The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 14 Do you harbor resentment towards me?
Emperor Qianxi, dressed in imperial robes, strode in.

He wasn't too happy today. After all, as an emperor who valued both civil and military achievements, he was very displeased that someone dared to tamper with the imperial examinations.

To the point that he lost interest in even eating!

The thought that the Fourth Prince was hosting a banquet to celebrate the birth of his eldest son prompted him to decide to come and take a look.

Upon arriving, and hearing that his sons had already started their feast, he simply ordered his guards to stop the eunuchs and maids from announcing the arrival, and walked straight in.

While there are certainly reasons why he didn't want to make a big fuss, it's also possible that he had his own ulterior motives: he wanted to hear what his sons were talking about.

My sons are all grown up now, and their thoughts aren't as easy to guess as they used to be!

So he arrived when the eldest brother lamented that the brothers would never be able to gather in the palace like this again, a sentiment that resonated deeply with him.

As a father who likes to worry, he naturally wants his children to be around him.

But he knew even better that once sons grow up, they are no longer under their fathers' control. These sons were all starting to become fathers themselves, so dividing the family property was a perfectly normal thing to do.

But upon hearing Shen Ye's suggestion, he felt very gratified, even somewhat overjoyed:

The Crown Prince still has brotherly affection!

That's good!

When the Third Prince responded to the Crown Prince's suggestion and said he would treat everyone, he stepped forward.

Upon the unexpected arrival of Emperor Qianxi, Shen Ye and the others hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed to him.

Shen Ye thought to himself, "This cheapskate father of mine really is unpredictable. It seems I should be more careful about what I say and do in the future."

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand, signaling everyone to rise, and then turned to Shen Ye, saying, "Crown Prince, will you invite me to this gathering?"

Shen Ye was not intimidated by Emperor Qianxi's interrogation.

No matter how much his father feared him, he wouldn't kill him.

Since he himself could not even ascend the throne, what was there to fear? So he did not flatter him, but casually said, "Father, you should ask the person who hosted this question."

"I can only say that when it is my turn to host, I will definitely invite you."

The Qianxi Emperor was fairly satisfied with this answer, and chuckled, saying, "Sophistry!"

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon the Third Prince.

The Third Prince always lacked confidence in front of his father. Now that he was being watched, he quickly said, "Father, I will definitely send you an invitation in advance next month."

Looking at the appearance of his third son, Emperor Qianxi's smile deepened.

However, he also had a vague feeling that this third son was a bit petty and lacked the magnanimity of the crown prince.

"Okay, then I'll wait for your invitation."

After Emperor Qianxi took his seat, the Fourth Prince's wife led the prince's birth mother and the newborn baby to pay their respects to Emperor Qianxi. Emperor Qianxi glanced at his grandson, gave out some rewards, and then continued eating.

Because Emperor Qianxi was present, the princes, who were initially quite relaxed, all became restrained.

Even the usually mischievous fourteenth prince was behaving himself.

Emperor Qianxi naturally noticed the atmosphere, but he was used to this situation and didn't pay much attention to it.

However, he couldn't let the entire banquet become a true "no talking while eating" affair, so he smiled and said, "The construction of the first batch of princes' residences is about to begin."

"It should be completed by next spring at the latest."

"Yunshi, you can go to the Ministry of Works to take a look at the design drawings. If there's anything you don't like, you can ask the Ministry of Works to make some modifications in advance."

"However, the specifications remain unchanged."

Upon hearing Emperor Qianxi mention their future residences, the princes present immediately perked up.

When Prince Zhi's name was mentioned, he was the first to say, "Thank you, Father Emperor. Your son will go to the Ministry of Works to take a look later."

Emperor Qianxi looked at his son, whose face was full of expectation, and felt a surge of joy in his heart.

Seeing this situation, Shen Ye's heart stirred.

He was truly fed up with living in Yuqing Palace!
Not to mention that Yuqing Palace is not very large, the entire Yuqing Palace is located within the Imperial Palace, so every move it makes is under the watchful eye of Emperor Qianxi.

Living here is really stifling. Besides, I'll never become emperor. If I could get a house early on, and then be confined to my own residence like Prince Zhi, living my own quiet life, that would be quite nice.

After all, Prince Zhi was living a very carefree life in his own residence.

Every time Emperor Qianxi selected concubines, he would send several to the eldest prince.

If not now, when will you want it?

So he picked up a cup of wine and said, "Father, I think there is a problem with the construction of the Prince's residence this time."

The relaxed atmosphere in the living room suddenly froze.

The eldest prince looked at Shen Ye, secretly delighted.

The Crown Prince actually dared to give his father advice!
Isn't this just making things difficult for yourself?

Of course, he was happy to watch the Crown Prince's rash actions.

As for the others, they quickly exchanged glances, wondering what the Crown Prince was planning.

Emperor Qianxi remained unmoved and casually asked, "Does the Crown Prince see any problem?"

"Father, the prince's residence that you had built is missing one person."

Isn't this a problem?

Emperor Qianxi originally thought that the Crown Prince would talk about the scale or cost of the prince's residence, but to his surprise, he said that one person was missing.

Whose is missing?

The seven princes who were granted titles had clearly been planned out.

Everyone has one!
He glanced at the Ninth Prince, which left the Ninth Prince somewhat bewildered!
He didn't say anything, so what is the Crown Prince trying to do?
Therefore, when Emperor Qianxi looked over, he quickly said, "Father, I am not in a hurry."

Emperor Qianxi remained silent and instead turned his gaze to Shen Ye.

Shen Ye said, "It's not Ninth Brother. He's still too young; it's not time for him to be assigned to a separate residence yet."

"This person is your son, and I have now settled down and started a family."

"Like my brothers, it would be quite inconvenient for me to continue living in the palace."

"Therefore, I request Your Majesty to build a mansion for me so that I and my brothers can move out together."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianxi's expression changed.

Everyone else also stopped what they were doing.

For a moment, the surroundings became completely silent.

Almost everyone's attention was focused on the Crown Prince and Emperor Qianxi.

The fourth prince, who was the landlord, was sweating profusely.

What's wrong with the Crown Prince?
Why would he ask to move out of Yuqing Palace?

Perhaps he was dissatisfied with his father's punishment of his personal attendants, which is why he made such a request.

Is this a sign of resentment?

If Father is angry today, then I'll just have a proper celebration of the wedding banquet...

The eldest prince, standing to the side, had an expressionless face, but inwardly he was secretly delighted.

What he enjoys most right now is the Crown Prince making mistakes. As long as the Crown Prince makes repeated mistakes, he will have the opportunity to take his place and has a chance to become the Crown Prince!
Now, the Crown Prince's words are undoubtedly asking for trouble.

Emperor Qianxi's gaze turned somewhat cold.

He stared at Shen Ye without saying a word, and after a long pause, he asked, "Why are you moving out in such a hurry? Do you think I shouldn't have punished your close attendants?"

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(End of this chapter)