In the Imperial Study, Yin Yi was studying with his teacher.
The teacher is teaching Yin Yi about the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident, his political measures, and his succession issues.
After finishing his explanation, the teacher asked him, "Does the Sixteenth Prince have any questions?"
He had read the history of the Tang Dynasty. Yin Yi was intelligent; although he didn't have a photographic memory, he could remember the contents of the book after reading it several times.
He had read the Zizhi Tongjian before his teacher taught him, and even asked Anning some questions. Anning gave his own insights and told him to ask others more questions in the future, not to listen to only one person's opinion, and to look at issues from multiple perspectives.
Yin Yi: "The teacher just mentioned Li Chengqian. I'd like to know why there's such a big difference between Li Chengqian before and after?"
These words made his teacher pause, and also made Emperor Kangxi, who was eavesdropping outside, freeze in surprise.
It's not that the question is unanswerable; at this point in time, no answer seems right. But since the Emperor has asked, he can't refuse to answer.
After thinking for a moment, the teacher cautiously said, "It may be related to Li Chengqian's sudden foot ailment. Emperor Taizong of Tang was a perfectionist emperor. Although he did not depose the crown prince, he began to favor Li Tai after Li Chengqian developed a foot ailment. Li Chengqian became uneasy, which led to his madness and made him seem like a different person."
Yin Yi shook his head: "Is that all?"
Teacher: "What does the Sixteenth Prince think caused this?"
Yin Yi thought for a moment and said, "Li Chengqian is the eldest son of Empress Zhangsun. He represents a part of the interests of the Guanlong Group. However, as he grows up, Li Chengqian has a conflict of interest with the Guanlong Group, which is led by Zhangsun Wuji."
They found that Li Chengqian was not easy to control, so they put forward Li Tai instead. In the end, the Guanlong Group, led by Changsun Wuji, chose the young, seemingly benevolent and easy-to-control Li Zhi.
It can be said that Li Chengqian was not driven mad by Li Shimin's favoritism towards Li Tai, but rather by the fact that the forces behind him realized he was potentially out of control, which led to Li Chengqian's tragedy!
This is a very novel perspective, looking at the issue from the standpoint of interest groups.
After Yin Yi finished speaking, his heart pounded. He knew that Kangxi had a habit of eavesdropping. Now that he was the only student in the room, he had specially installed an "early warning" device so that he would know as soon as Kangxi arrived.
The reason I said those things was intentional.
The question of Li Shimin's successor could no longer be explored in depth, but he knew what kind of answer Kangxi wanted to hear.
Emperor Kangxi also blamed himself, blaming himself for not teaching Yinreng well, which led to Yinreng going astray.
Yin Yi's words were tantamount to telling Kangxi that it was not his fault, but the power struggle behind the imperial princes, and that it was not his fault, but the fault of those interest groups.
This was a way of comforting Kangxi, and it wasn't impossible for him to say such a thing. The key point is that he was only thirteen years old. At the age of thirteen, he was already able to see through the appearances to the essence of the matter, which was already quite remarkable.
Emperor Kangxi thought that this son was really good; he was intelligent and his perspective on issues was in line with that of a ruler.
Having just been driven to the brink of madness by his troublesome sons, listening to Yin Yi's words lessened his guilt and made him feel much more at ease.
Just as the teacher was about to say something, Kangxi entered. After bowing and paying his respects, Kangxi dismissed Yin Yi's teacher, then looked at Yin Yi and began to examine him.
Yin Yi was a good student and was not afraid of such tests. But when he took the test, Kangxi was shocked!
This son is truly intelligent; he understands things quickly and has a profound understanding of issues. Some of his ideas even coincide with his own.
As for why they could agree on the same point, Anning had given him a crash course beforehand. If a young son has a deeper and more far-sighted view of issues than his father, an ordinary family would naturally be happy.
However, the royal family might not be pleased. They always want to give the emperor a chance to teach his son. A few minor mistakes are harmless and can even promote harmony in the father-son relationship.
Kangxi and Yinyi enjoyed their conversation more and more.
This reminded Kangxi of Yinreng. Yinyi was quick-witted and studious, and so was Yinreng. The key difference was that Yinreng was spoiled and domineering, which Kangxi had intentionally or unintentionally indulged.
Yinyi had none of these shortcomings, and was also studious and thoughtful, making Kangxi even more gratified than Yinreng.
Previously, with the Crown Prince present, Emperor Kangxi felt that although Yin Yi was intelligent, his intelligence was in learning—he learned everything very quickly. Now, Yin Yi's intelligence lies in his political foresight.
This thing is a necessary condition for becoming an emperor.
At this moment, Kangxi was only pleased that his youngest son was intelligent and like himself. In the future, when he needed to choose a son to inherit his throne, Yinyi, even if he was young, would be one of Kangxi's choices.
As for the forces behind it?
The Ulanara clan was his backing, and Kangxi had military power. He could decide who to give the imperial power to, as long as it did not violate the core interests of the Manchu nobility.
Anning was born into the Ulanara clan, and Yinyi represented the interests of the Manchu nobility to a certain extent.
After the examination, Kangxi suddenly asked, "Just now I asked your brothers what to do with your second brother. Your eldest brother said to lock him up in the beekeeping alley. I think this is a good idea. Do you think I should agree to it?"
After hearing this, Yin Yi thought that Kangxi had gone mad, asking him such a question. Was this a question that should be asked of him?
Actually, it's not Kangxi's fault. Kangxi really went a bit "crazy." He had raised the crown prince himself, and then he personally deposed him. It was a huge blow to him, and he desperately wanted to find an outlet for his emotions.
He felt pity for Yinreng, and therefore hoped that his other sons would also feel pity for his Baocheng.
Emperor Kangxi may not have realized this mentality, but it was reflected in his actions.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
