The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Inside the Southern Study, the officials were greatly surprised.

Kong Si hurriedly knelt down: "Please, Your Highness, reconsider."

The crown prince's ability to examine his own shortcomings is a virtue, but overcorrection is also unacceptable.

The Crown Prince is His Majesty's own son and the heir apparent appointed by His Majesty. How can he abdicate? How can he possibly abdicate?

Other ministers also tried to dissuade him.

One person asked, "Is it possible that the Prince of Pingliao coerced the Crown Prince?"
If this is true, Your Highness may speak freely. Though we are incompetent, we cannot tolerate the Prince of Pingliao's insubordination!

Those present were, arguably, the people at the very top of the power structure in the entire empire.

The Fourth Prince's sudden statement was nothing short of shocking to them, and its impact was undeniably significant.

At this moment, everyone had different thoughts.

Whether the fourth prince truly intends to abdicate or is merely testing the waters, they must proceed with extreme caution.

The Fourth Prince had anticipated this reaction from the crowd.

He shook his head, stepped forward to help Kong Si up, and said gently, "Master Kong has studied both ancient and modern times, and I am fortunate to have received his teachings."

However, I was born with limited comprehension and failed to grasp the profound Confucian principles taught by Confucius.

However, there is one thing Confucius taught me that I have remembered.

The saying goes, "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

The first half of the sentence, I fear I will never understand even if I spend my whole life trying.

As for the second half of that sentence, I feel that I still have potential.

I have been the Crown Prince for more than half a year.

For the past six months, I have been acting as regent for the country on the orders of my father, the Emperor. Although I have the strong support of my ministers, I often feel powerless to do so.

Those in high positions often feel lost and helpless.

I often wonder if I have enough ability to shoulder the responsibility for the country that my ancestors fought and bled for.

Can I live up to the expectations and earnest teachings of my father and all my teachers?
I've never been able to understand it.

It wasn't until this time, when I was misled by Wei Yan and almost caused a great disaster, that I finally understood.

With my limited virtue, I am content to be a carefree prince.

If I were truly allowed to continue sitting in the position of Crown Prince, and even inherit the throne in the future...

With my limited knowledge and shallow understanding, I fear I may become a ruler who misled the country and its people, as recorded in history.

I hope you will understand my worries and my sincerity.

All the ministers looked at each other.

They never expected that the fourth prince, who was known for his mischievousness, would say such a thing.

Although they knew they should offer advice, many people found some merit in what he said.

After all, a moment of refined discourse cannot mask one's usual shallowness.

Over the past six months, almost all the ministers present had made contact with the Fourth Prince.

Many ministers still felt that the fourth prince's words and actions were inappropriate.

It's rare that the Fourth Prince has such self-awareness; he truly possesses a kind of "wise fool" quality, as the saying goes, "He who knows himself is wise."

It's clear that having less stuff in your head has its advantages.

Because it allows for specialization.

As a result, some people couldn't help but start to consider the feasibility of the Prince of Pingliao ascending to the throne, as well as the advantages and disadvantages for the court and for themselves.

Of course, even if you think about it in your mind, you should never say such things out loud.

Since Emperor Ningkang was still alive, even the Crown Prince himself could not decide whether he could abdicate, let alone his ministers.
Princess Zhaoyang also stood up, staring blankly at the younger brother in front of her, whom she felt somewhat unfamiliar with.

When he looked over, Princess Zhaoyang stepped forward and took his hand with some concern:

“Ling’er, you don’t need to give up on yourself like this.”

Has your older sister put too much pressure on you these past few months?

If that's the case, my elder sister can change it..."

Princess Zhaoyang couldn't help but feel guilty.

Because lately, she has really been thinking about whether her younger brother is capable of shouldering great responsibilities.

However, when she so frankly admitted that she was not capable of shouldering such a great responsibility, Princess Zhaoyang couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

The fourth prince smiled at Princess Zhaoyang, his expression becoming even brighter.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. This is not self-destructive behavior, nor is it a spur-of-the-moment remark. It is the result of careful consideration."

To be honest, making this decision was not easy for me, and I was even a little reluctant to do it.

Didn't my elder sister just ask me if I didn't sleep well last night?
Haha, it's not that I didn't sleep well, I didn't sleep at all last night, I was thinking about this the whole time.

Now I've finally figured it out completely.

"Elder sister, you must support me."

Princess Zhaoyang fell silent upon hearing this.

She knew her younger brother well; although he seemed unreliable at times, he was frank and had nothing to do with hypocrisy.

She could tell he was serious.

Suddenly, I felt a little admiration for my younger brother, whom I had been kicking since we were little.

Even though she was a woman, she could sense how much determination and perseverance it took to make the decision to give up that position.

If Princess Zhaoyang could see it, then naturally everyone else could too.

Kong Si believed he could represent the rites and orthodoxy.

After realizing that the Fourth Prince truly intended to abdicate and yield the throne, he said in a deep voice, "This old minister believes that what the Crown Prince said is inappropriate."

Even if the Crown Prince felt incapable of fulfilling this responsibility, he had no right to arbitrarily relinquish his position to the Prince of Pingliao.

After the Crown Prince, His Majesty has a son, the Fifth Prince.

Therefore, even if the Crown Prince were to abdicate, the first choice would be the Fifth Prince, not the Prince of Pingliao.

Upon hearing Kong Si's words, the others realized what was going on.

Yes, even if the fourth prince is willing to abdicate, there is still the fifth prince.

The saying goes, "If there is a legitimate heir, establish him as the heir; if there is no legitimate heir, establish the eldest

All of this is based on the premise that the person in power has a biological son.

Only when the ruler has no biological son will other methods of inheritance be considered.

In other words, at any time, the order of inheritance for a biological son is higher than that for any other adopted son, godson, or even stepson (except for those of different lineages).

In other words, even though Jia Lian had already gained the emperor and empress's approval and had been adopted as their stepson.

Assuming the Fifth Prince is not deposed, Jia Lian's order of succession will always be below the Fifth Prince's.

That being said, most people thought Kong Si was just indulging in wishful thinking.

Given the current status and title of the Prince of Pingliao, the Fourth Prince might be able to keep him in check if he were to succeed to the throne.

After all, the relationship between the Fourth Prince and the Prince of Pingliao was established from the very beginning as one of master and servant.

If the Prince of Pingliao is disloyal to the Fourth Prince, it is morally unacceptable.

But the Fifth Prince.

forget it.

If the Fifth Prince were to actually sit in that position...

Judging from the current situation, it is likely that the Fifth Prince will be forced to abdicate as soon as Emperor Ningkang passes away, without causing any impact on the court.

"Does Master Confucius intend to harm my two brothers?"

The fourth prince turned around and questioned Kong Si seriously and solemnly.

This left Kong Si completely baffled.

"I have a question for you, Master Confucius. Among my three brothers, who is the most talented and who is the most virtuous?"

Kong Si was speechless in the face of the Fourth Prince's sudden attack.

He glanced at Princess Zhaoyang and thought to himself that, in terms of talent, no one could surpass the Prince of Pingliao.

But this character...

Now that he finally knew what answer the Fourth Prince wanted, Kong Si didn't intend to oppose him.

He also wanted to see what astonishing things the Crown Prince, whom he thought was hopeless in the Imperial Study, could say.

“It is the King of Pingliao,” Kong Si replied.

"Since Master Kong also believes that, in terms of talent and virtue, the Prince of Pingliao is superior to my brother and me, why should I abandon the Prince of Pingliao and give way to my fifth brother?"

Does Master Confucius intend to incite my brothers to kill each other?

Kong Si said, "Your Highness is too kind. This old minister is merely upholding the orthodoxy of law and ritual."

Regardless of the circumstances, the Fifth Prince's ranking is above that of the Prince of Pingliao.

"Pedantism."

The fourth prince, furious at his lack of self-respect, scolded, "Master Kong, do you know that your so-called orthodox laws and rituals may very well be the root of your downfall!"

"A bunch of nonsense."

Kong Si's patience ran out. "You little brat, you've gone against the grain, lecturing this old man!"

He was about to give the fourth prince a thorough explanation of the terrible consequences of not following the orthodox method of succession.

The fourth prince spoke first: "When we were in the Imperial Study, Master Confucius often told me stories of wise rulers throughout history."

Among them, I believe that the person I admire most is Li Shimin, right?

"Indeed. Emperor Taizong of Tang..."

When Kong Si heard the Fourth Prince mention the mighty Emperor Taizong of Tang, who had shaken the world, he instinctively wanted to give a lengthy evaluation.

Suddenly it dawned on me that this example didn't seem to support his current argument.

As expected, the Fourth Prince laughed: "Since Master Kong reveres Li Shimin the most, then I ask Master Kong, what is the explanation for the Xuanwu Gate Incident?"

The moment the Fourth Prince posed this question, not only Kong Si, but everyone else became completely absorbed.

It was quite normal for senior scholars in the cabinet to teach the princes about Li Shimin's great achievements and his humility.

However, normally they would not discuss the Xuanwu Gate with the princes.

Therefore, including Kong Si, everyone wanted to know how the fourth prince, as a prince, viewed Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident.

"What does Your Highness think is the interpretation?"

"It's very simple. Why didn't Li Yuan just pass the position of crown prince to Li Shimin from the beginning?"

The fourth prince appeared relaxed and carefree.

Kong Si frowned: "That's it?"

The other ministers couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Indeed, ignorance is ignorance.

Such a superficial and shallow view of the issue.

However, the Fourth Prince seemed completely unaware of everyone's unspoken thoughts. He continued to ask Kong Si with great interest: "Master Kong, don't you think that my two brothers and I are very similar to Li Shimin and his two brothers back then?"

No, strictly speaking, it's my elder brother, who is similar to Li Shimin.

Both have made outstanding contributions, and both possess high moral character and exceptional talent.

"Someone once advised me that the King of Pingliao had made great contributions and might pose a threat to me."

Although I ignored them all, did I truly not notice anything?
I simply believe in the loyalty of the Prince of Pingliao, just as my father believed in him.

Now I've finally figured it out.

No matter how loyal the Prince of Pingliao is, it is difficult to guarantee that there will be villains who slander and sow discord between me and the Prince of Pingliao.

As long as I am not worthy of the position between myself and the King of Pingliao, there will eventually be a risk of brothers fighting each other.

Therefore, if we compare the King of Pingliao to the King of Qin, and I to Prince Jiancheng.

For the sake of my brothers not fighting each other, and for the sake of the stability of our ancestral land and nation.

I am willing to abdicate and yield the throne to a more worthy person.

"Do you, my esteemed ministers, believe that what I have said makes sense?"

The fourth prince said these words with a smile.

Because it lacks solemnity, it seems unreliable from any perspective.

However, everyone present was shrewd and discerned the hidden wisdom in the Fourth Prince's seemingly simple words.

Some people couldn't help but wonder if the Crown Prince Jiancheng back then had the magnanimity of the Fourth Prince, who could have tolerated the King of Qin and even willingly abdicated in favor of a more virtuous ruler.

Perhaps, the Xuanwu Gate Incident could have truly been avoided!
Shui Rong and Zhao Dongsheng exchanged a glance, both seeing the interest in each other's eyes.

Both of them were on good terms with Jia Lian and genuinely recognized his abilities.

In their eyes, the Fourth Prince was inferior to Jia Lian in every respect.

As for Jia Lian's ascension to the throne, will the emperor's power become too strong and completely suppress the power of the ministers?

Zhao Dongsheng stated that this does not exist at all.

Does that mean that if the fourth prince ascends to the throne, they will be able to bypass Jia Lian?
Unless they want to overthrow Jia Lian, the entire reign of the Fourth Prince should be ruled by the duo of Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang, who control the military forces in the capital region.

Now that the Fourth Prince has voluntarily abdicated, it merely gives Jia Lian a legitimate title; in the grand scheme of things, it hasn't really changed much!
Since that's the case, why not let Jia Lian take over the position legitimately?

Given Jia Lian's age and foresight, he might indeed be able to lead this empire to its peak.

If that were the case, all those who assisted them would also be remembered in history.

Therefore, Zhao Dongsheng, as the head of all officials, finally spoke: "The Crown Prince is able to examine himself and is not swayed by personal power and position for the sake of the country, which is admirable to us old ministers."

However, the position of Crown Prince was appointed by His Majesty.

No one has the right to change anything without His Majesty's decree.

Even Your Highness, the Crown Prince, cannot do so.

Zhao Dongsheng's words, seemingly meant to dissuade, were actually a reminder to the Fourth Prince on how to proceed.

This caused those who insisted on orthodoxy, such as Kong Si, to look at the chief minister with dissatisfaction.

The fourth prince understood as expected, and he smiled and said, "There's no need for anyone to worry about that."

If we're talking about other aspects, perhaps I don't understand them as well as you gentlemen do.

However, I know more about my father than any of you do.

Given his character, if he didn't truly treat his elder brother as his own son, why would he have adopted his brother into my mother's family, allowing him to threaten my position?

Perhaps, in my father's heart, he had long planned to make my elder brother the crown prince, but he was afraid that my brother and I would be jealous and dissatisfied.

That's why he gave me the position first, and when I realized my own inadequacy, I offered to step down. That way, he, as my father, would treat everyone equally.

"Hmph, he's incredibly shrewd."

When the fourth prince publicly criticized Emperor Ningkang, none of the ministers dared to express their opinions.

I thought to myself that this prince must be quite an anomaly among the princes of all dynasties.

True strength comes from being free from desires.

If he had enough attachment to that position, he wouldn't dare to harass his father, the emperor, so often.

Some more thoughtful individuals felt that while the Fourth Prince's words seemed nonsensical, they might actually have hit the nail on the head.

Otherwise, it is truly inexplicable that Emperor Ningkang, who was always autocratic and even dared to imprison the retired emperor, would adopt Jia Lian under the empress's name.

Just as the ministers were about to persuade the fourth prince to reconsider, Dai Quan walked out from the back hall.

He glanced at the crowd with a cold, indifferent look, and then announced in a clear voice: "His Majesty requests the Crown Prince and the three Prime Ministers to come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation for an audience."

The ministers were shocked, realizing that Emperor Ningkang already knew about the Crown Prince's intention to abdicate.

Everyone knew in their hearts that whether the court would change or not depended on the outcome of this audience. (End of Chapter)