Fu Shanhe

Chapter 134: Nanjing Trip

"Left Prime Minister, His Majesty has fainted!"

Upon hearing the news, Zuo Guangen, who had just finished a court meeting, lost his high spirits and began to tremble all over.

If the young eunuch in front of him had not been quick to support him in time, it would have been another accident.

For eunuchs, no matter how high their position and power are, power ultimately comes from the emperor.

Don’t be fooled by the harsh criticism outside, as if the eunuch party controlled the government and undermined the emperor.

In fact, during the Dayu Dynasty, none of the eunuchs could truly control the government.

Even a powerful eunuch like Zuo Guangen could only act according to the emperor's mood.

"Block the news immediately and don't let anyone outside know!"

After coming to his senses, Zuo Guangen immediately gave the order.

At this moment, his mind changed.

It would be fine if the emperor could wake up, but if Emperor Tianyuan died, he would also have to consider himself.

The biggest problem at the moment is that the emperor has not established a successor.

In terms of bloodline, since Emperor Tianyuan had no son, Prince Fu, who was born to the same mother, would be the first in line to the throne.

For Zuo Guangen, Prince Fu's succession to the throne was absolutely disastrous.

One emperor and one courtier.

When imperial power changes, officials may be able to withstand the turmoil, but eunuchs will definitely be replaced.

Even if he immediately went to curry favor with someone, he would not be able to catch up with those old people in the palace who followed Prince Fu and lived with him day and night.

The competition in the eunuch world is also very cruel.

If you give up your position in time and volunteer to guard the imperial mausoleum, there might be a glimmer of hope.

If he holds on to his position and refuses to leave, it will be the end of him when the new emperor's power is consolidated.

The problem is that there are some things that you can't back out of just because you want to.

Even if Zuo Guangen could let it go, his subordinates would not allow him to do so.

If he wanted to continue his power, he had to adopt a son for Emperor Tianyuan and enthrone the young emperor.

Deep down in his heart, Zuo Guangen had already begun to secretly consider which vassal branch would be the best place to choose the young leader.

First, the blood relationship must be close, second, the seniority must be appropriate, and finally, the age must be young.

It would be best if both parents were dead so that there is no chance for him to do anything bad.

Name after name popped up in his mind, but were quickly rejected.

Every candidate has shortcomings to varying degrees.

The decision to support the young emperor was not something he could decide alone.

The officials in the court have more say in this regard.

Without the support of all officials, even if the candidate is invited to the palace, he cannot be promoted to the throne.

After hesitating for a while, Zuo Guangen thought of the queen.

The treatment the queen receives is completely different when her son succeeds to the throne or when her brother-in-law succeeds to the throne.

In this regard, his interests are consistent with those of the Queen.

If Emperor Tianyuan fell ill and never recovered, he would be able to forge a will only with the support of the empress.

To welcome the young ruler and establish the legal basis.

After he came up with a clear idea, he even had specific candidates for ministers to assist the new emperor after he ascended the throne.

The method of selecting people is very simple. It directly brings you into the perspective of Emperor Tianyuan and builds a team of assistant ministers who check and balance each other.

This approach is not conducive to his monopolizing power, but it is the most likely to succeed.

……

Renshou Palace.

"What, the emperor fainted?"

Queen Mother Zheng exclaimed.

"Yes, Queen Mother, things are in chaos in the Qianqing Palace.

The Queen has gone over to take charge of the situation, you have to hold on!"

After hearing the accurate news, Queen Mother Zheng felt as if all her energy and spirit had been drained away, and she was in poor health.

Of course she knew that Emperor Tianyuan was in poor health.

However, how bad the situation was was a secret that belonged only to the emperor, and even she, as a mother, was kept in the dark.

There were imperial doctors on duty in the palace, who checked the emperor's health every day.

If the emperor was not seriously ill, there would never have been news of him fainting.

"Hurry, I want to go over and see my poor son!"

Queen Mother Zheng said in panic.

“Empress Dowager, Eunuch Zuo has ordered the palace to be sealed off.

For such a major event, do you think you should send someone to inform Prince Fu and Marquis Wuyang?"

The old eunuch at the side spoke up to remind him.

There are few simple people who can make it in the palace.

They have all experienced changes in imperial power and are well aware of how dangerous the current situation is.

If Emperor Tianyuan could wake up, it would be a false alarm and nothing would happen.

If the emperor went directly, everything would have to be reshuffled.

The honor and disgrace of these palace maids and eunuchs who served the empress dowager were deeply bound to that of Empress Dowager Zheng.

From the Queen Mother's point of view, if something happened to the eldest son, she would definitely support the second son to succeed to the throne.

But being in their interests does not necessarily mean being in the interests of others.

At such a sensitive moment, neither the Imperial Household Department nor the civil and military officials outside can necessarily be relied upon.

"Xiao Quanzi, take my order and leave the palace immediately through Xihua Gate to inform Marquis Wuyang and Prince Fu.

Just tell them to be careful and cautious and not to take any action.

If there is no news coming out of the palace, let Marquis Wuyang go to Duke Chengguo and Marquis Zhenyuan to discuss countermeasures.

I have issued a gag order to all those who know about this. I hope that what happened today will not reach Zuo Guangen’s ears.

All of your hidden cards should be mobilized. I want to know every move in the palace at any time."

Queen Mother Zheng immediately gave the order.

Being able to stand out in the palace fight, she is certainly not a political novice.

Although she was very sad about the accident involving her eldest son, her reason still drove her to make the most sensible choice.

When it comes to the succession of imperial power, she did not dare to pin her hopes on the integrity of the officials.

The officials in the court seemed to be loyal ministers, but that was when Emperor Tianyuan was alive. In the face of interests, human hearts are the most vulnerable to the test.

……

At midnight, the Prince Fu's Mansion was brightly lit.

"Your Highness, it's time to rest!"

The middle-aged eunuch stepped forward and advised.

The situation in the imperial palace was unclear, and there was no peace in the royal palace either.

But as a vassal king, there is really not much he can do at this time.

"My brother is still alive or dead, and I can't sleep!"

Ji Zhaoshun said with a frown.

Under normal circumstances, after the wedding, he would go to his fiefdom.

The throne would not have anything to do with him, and Ji Zhaoshun had never thought about it. He just wanted to be a wise king.

Don’t cause trouble to my brother, the court, or the people.

However, life is always full of unknowns. Without doing anything, the throne was only a stone's throw away from him.

Although it was not stated explicitly, the intention was very obvious as my mother sent someone to inform me.

Once Emperor Tianyuan dies, he will be enthroned.

Unless you are a saint, no one can remain calm if you encounter such a thing.

"Your Highness, at times like this, we must not panic!
There are many spies from the Jinyiwei and the Eastern Depot in the palace, and the subordinate officials may not be reliable either.

If they notice something and pass the news on, we will be in big trouble!"

The middle-aged eunuch persuaded patiently.

As an old man in the palace, Su Haoyu has experienced the change of imperial power.

At this moment, it seems that Prince Fu is only one step away from the throne, but as long as he has not ascended the throne, there will be many variables.

If you are not careful, you may even lose your life and property.

Since ancient times, there have been few smooth transitions of imperial power.

Behind the seemingly calm surface, there is often bloodshed and fighting.

"I know the importance of things. At a time like this, it is better to stay still than to move.

As for other matters, I think my mother has already made arrangements, but I just can't sleep!"

Ji Zhaoshun said helplessly.

Normally, no matter what problems he encountered, he could consult the gentleman in the mansion.

The situation is different now. Except for the eunuchs around him, everyone must keep it secret.

What if the news leaks out and is taken advantage of by someone with ulterior motives?

As the number one candidate for the throne, he might be the first to be eliminated.

No matter what, Emperor Tianyuan is still alive!
As long as he doesn't swallow that anger, he is the master of the empire, and others must suppress their little thoughts.

“Your Highness, there is no need to worry.

There is also a Queen Mother in the palace!
If His Majesty can wake up and enthrone you as the Crown Prince, then no one can stop him..."

Su Haoyu said in a low voice.

The younger brother inherits the throne after the elder brother's death, which is not as good as the inheritance order of the offspring.

Without the imperial edict from Emperor Tianyuan, others could use the excuse of inheritance of incense and select people from the royal family to be adopted by Emperor Tianyuan.

"Shut up!
How could I be…"

After cursing angrily, Ji Zhaoshun suddenly fell silent.

Now he has no choice at all.

If you cannot inherit the throne, you will become a thorn in the eyes and flesh of the new emperor.

Even if you are not killed, you will have to live under surveillance and be cautious for the rest of your life.

In an instant, he thought of the two masters far away in Jiangnan. If they were in the court, his situation would not be so difficult.

……

Nanjing City.

"Ma'am, please take a rest first.

After I report to the Ministry of War, I will accompany you to visit this ancient capital."

Li Mu said to Jing Yaqing.

Local officials cannot leave their posts without permission, so their visit to Nanjing this time was naturally on official business.

In order to rebuild the Yangzhou Water Fort, in addition to obtaining the support of the local government, we must also seek the support of the Ministry of War.

At this moment, the Yangzhou Navy is just an empty shell.

There are no ships, no people, and no money.

Money can be raised, but the navy's talents and warships cannot be built without the support of the imperial court.

Li Mu did not think that he, a landlubber, could train qualified naval commanders and build warships that were ahead of the times.

Instead of wasting time on this, it is better to ask the court directly.

No matter how corrupt the Dayu navy is, there is always an abundance of talent.

"My dear husband, please do as you please. I am tired today anyway. It won't be too late to rest for a few days before going to visit Nanjing!"

After hearing his wife's answer, Li Mu looked at her again.

I don’t know if it’s women’s innate talent for shopping, or if they just inherited the good bodies from their ancestors.

Anyway, he didn't find any trace of fatigue in Jing Yaqing.

If he hadn't been forced to do so, he would not have brought his family with him this time.

As the most prosperous metropolis in the world, Nanjing naturally has its own characteristics.

Compared with the Xiao Qinhuai River in Yangzhou, the Qinhuai River in Nanjing is the real unique one in the south of the Yangtze River.

But all this was destined to be out of his reach.

Knowing that he brought his family with him, no colleague would risk offending Duke Cheng's Mansion by inviting him to visit the Qinhuai River.

For details, please refer to the Yangzhou gentry.

Before he got married, people would often invite him to experience the romantic atmosphere, and even gave him a "Yangzhou skinny horse" in private.

Some businessmen simply sent their daughters, nieces, sisters, etc. to live in his house.

However, Li Mu was too busy at the time and had not yet sorted out the local relationships, so he politely declined the gifts.

It’s different after marriage, even if there are banquets, they are mostly held in regular restaurants.

The gifts sent also changed in style.

(End of this chapter)