Liang Jiugong didn't hear Kangxi's murmurs clearly, nor did he want to.
After getting the answer he wanted, Kangxi seemed to have forgotten about having his court officials jointly petition for the establishment of a crown prince, which left everyone puzzled.
At this moment, a stubborn Imperial Censor Cheng spoke up.
Imperial Censor Cheng: "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."
Kangxi: "Present your report."
Imperial Censor Cheng: "Yes, the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation. I urge Your Majesty to establish a Crown Prince."
The consequences of the First Emperor not establishing a crown prince made the matter of establishing a crown prince extremely important, so what Imperial Censor Cheng said is not entirely wrong.
Emperor Kangxi was not surprised that someone brought up the matter. He had been waiting for this for the past few days, and it seemed that someone had finally lost patience.
This Imperial Censor Cheng recommended the Eighth Prince.
Kangxi: "Establishing a crown prince is a major matter, and I think it should be handled with caution. We will discuss this matter again later."
Generally, when Emperor Kangxi said he would discuss it later, he meant he didn't want to talk about it anymore, but there were always some stubborn people.
Cheng Tou Tie—no, it was Imperial Censor Cheng who refused to accept his fate—speaked out: “Your Majesty, as you yourself have said, establishing a crown prince is a major matter, and not only a major matter, but also a matter of national importance that cannot be delayed. In recent years, without a crown prince in the court, the situation in Jiangnan has become unstable. I urge Your Majesty to make a decision as soon as possible. The Qing Dynasty urgently needs a virtuous heir apparent, Your Majesty!”
Emperor Kangxi's face darkened: "What? If I don't establish a crown prince, will my Qing Dynasty perish soon?"
Imperial Censor Cheng's face darkened: "That's not what I meant. What I meant was that Your Majesty should indeed establish a Crown Prince to avoid causing turmoil in the court."
Kangxi: "Oh? Is it that serious? In that case, tell me, who should I make as crown prince?"
Upon hearing this, everyone assumed that Kangxi had given in, and they began to express their own opinions. Almost 90% of the court officials felt that the Eighth Prince should be made the Crown Prince.
It's not that the Eighth Prince could win over 90% of the court; it's mainly due to his celebrity status. The Eighth Prince was renowned for his virtue, and everyone hoped that the emperor they were serving would have a better temper.
The relationship between the monarch and his courtiers was one of mutual strength and weakness. The Eighth Prince gave them the feeling that if they pushed him to the throne, they could become powerful ministers in the future.
The remaining 10% mostly voted for the Fourth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince, with a few others who could be disregarded.
Such a grand gesture even surprised the Eighth Prince. His first reaction was ecstatic. With everyone in the court recommending him, he was the one everyone hoped for!
Kangxi glanced at the Eighth Prince, his expression unreadable.
Both the Fourth Prince and the Sixteenth Prince lowered their heads, knowing in their hearts that the Eighth Prince was finished.
The reason why the Eighth Prince was so happy at this moment was probably because he was too overwhelmed to react. Otherwise, he would not be unaware of what it means to be "powerful and intimidating to the emperor".
Although his "power" was somewhat weak, it was still something the emperor would not allow.
Kangxi regained his composure, a composure that was somewhat frightening. He first looked at the Third Prince and the other princes.
"You are my sons, so tell me, who should be the crown prince? Third son, speak first."
The Third Prince is a bit clever, but occasionally makes a mistake. He has realized his situation and that he has no hope of becoming the emperor. It's not that he is without ambition, but having been pampered by Consort Rong since childhood, he is simply unable to endure hardship.
Although he has the ability, he lacks willpower. Knowing that it would be difficult to seize the throne, he gave up halfway. Now he has some fame among scholars, but he is not a force to be reckoned with. He is currently in charge of compiling books, a job he is doing very well and is quite satisfied with.
Asking him to speak on the selection of the crown prince was rather difficult for him. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Your subject has been busy compiling books and has not been able to learn about the abilities of my younger brother for a long time. Since all the ministers think that the eighth brother is suitable, then your subject will recommend the eighth brother."
The reasons given were so perfunctory that they could be considered as if they were not given at all.
Kangxi only felt that he was being perfunctory, but he was not angry with him.
"Fourth brother, what about you?"
Fourth Prince: "Your subject also recommends Eighth Prince."
His choice was entirely malicious and added fuel to the fire.
Upon hearing his words, the Eighth Prince frowned slightly. He found it somewhat strange, but in the imperial court, he had no time to dwell on it.
Then everyone started to speak.
The Fifth Prince recommended the Eighth Prince, the Seventh Prince recommended the Eighth Prince, and the Eighth Prince modestly recommended the Third Prince, arguing that he was the eldest. In fact, everyone knew that the Third Prince had withdrawn from the struggle for the throne, so his words seemed particularly hypocritical.
The Ninth Prince, the Tenth Prince, and the staunch supporters of the Eighth Prince naturally wouldn't push others aside.
The Twelfth Prince's wife was from the Fucha clan, and Ma Qi from the Fucha clan followed behind the Eighth Prince, so the Twelfth Prince naturally chose the Eighth Prince as well.
The Thirteenth Prince was unusually honest and pushed the Fourth Prince.
The Fourteenth Prince wanted to compete, but he didn't have the foundation yet. In addition, he was secretly developing behind the Eighth Prince, so he could only push the Eighth Prince aside.
Seeing that his older brothers were all acting this way, the fifteenth prince also spoke up for his brother.
Finally, there's Prince Yinyi, the sixteenth prince.
"Sixteen, what are your thoughts?"
"Your subject recommends Fourth Brother, Father Emperor. What the Qing Dynasty needs is a crown prince who is strong-willed and whose will cannot be swayed."
The implication was that he didn't believe the Eighth Prince had the ability to avoid being coerced.
Kangxi glanced at him, a fleeting look of satisfaction in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared without anyone noticing.
"I understand the thoughts of my ministers. I will consider the matter of establishing a crown prince. Court is adjourned."
Liang Jiugong shouted, "Dismiss the court!"
Kangxi didn't want to listen any longer. He was afraid he would say something he would regret on the spot. He needed to think things through carefully. However, this incident also made Kangxi realize that the Qing Dynasty really needed a crown prince. Factional strife was too damaging to the administration.
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