The days that followed were peaceful, firstly because the biggest problem in the palace had been temporarily resolved, and secondly because everyone was so busy with the funeral that they were too tired to have any other interest.
In the blink of an eye, it was March of the third year of Tianshun. All the funeral rites of the late emperor had been completed, and the coffin was moved to the imperial mausoleum on the outskirts of the city.
Everyone gradually recovered from the funeral and began to consider other arrangements. The prince was still in his mother's womb, and determining his status was a very difficult question. There was still much that needed to be done to stabilize the court.
No one dared to bring up these matters. After all, if they were not careful, they might not only gain no credit, but also get themselves into trouble. Even if they chose the right side now, if the child they gave birth to in the future was not a dragon child, it would be in vain.
However, at this moment, a memorial broke this secret balance and stalemate.
Gu Zheng, the head of the Hanlin Academy, submitted a petition requesting that Empress Dowager Lin be given the title of Grand Empress Dowager, and Minister Zhang be given the title of Empress Dowager. The unborn child of Minister Zhang be designated as the Crown Prince, with the title and status determined first. The enthronement ceremony would be held after the Crown Prince was born.
In this way, the status is determined and the people of the world can rest assured.
Empress Dowager Lin naturally agreed with all her heart.
Apart from anything else, once her status as Grand Empress Dowager was confirmed, even if she gave birth to a girl in the future, or if... a new emperor was chosen, her status would not change. This wouldn't put her in an awkward position, as He Qing had speculated, because the new emperor would confer titles on her biological parents.
But the court officials had different opinions.
If this is really a prince, there will naturally be no problem, but if it is a princess, it will be difficult to determine her as the crown prince now.
By this time, the imperial court had already resumed. Gu Zheng, in front of so many people, clearly had no intention of backing down and had thoroughly prepared. Facing numerous objections and rebuttals, he spoke eloquently, citing classic texts and arguing that the decision, rather than the emperor's status, being made, would provide room for maneuver. More importantly, with the emperor's passing and the world in turmoil, it was crucial to quickly establish a clear position and return officials and citizens to their proper places.
Mrs. Lin sat behind the curtain, listening to these pleasing words, and could not help but observe Gu Zheng carefully.
He looked very young, handsome, and well-mannered, with only a sliver of beard around his lips, which gave him a certain poise. His words and actions were quite elegant, and he remained calm and composed under the criticism of others, acting with reason and understanding. Judging from what he said, he was also quite talented.
After the Empress Dowager finished her inspection, she couldn't help but whisper to Huang Xiu, the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, who was standing beside her, "Gu Zheng is quite a talent. Why haven't I heard much of his name before?"
As the Grand Eunuch, Huang Xiu was in charge of confidential documents, sealed memorials, and foreign relations. Naturally, he was very familiar with the ministers in the court. He bowed slightly and leaned close to the Empress Dowager's ear, saying, "He was a Jinshi during the Ming Jia period, and was renowned for his talent at a young age. He passed the imperial examination at the age of nine and was a renowned prodigy. He was only seventeen when he passed the Jinshi examination, and Emperor Lingdi was very fond of him. However, due to his youthful impetuosity, he left the capital soon after. He returned to the court for his meritorious service in local governance, but Minister Xue said he was young and needed to be suppressed, so he entered the Hanlin Academy. After the late Emperor ascended the throne, he appreciated his talent and fame and appointed him as the President of the Hanlin Academy. He is only twenty-eight years old this year."
"He is a little too young." Empress Dowager Lin couldn't help but frowned slightly when she heard this.
She valued Gu Zheng's resourcefulness and the fact that he was on her side, so she wanted to use him. This way, she would have her own people in the court and would not be hindered in everything in the future.
But I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince others at this age.
A 28-year-old academician was acceptable. After all, although the Hanlin Academy was known as a prime minister, it was still too early for him to enter the political affairs hall. He would have to endure for many more years. If he were to be promoted now, the court officials might criticize him.
Although it was not intentional, He Qing's words did touch Gu Zheng's sore spot.
When he was young, he studied these things, but was dismissed as unorthodox and despised by everyone. However, now that he holds a high position, a senior official whose every move can influence state affairs, his interest in these things has become a harmless hobby, and it has attracted many people to follow him.
If he could become a prime minister and preside over the affairs of the government hall in the future, this little hobby, which was originally not worthy of being pursued in a high-class manner, might become a famous subject.
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