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

Chapter 186 The Crown Prince's Ancestral Rules Are Your Protective Talisman
At Yu Chenglong's home, Shen Ye gave Yu Chenglong a severe dressing-down.

Of course, this reprimand was not because Yu Chenglong had written a letter, but because of the location of the Governor's Mansion on the expressway.

With the opening of the expressway directly to Tongzhou, a large amount of goods are transported through the expressway every day, generating substantial profits, not to mention the constant flow of pedestrians.

While ordinary people still prefer to take the free route, high-ranking officials and wealthy people would rather spend more money to make themselves comfortable.

To them, a tiny toll is nothing; they really don't need to care about it.

There were no dividends, but there was still a lot of money in hand. Under such circumstances, the huge governor's office and the school were crammed together, which was really embarrassing for Shen Ye, the boss.

So, after explaining the importance of face to Yu Chenglong, he left.

Just as he returned to Yuqing Palace, the eunuch who was on duty came to report that Wang Yan and Hanlin Academician Kong Meiyun were requesting an audience.

Although Wang Yan was only a vice minister at this time, he had served as the crown prince's daily lecturer.

He usually provides much support to the Crown Prince and is a loyal follower of the Crown Prince.

Shen Ye greatly admired Wang Yan.

For no other reason than his loyalty.

As for Hanlin Academician Kong Meiyun, Shen Ye didn't have a deep impression of him, but he knew that he was someone of great importance.

Even the Qianxi Emperor held him in high esteem.

The sudden arrival of these two people made Shen Ye realize that things were not so simple.

However, since the person has already arrived at your residence, there is no reason not to see them.

After inviting the two people to the study, Shen Ye stopped them from exchanging pleasantries.

After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Ye asked in a deep voice, "What brings you two teachers to me?"

Wang Yan and Kong Meiyun exchanged a quick glance, and Kong Meiyun finally spoke up: "Your Highness, recently there have been rumors that you were the one who pushed for the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax' policy. We do not believe such a claim."

"Oh, why don't you two believe me?" Shen Ye asked calmly.

“Because Your Highness, you cannot oppose yourself,” Wang Yan said with an unchanged smile.

Wang Yan's words stirred something within Shen Ye. He couldn't understand why Wang Yan would say such a thing.

Although he did not express his opinion on the integration of land tax and poll tax, he knew very well that he supported it.

"What does the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax' have to do with me?" Shen Ye asked in a deep voice, not wanting to beat around the bush.

Kong Meiyun said with a smile, "Your Highness, how can the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax' have nothing to do with you? It violates ancestral rules, and those rules cannot be shaken."

Kong Meiyun's words were very polite, and seemed a bit nonsensical, but upon closer examination, his implied meaning became clear.

The current system of awarding silver to the eldest son is an ancestral system, as is the system of primogeniture.

If the ancestral system is shaken, then the position of the crown prince will be in jeopardy.

Shen Ye naturally took in the threatening tone in Kong Meiyun's words.

However, he knew very well that Emperor Qianxi ultimately did not allow the crown prince to ascend the throne, which meant he did not insist on the primogeniture system.

Even in the eyes of the Qianxi Emperor, the so-called ancestral system of primogeniture was a threat to his imperial power.

Looking at the two smiling faces, Shen Ye's goodwill towards them had completely vanished.

Today, he witnessed people who felt it was their duty to speak up for the people.

At this moment, I also saw a fellow who spoke of ancestral rules with a sanctimonious air, but was actually full of petty and despicable schemes.

Having no desire to continue arguing with these two old men, Shen Ye picked up his teacup and asked, "Do you two have anything else to say?"

Serve tea to guests!

Seeing this, Wang Yan knew that Kong Meiyun's words had displeased the Crown Prince. Just as he was about to say something to make amends, he heard Kong Meiyun say, "Your Highness, we have always been loyal to you."

"The ancestral rules must not be changed, and this has always been our commitment."

"We implore Your Highness, for the sake of ancestral rules and the well-being of the people and the nation, to join us in submitting a petition to His Majesty, requesting that you punish Nian Xialing, this treacherous and deceitful villain."

I made myself follow the book.

To make oneself oppose Emperor Qianxi's decision!
Kong Meiyun really dares to think big!

Shen Ye coldly said, "Lord Kong, what if I, the Crown Prince, do not accept this book?" "Your Highness, such words will chill the hearts of loyal ministers throughout the land."

"I believe you would not do that."

Kong Meiyun smiled faintly, her expression extremely composed.

Shen Ye even had a feeling that this guy had him cornered.

Just as Shen Ye's anger was about to erupt, Wang Yan suddenly said, "Lord Kong, please wait for me outside the door. I need to speak with the Crown Prince."

Kong Meiyun must have discussed it with Wang Yan beforehand. Hearing Wang Yan say this, he did not object at all. He bowed to Shen Ye and then took his leave.

Shen Ye did not stop Wang Yan from doing this; he wanted to see what Wang Yan had to say to him.

"Your Highness, the biggest beneficiary of the saying 'ancestral rules cannot be violated' is yourself."

Wang Yan solemnly said, "You are the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and it is only natural for the eldest son of the legitimate wife to ascend the throne."

“Once the ancestral system is broken, there is a risk that a thousand-mile dike will be destroyed by an ant hole.”

"After all, if the poll tax is implemented today, who knows what it will be tomorrow?"

At this point, Wang Yan earnestly said, "Your Highness, many people are watching you now. I hope Your Highness will reconsider!"

Shen Ye looked at Wang Yan, who seemed to be thinking of her entirely, and said calmly, "Lord Wang, if I say no, does that mean you will all oppose me?"

Wang Yan remained silent, but his expression grew increasingly solemn.

After seeing Wang Yan off, Shen Ye felt incredibly stifled.

In order to live a peaceful life, although he felt indignant on behalf of Nian Xialing, he chose to remain silent.

Because he felt that with Emperor Qianxi around, it wasn't his place to worry about it.

Unexpectedly, even after trying to settle things peacefully, someone still came to threaten him at his door.

"Am I being too lenient with them?!"

Shen Ye looked at the empty study and said angrily.

No one responded to Shen Ye's self-talk.

The pent-up frustration from meeting Yu Chenglong today surged up again without warning.

"You all want me to submit a petition, so I'll submit one for you!"

"You're threatening me with the throne? Don't you know I won't be able to ascend the throne?!"

With that thought in mind, Shen Ye picked up a memorial and began to write.

Regarding the implementation of… among current ministers

Just as Shen Ye was writing the memorial, Emperor Qianxi was looking at it with agitation.

The two thick stacks of memorials were mostly memorials submitted by Nian Xialing and Yu Chenglong.

There are fewer Jackie Chans here, and more people of similar age.

After all, he was the one who started this whole thing.

Emperor Qianxi had considered having Nian Xialing take the blame, but he couldn't make up his mind.

Having been emperor for so many years, he was adept at shifting blame decisively, skillfully, and cost-effectively. His skill in shifting blame had long been honed to perfection.

The reason he didn't want to give up was that doing so would mean that, in the process of pushing this matter forward, he, Emperor Qianxi, would have no choice but to bow down.

How could he, as the emperor, bow his head!
But the current situation made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Just as he was about to throw a memorial requesting the execution of Nian Xialing on the ground, Zhao Chang came to his side and reported on Wang Yan and Kong Meiyun's meeting with the Crown Prince.

Emperor Qianxi's brows furrowed even more deeply without him noticing.

If the Crown Prince and those ministers join forces, then...

　This is the second update today. Please support, recommend, and vote! I've posted it early, thank you all for your support!

(End of this chapter)