"Your Majesty, I have an objection," said Vice Minister Bian Shengrong of the Ministry of Rites. How could he watch as the position of Crown Prince slipped away from the Eldest Prince?
He couldn’t wait to jump out, for now was not the ti to hide anything. They’ve already torn their faces, so why bother with politeness now?
The Emperor glanced at Bian Shengrong, "What objection does Bian Aiqing have?"
The Second Prince and his followers were previously a bit dazed, but when Bian Shengrong voiced his objection, they all snapped back to attention.
The Second Prince truly hadn’t expected his father to appoint him as Crown Prince, given his father’s distinctly different attitudes toward him and his elder brother.
He recalled how yesterday, his mother had comforted him, saying that his chances of becoming Crown Prince were great. He originally thought his mother was only trying to ease his disappointnt.
Yet unexpectedly, today his father announced his appointnt as Crown Prince. Did his mother receive prior confirmation from his father? Or had she reached so sort of agreent with him?
After all, he didn’t believe that his father valued him highly; his biggest reliance was his status as the legitimate son. Moreover, his mother is still alive, otherwise, the situation might have been different.
"Your Majesty, I believe the Eldest Prince’s temperant is rely more decisive than others! I see nothing wrong with that; as a decision-maker, one can’t foster a hesitant nature. The Second Prince is indeed generous and kind-hearted, always considering the welfare of the people. But our Dayan Dynasty’s borders are still threatened by Da Xing, and if one’s nature is too gentle, how can they deter those ambitious Daxing people?"
If the Second Prince truly becos Crown Prince, then those of the Eldest Prince’s faction will have a tough ti in the future.
Different clans, different intentions. If the Second Prince ascends the throne in the future, those officials who chose the wrong side will surely be sidelined.
The best outco would be a mundane career in the governnt, followed by retirent and peaceful years.
After all, though the Second Prince himself is gentle, the officials in his faction are not to be trifled with; these people will not let them off.
Being demoted to bitter, cold regions or losing their positions altogether is possible. Those making the loudest noises now might even lose their families’ lives.
For the prosperity of his family, for his own life, Bian Shengrong must advocate for the Eldest Prince and himself.
The Eldest Prince’s face was pale, covered in shadows. He discreetly glanced at various officials behind him, locking his gaze on one person standing a few places away.
"I second the motion!" said Qin Mao, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, stepping forward. He was sowhat helpless, having never clearly stated his position before.
But now, he had no choice but to voice support for the Eldest Prince, having been caught in his grasp.
Dai Yuanji looked at Qin Mao with surprise; he hadn’t realized Qin Mao was of the Eldest Prince’s faction.
He had always tried to care for Qin Mao, hoping to draw him into his camp. But the other man always feigned ignorance, repeatedly refusing his offers, claiming he wished to remain a pure minister.
After several attempts, Dai Yuanji stopped trying. He observed carefully, realizing the other was not aligned with any faction, thus giving up!
That Qin Mao was hiding quite deeply! It took him by surprise indeed.
If not for the Emperor appointing the Second Prince as Crown Prince today, he wouldn’t have seen the other’s true face!
Hmph! No matter how deeply he hides, what does it matter? The Emperor still favors the Second Prince, so his previous regard for the Eldest Prince must have been a sham.
He said so! The Emperor is so astute; how could he let others see his inner intentions?
His daughter is the Heir’s wife of Duke Qin Mansion, and the Eldest Princess and Second Prince are siblings. When the Second Prince ascends the throne, the Dai family will enjoy prominence for a hundred years.
Dai Yuanji thought this through and felt extrely relieved. Qin Mao’s ungratefulness was no longer so infuriating.
Not only was the Second Prince dizzy from being hit with a windfall, even Xia Qing was sowhat bewildered.
He looked at the Emperor with astonishnt, pondering his intentions. If the Emperor genuinely favored the Second Prince, then why did he previously favor the Eldest Prince so much?
Could the Emperor intended to make the Eldest Prince a shield for the Second Prince, with the aim of honing him?
The more Xia Qing thought about it, the more plausible it seed, realizing perhaps the Emperor never truly valued the Eldest Prince. He shuddered at the thought.
The Emperor is still the Emperor of those years; when there’s an intent to calculate against others, the Emperor is utterly unscrupulous.
Now this tactic was employed on his son, with no trace of rcy!
"Your Majesty! I believe Mr. Bian’s words hold rit; with Da Xing restless, I fear the Second Prince may not handle matters decisively enough, allowing Da Xing to take advantage."
"I second the motion!" Huo Huai Zhong stepped forward. Now they must align with the Eldest Prince’s faction, pulling down the Second Prince first.
"I second the motion!"
...
Hatred flashed in the Third Prince’s eyes as they landed on his Second Brother; a barking dog never bites. Both the Second and Fourth are accustod to scheming in the shadows.
One likes to pretend to be benevolent and follow the path of Zhongyong, making others think he’s not the biggest threat; he really misjudged him before.
One likes to play the part of the chronically ill, staying at the residence all day as if indifferent to everything. Yet secretly, he inserts himself into court affairs everywhere, never hesitating to strike behind the scenes.
The Emperor usually seed to value his Elder Brother so much, yet when appointing the Crown Prince, he chose his Second Brother.
The Second Prince took a deep breath; since his father chose him, he naturally had to express gratitude.
But with so many ministers opposing now, he must strike back and forcefully counter them.
"Father, thank you for trusting your son. Although your son knows his decision-making isn’t as decisive as his elder brother’s, he will rectify this flaw upon becoming Crown Prince, ensuring Father won’t be disappointed. I invite the ministers to watch with anticipation."
The Emperor scrutinized the Second Prince, noticing he wasn’t visibly joyous, implying a degree of composure.
Hearing the Second Prince’s remarks, he felt even more satisfied.
"To acknowledge one’s mistakes and correct them is a great virtue. Recognizing one’s shortcomings is itself a strength. Furthermore, who among us is free from error? Ministers, Zhao Dun’s gentleness is indeed a shortcoming, but it’s also his strength. His kindness and benevolence will surely make him a benevolent king. I will personally guide him, ensuring this flaw is corrected."
Since the Emperor made a decision, he wouldn’t change it.
Whether opposing or supporting, this matter was settled.
The Eldest Prince’s face turned ashen as he blurted out, "Father..."
The Emperor’s sharp eyes swept over, swallowing the Eldest Prince’s unspoken words.
Those eyes carried a warning, displeasure, and a certain cold ruthlessness.
The Eldest Prince was stunned; his father had never looked at him that way before, leaving him uncertain of how to speak.
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