The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Wang Ziteng practically ran all the way to Chonghua Palace and found Jia Lian burning paper money in front of the coffin.

Inside the mourning hall, many princes and grandsons of the emperor had gathered, all kneeling behind Jia Lian and offering devout prayers.

Normally, Wang Ziteng would not act rashly.

But now he didn't care about finding someone to inform him. Ignoring the strange looks from others, he went straight to Jia Lian's side, pulled him aside, and whispered, "Come with me for a moment, I have something important to tell you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Jia Lian turned to an old prince beside him and asked him to preside over the matter for a while. Then he followed Wang Ziteng to a secluded spot.

"Do you know that the Crown Prince intends to abdicate in your favor?" Prince Teng asked bluntly.

Jia Lian's pupils contracted slightly, and his expression changed.

He glanced around instinctively, then said, "Uncle, do you know what you're saying?"

Upon seeing Jia Lian's reaction, Wang Ziteng knew that Jia Lian was unaware of the situation.

He quickly moved closer and briefly recounted the events that had just transpired in the South Study to Jia Lian.

"His Majesty has now summoned the Crown Prince and the three Prime Ministers to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, so I'm afraid this matter will be resolved soon."

Now I'm only worried about His Majesty's attitude... Your Highness?

After Wang Ziteng finished speaking, he saw Jia Lian lost in thought and hurriedly called out to him.

Jia Lian snapped out of his daze, his expression turning serious: "This is of great importance. Uncle, you really didn't lie to me?"

"What kind of time is this to lie to you with such words!"

Jia Lian immediately said, "Your Highness is putting me in a position of disloyalty and injustice."

Because Jia Lian looked serious, and his handsome face showed no sign of smugness other than annoyance, Wang Ziteng secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if Jia Lian's expression was feigned, it at least proved that he remained as rational and composed as ever, and was not overwhelmed by this unexpected windfall.

So he quickly said, "The Crown Prince's attitude is clear now, but no one knows what His Majesty is thinking."

In my opinion, you should find an excuse to leave the palace now and make a decision after things have settled down.

Jia Lian raised an eyebrow and said, "Is Uncle worried that His Majesty will take action against me?"

"I know that you and His Majesty are like father and son, and His Majesty has always trusted you greatly."

However, as the saying goes, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger.

Moreover, this is a matter concerning the succession of the nation and its people.

As an emperor, no one knows what decision His Majesty will make.

For your safety's sake, you should leave the palace and avoid the area for a while.

Jia Lian was deeply moved by Wang Ziteng's words of concern.

He understood what Wang Ziteng meant.

No matter how good or how much Emperor Ningkang trusted him.

But he was not his biological son.

When it comes to the succession to the throne, who knows if Emperor Ningkang might suddenly become ruthless and choose a permanent solution—killing his son—for the sake of his own son's power.

As long as he leaves the palace, and as long as Emperor Ningkang cannot capture him immediately, there is still room for maneuver.

The fact that Wang Ziteng could say such a thing shows that he is completely on my side.

Faced with Wang Ziteng's invaluable words, Jia Lian calmly shook his head: "When Uncle left the Southern Study, who were the people in the Southern Study?"
Or rather, how many people heard the crown prince's statement that he intended to abdicate?

"This……"

Wang Ziteng seemed to realize what Jia Lian meant and replied, "There are several attendants, as well as more than ten ministers from the six ministries of the cabinet."

When my uncle came to see me, did he encounter any obstacles?

"No, that's not the case."

Jia Lian smiled and said, "With His Majesty's wisdom and decisiveness, if he had any intention of harming me, my uncle and the other officials present at the time should not have been able to come out of the Southern Study to inform me."

So, Uncle, don't worry.

Even if His Majesty wouldn't allow the Crown Prince to act recklessly, he would absolutely not do anything to harm me.

"But……"

Jia Lian's trust in Emperor Ningkang was within Wang Ziteng's expectations.

But he was still very hesitant.

As Wang Xifeng's uncle, he was one of the people who least wanted to see Jia Lian fall from power.

Of course, if Jia Lian could really take another step forward and sit in that position, he would probably be laughing in his sleep, because the benefits would be too numerous and too great.

Emperor Ningkang had been ill for a long time, and the fourth prince so respected Jia Lian that he was determined to "abdicate" the throne to him.

It can be said that as long as Jia Lian can maintain his current position, he will most likely rise to power in the future.

He now values ​​Jia Lian's safety more than anyone else.

In other words, he did not trust Emperor Ningkang like Jia Lian did, because history tells us that emperors are the least trustworthy people.

Seeing Wang Ziteng's hesitant expression, Jia Lian didn't offer any further explanation.

Wang Ziteng had reasons for not believing, and he also had reasons for believing.

If things have come to this point, and he and Emperor Ningkang are still suspicious of each other and fighting over the slightest rumor, then all their years of harmonious relations and repeated testing of each other have been for nothing.

Even if we take a step back and say it was the former Emperor Ningkang, he would actually be a little intimidated.

Although Emperor Ningkang still retains some of his former power, he is bedridden with a long illness and is like a toothless tiger.

It poses little threat to him anymore.

Not everyone in the imperial palace, or even the Daming Palace, belonged to Emperor Ningkang.

She didn't say anything more to Wang Ziteng, telling him to pretend he knew nothing and go back to wait for news.

Thus, Wang Ziteng had no choice but to take his leave.

However, he did not choose to wait for news. At this critical juncture, any preparation made in advance could potentially alter the overall situation.

Jia Lian was at the center of the storm, and there were some things he couldn't do personally.

As his brother-in-law, he had to help him.

He has decided to immediately contact some influential people and spread the word about what happened at the Southern Study as soon as possible.

Creating momentum for Jia Lian was only one aspect.

He also wanted to praise the fourth prince and the current emperor.

Praise the fourth prince for having the virtues of Yao and Shun, to prevent him from going back on his word.

He praised His Majesty for his magnanimity, so as to prevent him from harming Jia Lian.

In short, the goal was to put Emperor Ningkang and his son in a precarious position, forcing them to act accordingly.

There are risks involved in doing this.

However, Wang Ziteng felt that Jia Lian was already in this position, and now he was being put on the spot by the Crown Prince.

At this point, they had no way out.

Even if it's by force, these people still have to push Jia Lian up.

Otherwise, what awaits Jia Lian and all of them may not be a good ending.

……

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Dai Quan came out once again and said to the three people standing outside, "Grand Secretary Zhao, Prince Shui, and the Eldest Princess, His Majesty summons the three of you in."

As Zhao Dongsheng and the other two entered the hall, they saw Emperor Ningkang half-lying on the dragon bed.

Beside him, the fourth prince stood respectfully at attention, looking completely at ease.

After the kowtow, Emperor Ningkang asked, "The Crown Prince says that the Prince of Pingliao is more suitable to be the Crown Prince than he is, and intends to abdicate in favor of the Prince of Pingliao. I wonder if any of you are aware of this?"

"Your Majesty, we are aware of this."

"Then, what are your opinions, the three of you? Do you think I should grant the Crown Prince's request?"

Emperor Ningkang's calm demeanor left Zhao Dongsheng and the other two somewhat puzzled about his intentions.

Zhao Dongsheng, a trusted advisor to Emperor Ningkang for many years, replied with a conservative attitude:

"This is His Majesty's family matter, and it is not appropriate for us to interfere."

Regardless of who Your Majesty chooses to appoint as Crown Prince, we will resolutely support Your Majesty's decision and wholeheartedly assist you.

"Family matters..." Emperor Ningkang muttered to himself, his expression clearly showing some dissatisfaction.

He looked at the young Shui Rong: "Prince Bei Jing, do you also think that choosing who to appoint as crown prince is my family matter?"

Shui Rong said, "The Crown Prince is kind and sincere, and the Prince of Pingliao has made outstanding contributions. They are both Your Majesty's most outstanding sons. I believe that no matter which one Your Majesty appoints, it will be a good thing for the court and for the country."

Shui Rong's words, though seemingly a conciliatory remark, actually emphasized that Jia Lian was now also Emperor Ningkang's son.

Thus, Jia Lian would not only have the right of succession, but upon ascending the throne, he would also honor Emperor Ningkang as his predecessor.

Emperor Ningkang nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Princess Zhaoyang and asked, "What do you think of your brother's suggestion?"

Princess Zhaoyang was hesitant and uncertain.

She still remembered that when Emperor Ningkang put her in command of the Imperial Guards, she had sworn an oath before him that if Jia Lian was disloyal, she would eliminate him.

If we analyze it this way, Emperor Ningkang still valued the continuation of his bloodline.

She used to think so too.

However, based on some subsequent developments, it seems that this is not the case.

In particular, Emperor Ningkang's initiative to adopt Jia Lian as the Empress's heir made his intention to give Jia Lian a chance all too obvious.

So much so that she wasn't sure whether Emperor Ningkang had truly intended for her to keep an eye on Jia Lian when he induced her to make that vow, or whether it was simply a test.

Without pausing for a long time, Princess Zhaoyang said, "Just as Prince Shui said, both my younger brother and elder brother are Father's most outstanding sons, and they each have their own merits."

As for which of them is more suitable to be the crown prince, I dare not make a definitive judgment.

However, I trust Father's judgment.

The Emperor had keen insight. Long before his elder brother was buried among the纨绔子弟 (playboys) of the capital, the Emperor had already discovered his extraordinary talent and summoned him to serve in the army.

It was because of his father's support and appreciation that his elder brother was able to make many contributions to the court and become the invincible military god of the Great Wei, the King of Pingliao!

Therefore, I trust Father's judgment and firmly support Father's decision.

Although Princess Zhaoyang spoke more, upon closer examination, it was nothing more than adding a few flattering words to Zhao Dongsheng and Shui Rong's statements.

However, based on their statements, Emperor Ningkang was certain that the three ministers he had chosen all had a good impression of Jia Lian and were even willing to serve him as their master.

Otherwise, they would never have spoken in that tone.

He glanced at the Fourth Prince beside him with some pity. He could feel the immense pressure that Jia Lian brought to him in his position as the Fourth Prince.

Everything unfolded exactly as I had initially predicted.

The only thing he didn't expect was that his son, who had been unruly since childhood and whom he always felt disappointed in, actually had the great willpower to give up his position!

That's fine, in that case, Lian'er won't even need to be Zhao Kuangyin anymore.

These brothers could be like Yao and Shun, becoming a pair of timeless role models!
"Since none of you can offer a clear opinion, I will not force you."

I personally inquired of the King of Pingliao.

"Guards, summon the Prince of Pingliao to an audience."

……

Jia Lian strode into the Hall of Mental Cultivation with an imposing presence.

Even dressed in mourning clothes, his agile steps and handsome figure could not be concealed.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be in good health."

"Be flat."

"Your younger brother said that you are taller and more virtuous than him, so you are more suitable to be the crown prince."

He even compared you to Li Shimin, the King of Qin, and himself to Crown Prince Jiancheng.

They said that only by handing over the position of crown prince to you could the disaster at Xuanwu Gate be avoided.

What do you think?

"Your subject is filled with trepidation."

Jia Lian, who had just stood up straight, immediately knelt down again, his face filled with fear.

Seeing this, the fourth prince stepped forward to help Jia Lian up and said with a smile, "Brother, there's no need to be nervous. I sincerely want to give you the position of Crown Prince."

In the future, you, the 'King of Qin,' must create a prosperous era even more powerful than that of Li Shimin.

Also, be nice to me.

Jia Lian quickly brushed the Fourth Prince's hand away and said sternly, "Your Highness, you must not speak nonsense."

The position of Crown Prince concerns the heir to the throne; it is not something to be taken lightly.

Seeing Jia Lian like this, the fourth prince curled his lip and said, "Anyway, I have already decided not to be the crown prince, and I have already convinced the ministers and the emperor."

This seat is yours to sit in, whether you like it or not.

When he saw Zhao Dongsheng and the others looking at him, Emperor Ningkang's face darkened slightly.

This brat, can't you see that I'm testing his sincerity for you? You couldn't hold back and betrayed me right away?

Jia Lian, however, seemed not to have noticed this. He shook his head at the Fourth Prince and said, "Your Highness, please be careful with your words."

Then he turned to Emperor Ningkang and said, "Father, please consider that my fourth brother is still young and do not take his jest to heart."

My sister and I will talk to him properly later.

Emperor Ningkang snorted: "He is right, he has indeed convinced me."

I have also decided to no longer concern myself with this matter. You two brothers can decide for yourselves which one will be the crown prince.

"Once you've made a decision, let me know."

Emperor Ningkang, who originally intended to first exert his authority and then show favor as before, was rendered powerless by the Fourth Prince.

Let's just be upfront about it.

Jia Lian was taken aback at first, then shouted, "No!"

His voice was loud and his tone was urgent.

Not only Emperor Ningkang, but also Princess Zhaoyang and the other two looked over in confusion, not understanding what Jia Lian meant.

Jia Lian knelt down with a thud, "Father, you must not be so reckless!"
This concerns the national system and the succession of the nation; how can it be treated so lightly?

Since ancient times, the principles of inheritance have been established.

To abolish something arbitrarily is a path to disaster.

Although I have won the favor of my father and mother and have been included in the imperial genealogy.

However, I am not the biological son of my father and mother.

Whether from a legal or bloodline perspective, the position of Crown Prince belongs to the fourth brother.

My father did not abandon me because of my humble origins, but entrusted me with important responsibilities and promised me high official positions and generous titles.

Your Majesty's kindness is something I could never repay, even if it meant dying ten thousand times over.

If I were to usurp the position of Crown Prince that rightfully belongs to my fourth brother, how would the world view me?

How will future historians evaluate me?
"I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"

Jia Lian spoke quickly and urgently, and coupled with the agitation and indignation on his face, it was hard not to believe that his words came from the bottom of his heart.

The fourth prince was also getting anxious.

He knelt down with a thud and shouted at the dragon bed, "Father, you can't be so easily swayed by his words and change your mind again."

I have made myself very clear.

My brother is more suitable to be the crown prince than I am.

If you're really forcing me into this position, and you're determined to make me the crown prince...

"After you pass away, aren't you afraid that I will become a tyrannical and incompetent ruler who has ruined your illustrious reputation?"

Looking at the two brothers kneeling on the ground, each more excited than the last.

Zhao Dongsheng and Shui Rong exchanged a strange look.

When did the position of Crown Prince become such a terrifying monster?

Why do these two look like they're afraid of getting involved?

Looking across official histories and unofficial accounts throughout history, both in China and abroad, this is probably the only one of its kind! (End of Chapter)