Cui Taibao's heart sank: "Everything is up to your Highness!"
After leaving Prince Xuan's Palace, Cui Taibao felt heavy-hearted.
It is easier said than done to seize the throne.
This emperor is not like the foolish emperor of the previous dynasty who had no supporters and no loyal people available.
The power of their family was also greatly reduced when this emperor came to power. For so many years, they have been secretly suppressed and supported those from poor families to come to power. Now there are not many people who can be used in the court.
Even among the people, Emperor Mingde has always had a good reputation.
While thinking about the chances of success of this matter in his mind, Cui Taibao immediately called his own children and grandchildren to discuss the matter after returning to Duke Cui's mansion.
"Your Highness Prince Xuan, prepare to arrange for Ling Ze to work by his side."
Prince Cui Guogong had just arrived with his son. As soon as he entered the room, he heard his father's words and his face lit up with joy: "Really? That's great!"
Cui Lingze saw the solemn expression on his grandfather's face and knew that things were not that simple. He calmly asked, "What happened?"
Cui Taibao looked at his most outstanding grandson, feeling both relieved and bitter. "King Xuan, prepare... for rebellion."
The father and son turned pale, and only then did Prince Cui Guogong react: "So, we should arrange for Lingze to go there now, right..."
"Let us be obedient."
Cui Taibao sighed deeply, his mind clear as a mirror.
Before he came to power, King Xuan was already controlling them.
The Duke of Cui's son's face turned grim, but Cui Lingze quickly recovered: "It's no problem, this is fine! Anyway, whether my grandson goes or not, we will be with King Xuan."
Cui Taibao nodded and said, "This matter is inevitable, but I plan to let your brother return to his hometown, and your sister find a husband before the New Year. Let's make it a deal."
"Father, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
Prince Cui Guogong obviously felt something was wrong and looked at Cui Taibao anxiously.
"I've made up my mind!"
Cui Taibao made the final decision.
····
In Prince Yi's Mansion.
Duke Chengguo and his son also talked about what happened to King Zhuang today.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has no regard for our past ties. He has killed people without hesitation, and all nine clans of Earl Yongle have been beheaded in public. If we don't take action, I'm afraid..."
Duke Chengguo couldn't help feeling anxious when he thought about the miserable condition of Earl Yongle today.
He worried that he would become the second one.
Prince Yi sat there with a frown on his face, saying nothing.
The Prince of Chengguo spoke tentatively, "Even if we do nothing, when King Xuan ascends the throne, our fate won't be any better. Why don't we... strike first?"
Prince Yi raised his head and glared at the Prince of Chengguo: "Do you know what you are talking about?"
Duke Chengguo was a little anxious: "Your Highness! Now is not the time to be soft-hearted. If you don't fight, you're admitting defeat! Once you admit defeat in the battle for the throne, you'll be handing over your life. The Emperor may be aware of what we've been doing in secret. If the Emperor suddenly attacks us one day, we'll be like Prince Zhuang today!"
Prince Yi knew all this, but he was not ready yet. What were the chances of success if he forced the emperor to abdicate like this?
"No need to say more, I have my own plans in mind. You guys should go back first and wait and see what happens during this time."
Prince Yi had a stern face and was unwilling to say more.
He knew the character of his grandfather and his cousin. Those who were eager for quick success and instant benefits were not capable of taking on responsibilities.
Seeing the displeasure on his face, Duke Chengguo and his son could only sigh and leave.
The two of them spoke only after they left Prince Yi's Mansion and boarded the carriage heading home.
"I think your Highness has lost his spirit since the Queen was demoted! If it weren't for the bloodline, I really would have wanted to replace him with someone else!"
The Prince of Chengguo said this with some dissatisfaction.
"Shut up!" Duke Cheng shouted coldly.
It's useless to say all this, because His Royal Highness Prince Yi's mother is from the Duke Cheng's Mansion, so they naturally stand together.
"Since His Highness can't make a decision, let's help him."
Duke Chengguo's body swayed with the carriage, and with his eyes closed he looked somewhat mysterious.
The prince's eyes lit up: "My son will obey my father's arrangements!"
·····
In the palace.
When people learned that Emperor Mingde had killed his own son and ordered the death of the honest and obedient Concubine Lan, everyone in the harem felt insecure.
Emperor Mingde did not meet anyone and stayed in the Yangxin Palace all day, busy with official business.
It was only in the evening that he left the Yangxin Palace and went to the Yanfu Palace.
Jiang Qianruo rarely gave him a cold look, but instead silently ordered the eunuch to serve him dinner.
The two finished their meal in silence. Jiang Qianruo glanced at him and said, "We just purged a group of eunuchs and maids from the palace a while ago. Now people are in a state of panic. You killed another prince. I'm afraid the court and the harem will be terrified."
Emperor Mingde was silent for a moment. "Then pick a date and hold a banquet. Let them bring their families to attend. As long as they are men and women of appropriate age, they are welcome. The children are grown up now. Ah Ying and Zhou Er are not young anymore. It's time to choose a partner for them."
After saying this, he sighed and said, "Perhaps you are right. I am indeed old. I am no longer as decisive and courageous as before. Instead, I am hesitant and indecisive."
"I'm a little tired."
"We are no longer young. I think maybe I should give myself some time to myself, whether it's to enjoy my old age or spend some time with my children. It's time to end it all."
Even the most mentally strong people will feel a little tired after this period of stimulation.
What's more, Emperor Mingde was already quite old.
"You mean..."
Jiang Qianruo didn't expect that he would suddenly figure it out.
"I intend to make Zhou'er the emperor's grandson and regent."
Jiang Qianruo was stunned: "Then King Ping..."
Emperor Mingde's face became complicated whenever he thought of Prince Ping.
He had no idea how to face this son.
When he was young, he ignored King Ping because of his background. When he grew up, he always disliked King Ping because of his background and simply threw him to the border to avoid seeing him.
Sometimes when I was in a bad mood and saw King Ping's memorial, I would write a letter to curse him and vent my anger.
Now that things have turned out like this, he sometimes wants to avoid her and just think about not meeting her at all and just make do with it.
But how is this possible?
As early as the day he learned the truth, he had already sent Jiang Qianruo's Haidong Qingbaibi to take the secret decree, asking Prince Ping to take his family and travel day and night to the capital as soon as possible.
I guess we've all left Liangzhou by now...
"Prince Ping is already this old, and he's a bit rough around the edges and likes to act directly. Even if we give him the throne, how many years can he last? I don't think he's cut out for it! I'm rooting for Zhou'er."
Even if Prince Ping is now wearing the filter created by the Queen, Emperor Mingde cannot say with a clear conscience that he is a good material to be an emperor.
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