The Eighth Prince and his inner circle secretly gathered together to plot their scheme.
Yinzhen lived right next door to him; how could he not know what he was up to? In fact, even Yinzhen's retainers were itching to make a move. Only after the first retainer who tried to probe was driven away did they dare not say another word.
Not long after, a memorial was sent to the Rehe Imperial Palace, stating that most officials in the court supported Prince Zhi. Prince Zhi was the eldest son, had distinguished military achievements, and came from a prominent family. Since the legitimate heir had been deposed, the eldest son should be established as heir, which would be in accordance with the rules.
Upon seeing this, Kangxi's face darkened: "Summon Prince Zhi here."
The person who came with them was Wei Zhu. Liang Jiugong was older than Kangxi and was a eunuch, so he couldn't withstand the long journey.
Prince Zhi followed along with a blank expression, and surprisingly, he did not harm Wei Zhu.
"Look at this." Kangxi threw the memorial in front of Prince Zhi.
Prince Zhi reached out and caught it. As soon as he opened the memorial, he broke out in a cold sweat.
"Father, don't listen to their nonsense! What ability does your son have to replace the Crown Prince? The court officials aren't fools. They've known for years that your son is all brawn and no brains. He can lead troops, but he's no good at governing the country!" Prince Zhi cried out.
"With my son's temper, if he really becomes the crown prince, he'll inevitably clash with the court officials and they'll fight each other in court. And there aren't many of them who can beat him, it would be quite embarrassing." Prince Zhi looked at the signature on the memorial and secretly memorized it.
He vaguely remembered this person; wasn't it the one who had insulted him a few years ago for being pretentious and then taken the opportunity to frame him?
Jointly recommending a crown prince is not an honor, but a pit of fire.
Moreover, the current situation is that the second son doesn't want to be the crown prince, but the emperor only recognizes the second son as the crown prince. He just can't bring himself to coax his precious son who is over thirty years old.
Emperor Kangxi was amused by the sight of Prince Zhi crying and shouting.
Yes, if it were ten years ago, he would have believed such a memorial. But he has seen what the Prince Zhi has done over the years, and he simply doesn't believe it.
This move was clearly intended to confirm his intention to depose the crown prince, and incidentally, to further threaten the eldest son.
But who benefits from it?
Kangxi squinted, his gaze deep and clear.
I never imagined that this seemingly weak-willed man could be so ruthless for power. Well, he is, after all, his son. If he had no ambition, why would he willingly become a whetstone in his hands?
"I know your heart is pure, and your ambition lies elsewhere. Take another look at this one." Kangxi tossed another memorial to Prince Zhi, this time with less force.
Prince Zhi wiped the sweat from his neck with his sleeve; the memorial, which was not heavy, now felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
"The Crown Prince is extravagant, tyrannical, and cruel. Moreover, his speech is incoherent, almost like that of a madman. He is unfit to be the heir apparent of the Qing Dynasty."
Prince Zhi sneered, “As the Crown Prince, my second brother should be living a life of luxury. Not to mention my second brother, which master in the palace is lacking in resources? As for being tyrannical and cruel, he only whipped a few spoiled brats when he was young. What wrong has he done? Even great scholars praise my second brother for his benevolence and kindness. Where did they come from to spread such nonsense and frame me?”
Kangxi stared intently at Prince Zhi, seemingly surprised that the two, who used to be at odds, would actually speak up for him.
"His words are incoherent, almost like those of a madman," Kangxi said.
Prince Zhi knelt down solemnly and kowtowed to Emperor Kangxi before saying, "The Crown Prince should be high above all others. The relationship between ruler and subject must not be confused. Whether it is the small court in the Eastern Palace or the power when my second brother is acting as regent, it is all bestowed by Father Emperor. My second brother has never contested it. On the contrary, my second brother often delegates his affairs to his subordinates and never tries to seize power."
Prince Zhi licked his dry lips, composed himself, and said resolutely, "I trust my second brother and have never had any intention of seizing power."
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