The prince is more stable

Chapter 799 The Establishment of the Prince of Duan
When Zeng Bu proposed to Prince Duan, Zhao Ji, many people looked at Zhao Xiaoqian, who remained silent.

Zhao Xiaoqian deserves much credit for creating this situation.

During the mourning period for the late emperor, Prince Jian, Zhao Si, was deposed by him, leaving only Zhao Ji as the sole candidate for the new emperor.

Looking at the Empress Dowager's attitude and Zhang Dun's attitude at this moment, the officials couldn't help but ponder in their hearts.

What unknown stories are hidden here?
Coincidence? It's too much of a coincidence.

Prince Jian would have had no trouble earlier or later, but he ran into trouble precisely during the struggle for the throne, and it was the kind of trouble from which he could never recover.

Overnight, his reputation was ruined in both the court and the public, and he completely lost his eligibility to compete for the throne.

Everything has two sides. When the Song Dynasty was founded, it emphasized civil affairs over military affairs. Although this was a drawback, it still had some advantages.

The emphasis on civil affairs over military affairs means that scholar-officials hold power, and the court and the common people value morality and reputation more. You stand on the moral high ground and belittle the military men to the dust. Therefore, the scholar-official group will inevitably suffer the backlash from "morality".

That means you have to sit up straight and stand upright.

Therefore, despite the many problems of the Song Dynasty, no matter how much one hated their political enemies, they rarely caused any deaths. The court was mostly a contest of gentlemen. After being ousted from power by a political enemy, all grudges were wiped clean. If there was a chance to make a comeback in the future, they would treat their political enemies in the same way.

From Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, and Fan Zhongyan, to later figures like Fan Chunren, Lü Dafang, Su Zhe, and Su Shi, most of them followed this pattern.

Of course, Zhang Dun was an exception. This old fellow was extremely petty and vindictive, so he became a unique character in the Song Dynasty court. But many others wanted to use this old fellow as a kind of firework.

Now, it seems that Prince Jian Zhao has lost his qualification to compete for the throne, and the reason for this lies in the word "morality".

Over the past century, while the officials of the Song Dynasty may have had many disagreements on political views, almost everyone had developed a fastidious sense of morality.

Prince Jian's evil deeds were spread far and wide, and the Imperial City Guard and the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs produced irrefutable evidence, effectively sealing the case.

As a result, some court officials who had originally planned to join Zhao Si's camp are now avoiding him like the plague, not even wanting to mention him.

He has problems as a person, let alone as an emperor.

Prince Duan, Zhao Ji, is the undisputed choice to become the new emperor.

Inside the Daqing Hall, after Zeng Bu took the lead in recommending someone, all the court officials immediately echoed his sentiments. Whether they liked it or not, at this point, did you have any other candidates?
Even if there were other candidates, given the unanimous recommendation for Prince Duan, who would be so foolish as to suggest someone else? If you're really that stubborn, aren't you afraid that Prince Duan will make things difficult for you after he ascends the throne?

Seeing that the atmosphere in the hall was finally becoming lively and that things were developing in the direction she had hoped for, a smile appeared in the Empress Dowager's eyes. She did not dare to show the smile on her face, after all, it was a period of national mourning, and she still had to observe these etiquette rules.

As everyone spoke in unison, Empress Dowager Xiang quickly glanced at Zhang Dun.

Seeing Zhang Dun's expressionless face, it was clear that even though he was unwilling, he had no choice at this moment.

Empress Dowager Xiang was quite satisfied with Zhang Dun's expression.

If you remain silent, then the sun shines.

The Empress Dowager then looked around at the assembled officials and said, "It seems that you all believe that Prince Duan Ji is the right person to ascend the throne?"

The ministers all nodded in agreement.

Empress Dowager Xiang looked at Zhao Zongsheng of the Imperial Clan Court. She dared not put on airs in front of this old man, after all, he was a highly respected patriarch of the Zhao family.

"Prince Pu, what do you think? Does the clan have no objections?"

Zhao Zongsheng was an old and shrewd man who never interfered in politics, especially such an important matter. Upon hearing this, he stroked his beard and smiled slightly.

"Since the Empress Dowager and the other officials have no objections, this old minister naturally has no objections either. As for matters concerning the clan, they are what everyone hopes for, so the matter will be settled."

The Empress Dowager nodded approvingly: "Understood."

Then the Empress Dowager looked one last time at Zhao Xiaoqian, who was silent in the crowd, and asked, "Where is Prince Cheng? Do you have any objections?"

Zhao Xiaoqian bowed and said, "Your Majesty and the other officials may make the decision directly."

Empress Dowager Xiang let out a long breath, her eyes filled with undisguised joy.

It's done!
Having composed herself and adjusted her expression, the Empress Dowager swept her phoenix eyes over the assembled officials with an air of authority, her deep voice echoing throughout the Daqing Hall.

"Since all the gentlemen have recommended Prince Duan Ji, then it is decided that Prince Duan Zhao Ji shall ascend the throne of the Great Song Dynasty!"

"From this day forward, the Council of State Affairs may issue a proclamation to the world to reassure the people. The Ministry of Rites shall begin preparations for the new emperor's enthronement ceremony, ordering the Bureau of Astronomy to calculate celestial phenomena and determine an auspicious day for the coronation. The Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate shall immediately review the prison rosters. After the new emperor's ascension to the throne, a general amnesty may be granted..."

At this time, Empress Dowager Xiang possessed a certain heroic spirit, speaking and acting decisively. After establishing the new emperor, she arranged the enthronement ceremony meticulously and systematically.

The officials naturally had no objections and bowed to accept the decree.

With the major issues settled, there's no need to discuss the minor matters here in the Daqing Hall.

Since the Empress Dowager cannot interfere in politics, there is no need to report the numerous memorials that have been piling up in the Council of State Affairs to her. It would be better to return to the Council of State Affairs and have the prime ministers gather together to discuss and decide on the matter.

So the Empress Dowager ordered the officials to disperse, and she turned around and went back to the inner palace.

The moment she turned around, a smile finally appeared on Empress Dowager Xiang's face. Her goal had been achieved; it was the smile of a victor.

Yes, she was determined to support Prince Duan, Zhao Ji, to ascend the throne. The influence of the Emperor and Prince Jian's birth mother, Consort Zhu, on the harem in the past could finally be completely erased from the moment the new emperor ascended the throne.

If Prince Jian were to ascend the throne, the court officials would certainly submit a petition requesting that Consort Zhu be posthumously honored as Empress Dowager. This would be quite embarrassing for her as a living Empress Dowager and would severely weaken her authority as Empress Dowager.

This is the fundamental reason why Empress Dowager Xiang was determined to support Zhao Ji's ascension to the throne. In the end, the empress dowager in the harem also had her own interests to pursue.

At this moment, the dust settled, and Empress Dowager Xiang was completely relieved.

Everything was going according to her expectations. In the harem, during her lifetime, no one could shake her position as Empress Dowager, not even the dead.

…………

The officials left Yanfu Palace and politely took their leave at the palace gate.

Most people had to return to their government offices to handle official business; during the emperor's funeral, there was simply too much backlog of government affairs and official duties.

Some people are happy to have a leisurely life, like Zhao Xiaoqian.

He was the Deputy Privy Councilor, but he didn't like to manage affairs. Zeng Bu had sent people to invite him many times, saying it was to discuss matters of the Privy Council, but Zhao Xiaoqian was like an abacus bead, only moving when someone nudges him. If Zeng Bu didn't invite him, he was too lazy to go.

As Zhao Xiaoqian walked to the palace gate, he smiled and bid farewell to the assembled officials. In the crowd, his eyes met Zhang Dun's without leaving a trace, and then they quickly looked away from each other.

Upon returning to the Chu King's residence, they found Zhao Hao enjoying tea alone in the Yin'an Hall.

Recently, under Zhao Xiaoqian's personal supervision, Zhao Hao seems to have lost some weight; at least his belly isn't as bloated anymore.

Zhao Hao, however, suffered greatly.

Eating vegetables every day with little oil and salt not only makes my mouth taste bland, but it also turns my chubby face green, which is especially environmentally friendly.

Sitting in the Yin'an Hall, sipping tea, Zhao Hao was listless and looked utterly dejected. He took a sip of hot tea, which scalded him, causing his fat to tremble slightly. He then fell silent again, looking utterly dejected.

Zhao Xiaoqian entered the Yin'an Hall. Zhao Hao glanced at him and said lazily, "The new emperor has been established? Is it still Zhao Ji in the end?"

"Yes, the Empress Dowager and the court officials have decided that Zhao Ji will ascend the throne."

Zhao Hao sighed and said, "In my opinion, why bother with all this trouble? Just let the Yan Yun troops enter the capital, then sit on the chair in the Daqing Hall, and have your generals drape the yellow robe over you. Who would dare to object then?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled bitterly and said, "If I do this, I will be cursed to death by the world, and the history books will also record that I have obtained the throne illegitimately and am a usurper. This will leave a bad name for ten thousand years, and no amount of merit can offset it."

Zhao Hao curled his lip and said, "So, you first let Zhao Ji ascend the throne, then made him a target of public resentment, and before he could even settle into his position, he was overthrown. Finally, you were pushed back to power by the unanimous voice of the court officials. Is that what you wanted?"

“That’s right, this is the most suitable and gentle way. I don’t want to start a massacre in Bianjing. Although I don’t care much about my reputation, I don’t want to bear a bad name either. If I really want to be infamous for ten thousand years, I’ll still mind. It’s just a little more trouble. I’m not afraid of trouble.”

Zhao Hao hummed in agreement and said, "Yesterday I ran into Liu Mao, the Commander of the Palace Guards, in Bianjing..."

Zhao Xiaoqian blinked: "A chance encounter?"

"Yes, I sent someone to follow him and found out his whereabouts. Then I rushed over there and finally this chance encounter happened. What a coincidence!"

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

It's quite remarkable that Zhao Hao, at his age and with such a physique, managed to have such a carefully planned encounter.

"and then?"

Zhao Hao grinned: "Since it was a chance encounter, we naturally flattered and praised each other, and then, quite naturally, I took him to a brothel that was secretly operating..."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyelids twitched: "During the period of national mourning, Father, you actually dared to... You are truly skilled and daring!"

Zhao Hao said nonchalantly, "We're all men, so naturally we have needs. Liu Mao was itching with desire, but he just didn't know where to get in. I have far more connections in this area than he does. I took him to a brothel, and you didn't see the look on Liu Mao's face then. He was practically begging for mercy..."

Zhao Xiaoqian asked with interest, "And in the end? Liu Mao bowed to his father and from then on obeyed his every word?"

At the crucial point, Zhao Hao suddenly stopped talking, casually crossed his legs, and said in a low voice, "If you want to hear what happens next... first, give this old man some meat! You cook it yourself, I want a big, stewed pork hock that's tender and juicy!"

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression immediately changed, and he said indifferently, "Say it or don't, I don't care to hear it. If it comes to a critical moment, no matter how Liu Mao reacts, I am confident that I can kill him."

Zhao Hao angrily said, "You unfilial son! You don't know how to be filial to your father. You won't even agree to make a pig's trotter for your father. You are unfilial!"

"After I eat your pork hock, I'll take care of your funeral arrangements and inherit your estate. Isn't that filial piety?"

Zhao Hao was so angry that he was panting, his small, beady eyes glaring at Zhao Xiaoqian with resentment and anger.

Zhao Xiaoqian remained unmoved.

He's practically as fat as a pig, covered in all sorts of affluence diseases, and he still has the nerve to eat meat. He really doesn't want to live anymore; he'd rather die on a widow's belly than eat himself to death.

(End of this chapter)