The people of Zhongzhou have suffered greatly from the disaster, and there is widespread mourning. They are in dire need of the court's comfort. I believe that this person's status should not be too low."
Grand Secretary Liu nodded: "I believe that selecting one of the princes would best reflect the royal family's love for the people."
Many ministers stood up and said, "I second that proposal."
Indeed, this is the time for the royal family to demonstrate its imperial favor and to win over the hearts of the people.
Sending a prince not only represents the imperial favor, but more importantly, it ensures that opening granaries and distributing grain, as well as providing emergency relief, will be highly efficient.
"Very well, then let's choose one of my sons. Who is willing to share my burdens?" Emperor Hui looked at the princes in the court.
The youngest son, Zhou Jingyi, is only twelve years old and will not be considered. The other three adult princes—the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, and Prince Jin—can choose one to go to the disaster relief effort.
Crown Prince: "Father, I am willing to go."
Prince Qi: "Your subject is willing to go."
The King of Jin said, "Your subject is willing to go."
The Duke of Cheng'en stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I recommend that the Crown Prince go. As the heir apparent, the Crown Prince is best able to embody the Emperor's grace, share weal and woe with the people, and overcome difficulties together."
All the officials in the Crown Prince's faction immediately agreed, saying, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is the best person to embody the Emperor's grace."
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