The prince is more stable

Chapter 791 The plan is huge

The brief balance maintained in the palace and court after Zhao Xu's death has been broken today by Zhao Xiaoqian.

Zhao Xiaoqian not only disrupted the balance, but also broke the rules.

Before the late emperor's funeral was over, various factions in the court were already stirring with activity. Officials from both the new and old parties were observing and considering which side to take, with the choice being either Prince Duan or Prince Jian.

According to normal rules and procedures, after the funeral rites ended and before the formal court meeting began, Prince Duan and Prince Jian each had their supporters. Whether it was for the benefit of their own camp, for personal promotion, or, if they were more righteous, perhaps for the sake of the ancestral rules and rites of the Song Dynasty.

In short, both successors have their supporters, and this balance will not be broken for the time being until the Empress Dowager and many other bigwigs such as the Privy Council and the State Council discuss and decide on a new emperor. Only then will the balance be broken and disappear.

But today, Zhao Xiaoqian unexpectedly deposed Prince Jian.

The unexpected turn of events caught everyone off guard. No official in the Bianjing court had anticipated such a turn of events. This move today has disrupted countless people's secret plans and thrown their hidden schemes into disarray.

This included Zhang Dun.

What was a cause for celebration in Zhao Ji's eyes was a bolt from the blue in Zhang Dun's eyes.

Different perspectives lead to different feelings.

Prince Jian, Zhao Si, was Zhang Dun's reluctant choice, but also his only choice.

The late Emperor Zhao Xu had five younger brothers. Apart from Prince Shen, who was blind and therefore not considered, there were four others.

Among them, Zhao Ji and Zhao Si were the most suitable candidates. The remaining two were neither the eldest son nor the heir apparent, which was against etiquette. The court officials did not even glance at these two.

Zhao Si has now been essentially crippled by Zhao Xiaoqian, which is devastating news for Zhang Dun.

Zhao Si was no longer qualified to compete for the throne, leaving only Zhao Ji, which was a foregone conclusion.

Zhang Dun was more aware than anyone of the consequences of Zhao Ji's ascension to the throne.

He will certainly be dismissed as prime minister, and his new policies, which he has been implementing for many years, will probably not have a good outcome.

When an official dies, the government ceases to function; this has been the case since ancient times.

How could Zhao Ji have a good impression of the New Party if Zhang Dun, the leader of the New Party, rashly criticizes Zhao Ji for being frivolous?
The new policies were already highly controversial between the government and the opposition. In recent years, the old party had been suppressed by Zhang Dun and could not stand up. The new party had become the dominant force in the government.

After Zhao Ji ascended the throne, how could he allow this situation to continue? In order to maintain the balance of power, Zhao Ji would certainly change his strategy, suppressing the new party and supporting the old party.

Today, Zhao Xiaoqian deposed Prince Jian. On the surface, it was to settle a personal grudge, but in reality, Zhao Xiaoqian cut off Zhang Dun's escape route.

Zhang Dun had no other choice. He was in a dead end and could only accept his fate. He would wait for Zhao Ji to ascend the throne, dismiss his prime minister, and then leave Bianjing in despair to return to his hometown to live out his old age. It seemed that there was no other solution.

Of course, Zhang Dun could also choose to bow down and admit his mistake to Zhao Ji, quickly adjust his stance, and switch sides.

But given Zhang Dun's straightforward personality, he simply couldn't do such a thing.

Seeing that Zhao Ji was about to gain power, he, as the prime minister, wisely went to lick the boots of others. If this were to be told, it would be a laughing stock for a thousand years. If history were to record him as the "Prime Minister Who Licks the Boots," his coffin would shake in the ground for a thousand years.

Zhang Dun was narrow-minded and hated evil. Such a person cared a lot about his dignity. Even if he was wrong, he would never turn back and would grit his teeth and continue down the wrong path.

Sitting listlessly in the hall, Zhang Dun's face was full of bitterness, and he sighed deeply.

"Zhao Zian, you really have... pushed this old man to the edge of a cliff!" Zhang Dun murmured in exasperation.

Of course, Zhang Dun was not an unreasonable person; he knew the whole story.

The incident began when Zhao Si, in a fit of anger, ordered someone to set fire to the Chu Prince's residence. However, he messed with the wrong person. Zhao Xiaoqian was not someone to be trifled with. The Imperial City Guard quickly found out the real culprit, and that's how Zhao Xiaoqian came knocking on our door today.

It is true that Prince Jian was in the wrong, and Zhao Xiaoqian's righteous act of seeking revenge seemed to have nothing wrong with it. The only thing that went too far was that Zhao Xiaoqian's methods of revenge were a bit excessive. He broke the man's legs, put him in a prison cart and paraded him through the streets, and spread rumors about Prince Jian's evil deeds to the people of Bianjing.

On the surface, things seem that simple.

But Zhang Dun was a cunning old fox, and Zhao Xiaoqian was no sunny, cheerful boy either; this kid was just as cunning. So Zhang Dun had to think deeply about Zhao Xiaoqian's actions today.

It's just a personal vendetta; there's no need to make such a big fuss, especially making it known throughout the city. This is clearly just to ruin Zhao Si's reputation.

As Zhang Dun pondered this, he gradually began to understand.

Therefore, Zhao Xiaoqian's purpose today is not revenge, but elimination.

With one of the contenders for the throne eliminated, only Zhao Ji remained, and the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Zhang Dun narrowed his eyes. Did Zhao Xiaoqian really intend to support Zhao Ji so wholeheartedly?

Something feels off...

After a long silence, Zhang Dun finally nodded affirmatively.

That's definitely not right. Given Zhao Xiaoqian's personality, he would never be so eager to eliminate Zhao Ji's rivals. Don't let his youth fool you; this kid is actually just like those cunning old foxes. He wouldn't easily express his opinion so directly.

So what exactly was Zhao Xiaoqian's motive? Why did he suddenly depose Prince Jian?
Zhang Dun fell into deep thought, unable to find a solution for a long time.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind. Zhang Dun recalled a few conversations he had with Zhao Xiaoqian at Yanfu Palace a few days ago.

At that time, Zhao Xiaoqian asked him with a half-smile, "If I also have the intention of vying for the throne, what do you think my chances of winning are, Prime Minister Zhang?"

Zhang Dun still remembers those words, but at the time, he just smiled and didn't respond at all, because he took them as a joke on a whim. After all, Zhao Xiaoqian's status as a member of the imperial clan was an insurmountable barrier. Without a legitimate and legal status, how could he possibly compete for the throne?

But now, considering Zhao Xiaoqian's actions today, Zhang Dun finally began to have doubts.

"Could it be that he really intends to vie for the throne? This... how is that possible? The emperor's brothers are still alive, how could it be the turn of a member of the imperial clan?" Zhang Dun frowned and muttered.

My thoughts are scattered, and I hesitate back and forth.

Then another flash of inspiration struck Zhang Dun.

On the other hand, if Zhao Xiaoqian really had such a plan, wouldn't he have another option now, given that he was already facing a dead end as prime minister?

Moreover, this choice seems pretty good, well, very good.

Despite the taboo nature of it, the thought kept popping into Zhang Dun's mind, becoming clearer and clearer, and the light in his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

Compared to that incompetent Prince Jian, supporting Zhao Xiaoqian was like a wise minister meeting an enlightened ruler. In every respect, Zhao Xiaoqian was many times better than that Prince Jian.

It sounds a bit crazy, but... anything is possible. If Zhao Xiaoqian really intends to compete, he must have made a lot of preparations, plus Prime Minister Zhang Dun and the New Party led by him...

It seems like...there's potential!?
Zhang Dun's breathing became rapid, and his palms unconsciously became sweaty, a physiological response to extreme tension.

Even someone as seasoned as Master Zhang couldn't help but feel nervous, and even a little... excited, at the thought of this impossible possibility.
There are still too many questions that cannot be confirmed.

First, it was necessary to ascertain whether Zhao Xiaoqian intended to vie for the throne. Second, Zhang Dun needed to know Zhao Xiaoqian's trump cards and leverage.

If he doesn't have enough leverage, then sorry, Zhang Dun would rather be dismissed from his post as prime minister and exiled from the capital than stand on Zhao Xiaoqian's side.

After all, being demoted could save one's life, but choosing the wrong side on such a major issue could be fatal.

A servant rushed over and bowed to Zhang Dun.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, someone from the Ministry of Rites has arrived. You are required to attend the funeral in the palace in one hour."

Zhang Dun closed his eyes and nodded calmly: "I understand. I will change my clothes and go to the palace now."

After changing into a clean set of official robes and covering them with white mourning clothes, Zhang Dun left the mansion and was about to get into his carriage when he was met by an official from the Censorate.

The official's name was Li Sheng, and he was a Grand Counselor and Palace Attendant Censor.

Li Sheng seemed to have been waiting outside Zhang Dun's residence for a long time, just waiting for Zhang Dun to come out. Upon seeing Zhang Dun, Li Sheng hurriedly stepped forward and bowed.

"Greetings, Lord Zhang."

Zhang Dun smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "The funeral requires our presence again. Is Imperial Censor Li also coming to the palace?"

Li Sheng nodded: "Yes, someone from the Ministry of Rites has informed me, but I have something else to report to Minister Zhang."

"Although it is during the period of mourning for the late emperor, state affairs cannot be neglected. Please feel free to speak if you have anything to say."

Li Sheng revealed his indignation and said, "I heard today that Prince Cheng, Zhao Xiaoqian, provoked a fight in front of Prince Jian's mansion and ordered the palace guards to break Prince Jian's legs. They also put him in a prison cart and paraded him through the streets, spreading the news of Prince Jian's evil deeds."

"Prime Minister Zhang, this move has shocked the court and the public. Prince Cheng's actions are so arrogant and his methods of treating his relatives and children are so ruthless and excessive, which has brought shame to the reputation of the royal family. This matter must be investigated."

Zhang Dun was taken aback upon hearing this, and then his expression became increasingly indifferent.

Zhao Si had been deposed and would never be qualified to compete for the throne again. In Zhang Dun's mind, Zhao Si was already a discarded pawn.

How could he possibly stand up for a pawn? And to risk making enemies with Zhao Xiaoqian again? Even the dumbest person wouldn't do that.

Besides, what good is Prince Jian? If he hadn't struck first, how could he have suffered such a terrible fate?

Regardless of what others say about today's events, Zhang Dun has made up his mind to pretend to be deaf and dumb.

The late emperor's funeral is not over yet, stop making a fuss, let's make a big deal out of this.

Looking at Li Sheng again, Zhang Dun felt even more that this guy was simply stupid and completely unable to see the situation.

Now that a new emperor has not yet been established, it is a power vacuum in the court. Everyone is calmly observing the wind direction, but you are the only one who is eager to jump out, questioning this and investigating that.

Is now the time to freaking get attention and show off your integrity?

Even if Zhao Xiaoqian had no intention of vying for the throne, he was someone you couldn't afford to mess with. He could take care of Prince Jian with a flick of his little finger, so taking care of a mere censor like you would be a piece of cake.

Zhang Dun stroked his beard and chuckled, "Imperial Censor Li is concerned about the country and is upright in character, which is truly rare. As for what you said, it would be better to investigate it thoroughly before discussing it. Matters have priorities, and right now nothing is more important than the funeral of the late Emperor. What do you say?"

(End of this chapter)