Chapter 220: The Establishment of Crown Prince Qi
The apricot-yellow dragon robe pattern—everyone knows what that signifies.
Qi Chengming remained silent for a long time, then, waking up, asked in a daze, "Is today the day of the grand court assembly?"
Gan Tang knew he had been so busy lately that he had lost track of time, so she shook her head and said, "No, there are still three to five days until the beginning of next month."
Qi Chengming silently opened the surveillance footage and saw that the side hall was filled with the smoke of incense. Emperor Hongren seemed to be standing in front of the portrait of the late emperor, lost in thought, motionless for a long time. Qi Chengming watched for a long time before the old emperor finished offering incense himself, and a heavy sigh fell: "Father... I have made this choice today, perhaps it is worthy of our ancestors' legacy, but I don't know if it is a good choice for me."
"Be careful, help me pack it up first," Qi Chengming said cautiously. He planned to put on his court robes after entering the palace to see Emperor Hongren.
Although the surveillance footage already proved that there was no doubt about it, Qi Chengming wanted absolute certainty.
He had some suspicions—could this imperial edict have been forged by someone else? Emperor Hongren had genuinely intended to appoint him as crown prince, but what if someone had orchestrated this, sending him the court robes ahead of time?
If he were unaware of the trap and swaggered into the palace in this attire, he might incur the wrath of Emperor Hongren, who, out of intense fear, could bring him down from his position and cause his downfall.
The plan sounded crude and naive, but it could be incredibly useful if it succeeded. Just to be on the safe side, Qi Chengming still harbored some doubts at this crucial moment.
The sky still brightens very early in late spring, and only at times like this is there a biting cold wind.
As usual, the palace gates were already packed with carriages for the grand court assembly. The endless stream of people, carrying the aroma of food, created a vivid and lively scene of an ancient court procession. Officials dismounted from their sedan chairs and horses, exchanging pleasantries, their expressions somewhat bewildered, subtly probing each other.
Qi Chengming listened discreetly for a moment before putting on an extra layer of cloak and entering the palace. The two imperial guards responsible for searching the carriage upon entering didn't show any surprise at seeing the apricot-yellow dragon robe on it, suggesting they had been informed beforehand. On the contrary, their attitude towards Qi Chengming was much more respectful than usual.
Qi Chengming gradually began to feel a sense of reality.
So he... is really close to...!
After the young prince entered the palace without any hindrance, the first thing Emperor Hongren said upon looking up was, as expected, "Why aren't you wearing your court robes? Are you afraid to wear them?"
Qi Chengming immediately knelt down, expressing his loyalty with utmost trepidation: "Your Majesty's sudden bestowal of these clothes has filled me with fear. How could I dare to act on my own initiative?"
Even though he knew this was a polite way of declining, Emperor Hongren felt much better, and a smile appeared on his face: "Alright, I told you to wear it, so just put it on. Tell me, do you know why I called you here today?"
His second half of the sentence restored his cold and authoritative demeanor, making him sound like an emperor.
Qi Chengming, who had acted honestly and cautiously earlier, could no longer play dumb. His face showed no smugness as he frankly said, "I have a guess. Father... does he intend to appoint me as Crown Prince today?"
"What are you thinking?" Emperor Hongren asked cryptically, without giving any further explanation, leaving people unable to guess his meaning.
Qi Chengming rolled his eyes inwardly.
What was he thinking?
He went from being a humble construction contractor in Liuzhou to a cunning and ruthless prince in the palace—wasn't that all thanks to Emperor Hongren's upbringing? The clothes have already been sent over; what else could he possibly think? He didn't even know which direction to take when expressing his loyalty.
Qi Chengming paused for a moment, then raised his eyes with neither arrogance nor servility, carefully choosing his words and speaking sincerely:
"After my elder brother's passing... I feel compelled to be loyal, filial, and fraternal in his stead, to share my father's burdens, and to love my brothers. If my father upholds the principle of primogeniture, I will naturally follow and assist him. My father's choice of me today is a sign of his trust in my abilities. I am also willing to protect the people with my own body, share the burden of national stability, and refrain from doing anything that would disgrace our ancestors!"
Qi Chengming spoke the second half of his sentence with conviction, his words clear and resolute.
It might still arouse Emperor Hongren's suspicion, but that's no longer the most important thing. The second half of his sentence reflects his true thoughts: he is capable of handling and willing to take on this national affair. He wants to demonstrate his stance to Emperor Hongren; this is what he is thinking.
...Of course, if Emperor Hongren really wanted the sixth prince to ascend the throne, Qi Chengming would never comply.
Firstly, the Sixth Prince couldn't suppress the original male lead, the Seventh Prince. In the future, the Sixth Prince also won't be able to control Qi Chengming, who is undertaking infrastructure projects; only tragedy will ensue. Qi Chengming is determined to fight for it no matter what.
Emperor Hongren's expression softened; his second son's words had struck a chord with him perfectly.
"...Sigh." He finally sighed again, burying all his resentment and mixed feelings deep in his heart, and made up his mind: "Chengming, put on your court clothes and come to court with me."
His second son was the most outstanding of his sons, sharing the same aspirations and political views as him, and possessing a broader mind, especially one who cared for the people of the world. He was the most suitable successor, but... his second son was the child he disliked the most, and no matter what, Emperor Hongren could not change this impression.
Now that things have come to this, he has no choice but to accept it, no matter how much he struggles.
A magnificent melody began.
Accompanied by the distant and solemn tolling of bells, today, in accordance with the grand court assembly, the officials were summoned outside the royal city gates to enter the main hall for court.
The sixth prince, feeling uneasy as his second brother was late, stood in his usual spot. He wondered what had happened; his seventh brother had also been granted special permission to attend court and was now standing beside him, trying to appear calm.
Recently, his father had tightened control over the palace walls, and even when he asked his mother, she only knew that something seemed to have happened in the palace, but nothing more. This made the sixth prince very uneasy.
Qin Liusong and Zhang Ting, as newly appointed compilers and editors of the Hanlin Academy, stood respectfully behind Compiler Dong. This was their first time attending court.
Brother Huang Lan is a junior scholar in the Hanlin Academy, and he shouldn't normally be eligible to attend court today. But today seems to be special; the entire Hanlin Academy has come, both veterans and newcomers. So he stood respectfully at the back, doing exactly what everyone else was doing, and he was very nervous.
Grand Secretary Mu was also summoned to court today.
As an elderly man retired and enjoying his retirement, his age really didn't allow him to shoulder too much responsibility. However, this unusual grand court assembly still aroused Grand Scholar Mu's keen awareness. Although the timing didn't match up with his previous life, he still harbored a sense of anticipation...
just in case……
Therefore, Grand Secretary Mu remained calm and composed. Today, when he came to court, he gave a wink to several familiar companions, telling them to act according to the situation.
Everyone here is a seasoned fox; a single glance from him serves as a warning, and they know what the appropriate course of action is.
Sure enough, His Majesty emerged shortly afterward, followed by a figure dressed in an apricot-yellow robe and wearing a crown. What this signified was obvious to even a fool.
"Hiss..." "Hiss...?!" The officials below were too far away to see which prince it was, and for a moment they all made a slight noise. They craned their necks, trying to see which prince was absent.
The Seventh Prince's pupils dilated, his face blank. The faint excitement and pride he had felt upon being exceptionally allowed to attend court vanished, leaving only anger and disbelief: "...?!"
Qin Liusong could barely suppress the urge to smile. He never imagined that on his very first day as a court official, he would witness the new emperor's investiture of the crown prince. How incredibly lucky! He desperately pinched his thigh to force himself to suppress the urge to smile, making it impossible to detect.
Emperor Hongren took his seat on the dragon throne, and Eunuch Fuman announced in a loud and clear voice: "Court is in session—report any matters!"
An eerie silence fell over the vast palace. Even ministers who had matters to attend to kept their hands tightly tucked into their sleeves and remained completely silent.
Judging from His Majesty's tacit approval today, who doesn't know that he's set up the stage and is just waiting for the show to begin?
The Minister of Rites, having already received instructions from Emperor Hongren, took a breath, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, the late Emperor's words still ring in our ears: the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation and cannot remain vacant for years..."
He quoted extensively from classical texts for a while before finally getting to the point: "...Now that the princes are getting older, and following established precedent, I humbly request Your Majesty to establish a crown prince to safeguard the foundation of the nation."
Emperor Hongren's expression softened, and he began the formalities: "What do you all think? Today, please feel free to speak your mind in the hall."
A highly respected tutor in the palace, frowning in thought for a long time, struggle in his eyes, finally succumbed to his inner conviction. Ignoring the repeated pleas of his friends, he knelt forward and solemnly declared:
"Your Majesty! If an heir is to be established, I would like to recommend the Sixth Prince with the position of Grand Tutor. Since ancient times, it has been in accordance with the law to establish the legitimate heir, and the legitimate prince should inherit the throne."
The Sixth Prince's expression changed drastically on the spot, his eyes flashing like knives as he nearly jumped up in anger: "..."
Do I know you?!
...How come someone is trying to harm me right from the start!
He was initially overjoyed that his second brother had arrived in the Crown Prince's robes, thrilled that his powerful backer had finally grown stronger. Little did he know that he would have his own business here.
Emperor Hongren's expression remained unchanged, but the corners of his mouth turned down slightly as he looked down at the crowd: "...Is there anything else?"
Some of his courtiers, who were familiar with him, could hardly breathe and lowered their heads in complete silence, not daring to make a sound.
Wang Chuandao, who had also been instructed by His Majesty, immediately stepped forward and said, "The old saying 'establish the eldest son as heir' has a second half. Now, Prince Rui is virtuous and wise, possessing both talent and virtue. If a crown prince is to be established, I request that Prince Rui be chosen!"
Some officials echoed this sentiment, but many more remained silent—including those high-ranking officials who had been subtly signaled by Grand Secretary Mu. Behind them, numerous lower-ranking officials, observing the signal, refrained from speaking rashly.
Grand Scholar Mu was satisfied.
The timing is just right. As long as there isn't a massive chorus of ministers recommending Prince Rui in front of His Majesty, everything will be fine.
Emperor Hongren nodded, but remained silent, continuing to observe the ministers' reactions.
This gave some of them hope.
Those die-hard officials who were loyal to the emperor were unwilling to give up, either wanting to struggle further, or unwilling to see the current situation clearly, or considering themselves wise and loyal ministers who wanted to persuade the emperor. Several of them gritted their teeth and knelt down to continue their petition:
"Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is kind and benevolent, and suitable to inherit the throne." "I also recommend him! The Sixth Prince is the Empress's legitimate son..." "I second that; establishing an heir based on the legitimate heir is the proper course of action..."
Seeing the old emperor's face grow increasingly grim as he stared intently at the group, memorizing their features, the tutor's friend, seeing this, was filled with anxiety. In a moment of quick thinking, he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty loves your people like your own children; how can you not consider all the possibilities? This is a family matter; please listen to Your Majesty's will."
Logically, the majority of officials in the court should be in favor of the heir apparent. Scholars educated in Confucianism have been taught since childhood that establishing the heir apparent is the orthodox path. Yet, only two or three are standing up to insist. Why are the others strangely silent? Aren't they showing any favoritism towards the sixth prince?
It's because they saw through the Emperor's will!
If the eldest son, Prince Rui, were unruly or incompetent, everyone would risk angering His Majesty to speak up and argue. But now, very few of the ministers are speaking up, which means that... the Prince Rui, whom the Grand Tutor and the others are not familiar with, is capable and useful.
If that's the case, why can't we "appoint the virtuous and senior"?
To protect his old friend, the Grand Tutor's friend went to great lengths.
After these words of flattery were uttered, Emperor Hongren's expression improved slightly, but he still gave those people a deep look and waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Alright, I have already decided on Prince Rui. Those who are blind need not serve as officials. I will make an exception and allow you to go home and recuperate."
Upon hearing this, the men turned pale, collapsed, and were dragged out of the palace by the imperial guards.
The Grand Tutor's friend breathed a sigh of relief: "..."
Although my old friend's future is ruined, his life has been saved.
He also harbored resentment in his heart.
My old friend has really lost his mind! His Majesty has already allowed Prince Rui to come wearing the Crown Prince's robes, isn't the meaning obvious? If you insist on confronting him at a time like this, His Majesty won't think that the ministers are offering honest advice, but will only think that they are blatantly slapping him in the face!
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Author's Note: Sixth Prince: There are always ministers who want to harm me...!
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