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

Chapter 247 A Joyful Reunion with a Knife Behind It All
The Ministry of Rites was very perfunctory in handling other matters, but it took one thing very seriously.

This matter involves various grand ceremonies!

As the face of the imperial court, various grand ceremonies are extremely important. If any problems arise, the Ministry of Rites will be in deep trouble.

In many cases, the Minister of Rites was even replaced because of issues related to the grand ceremony.

This letter from the Russian Empire, which carried a tone of seeking peace, was a matter of great importance to the reputation of Emperor Qianxi and the entire court.

Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Rites attached even greater importance to it.

Not only did he bring people from the Court of Colonial Affairs to the Hall of Supreme Harmony early in the morning, but he also brought a group of young censors from the Censorate.

If anyone behaves improperly before the emperor at this time, then they should not be surprised if he is impolite.

However, these young censors only managed ordinary officials, and they all showed great respect to those high-ranking and powerful officials.

For example, Tong Guowei at this time.

As the chief Grand Secretary, Tong Guowei was greeted by a chorus of voices as he approached.

When people greeted him, Tong Guowei always responded with a smile, appearing dignified and composed.

Soon, a large crowd gathered around Tong Guowei.

However, just as Tong Guowei was walking towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he heard someone say with a smile, "Greetings, Prime Minister Tong."

The voice was calm and gentle, giving people a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze.

Although Tong Guowei did not turn his head, he already knew who was speaking.

A peaceful smile returned to his face, and he said to the man, "Prime Minister, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

Mingzhu said with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister Tong. I've been living quite comfortably these days."

"It's just that Prime Minister Tong has really been working hard these days."

"His Majesty values ​​you, so how can we, as your subjects, not share your burdens?" Tong Guowei's voice was calm, but there was a hint of pride in that calmness.

This is naturally the arrogance of the current Grand Secretary.

Although Tong Guowei was Emperor Qianxi's maternal uncle, he had always been overshadowed by Mingzhu and Suo'etu.

Although these two men usually treated Tong Guowei with great respect, the difference in their power always bothered Tong Guowei.

When he met Mingzhu in the Hall of Supreme Harmony this time, he unconsciously revealed some of his emotions.

Mingzhu was perfectly aware of Tong Guowei's thoughts. Hearing him say this, she smiled and said, "Prime Minister Tong, please take good care of your health while you are busy with official duties!"

Tong Guowei didn't particularly like these kinds of remarks.

He even felt that Mingzhu was subtly implying that he was going to ruin his health by taking on the position of Chief Grand Secretary.

Just as he was about to say something else to Mingzhu, he heard a series of greetings coming from afar.

"Good job, Mr. Suo!"

"Greetings, Master. I hope you are well!"

"Prime Minister Suo, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

……

As these words were spoken, Tong Guowei and Mingzhu looked in the direction of the voice and saw the spirited Suo'etu talking to a large group of court officials.

Many people gathered around Suo'etu, appearing enthusiastic and sincere.

Tong Guowei's expression darkened upon seeing this.

Although he was the chief Grand Secretary, his prestige did not reach the level of Songgotu.

"Prime Minister Tong, it's been quite a while since we last met." When Tong Guowei saw Suo'etu, Suo'etu also saw Tong Guowei.

He naturally saw the pearl as well.

However, he did not greet his old rival, but greeted Tong Guowei immediately.

Tong Guowei's ability to become the chief Grand Secretary was certainly not solely due to his status as Emperor Qianxi's uncle.

Although he had felt somewhat uncomfortable with Songgotu's attentive manner, he still smiled and said, "Minister Songgotu, you are still as energetic as ever."

"The other day, Prince Yu's family had a happy occasion. I thought you would attend."

"But I never expected that you wouldn't come."

Soetu sighed and said, "I thought my body was fine, but after resting, I realized that I had been overworking myself in the past."

"To train myself, I planted some vegetables in my yard."

"But even with such a small plot of land, I can't manage it all!"

"I'm too old, I really can't do it anymore."

When Tong Guowei heard Suo'etu call him "old," he smiled and said, "It seems that the Crown Prince's suggestion to allow the Grand Secretary to serve for a maximum of six years is also out of pity for this old minister!"

Tong Guowei's words were a veiled attack, and they also touched upon Mingzhu.

After all, Mingzhu was forced to step down from his position as Grand Secretary by the Crown Prince's term of office, but he just watched the show with a smile.

He doesn't care whether this affects innocent bystanders!
What does the verbal sparring between Suo'etu and Tong Guowei have to do with him?

It would be better if the two of them fought.

As far as he knew, Songgotu was not someone who would easily suffer a loss.

To Mingzhu's surprise, Suo'etu chuckled and said, "We are naturally very grateful for the Crown Prince's mercy."

Upon hearing this, Tong Guowei's smile widened.

He felt he had touched a nerve with Suo'etu, which left Suo'etu speechless.

But Mingzhu didn't think so.

He knew Songgotu's character; he was the type to seek revenge.

They are very concerned about saving face when they speak. Although Tong Guowei's words were harsh, it was very easy for them to retort.

Take Mingzhu himself for example. Whenever he wanted, he could say four or five different things, which made Tong Guowei very uncomfortable.

What's wrong with Suo'etu?
Something is wrong!

Perhaps he's planning something, which is why he's being so low-key.

But what could Suo'etu do?

Mingzhu's mind raced, but she couldn't come up with a solution for the time being.

But a feeling of unease filled his heart.

Just as the three were talking, Kui Xu accompanied the Eighth Prince to the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Dressed in a prince's robes, the Eighth Prince appeared even more dashing and debonair.

Seeing the three talking there, he greeted them with a smile, "Yun Si greets Chancellor Tong, Chancellor Ming, and Chancellor Suo!"

Tong Guowei had already decided to support the Eighth Prince, so when he heard him call out, he stepped over and spoke to the Eighth Prince.

Taking advantage of this moment, Mingzhu said to Suo'etu, "Prime Minister Suo, what do you think of the Eighth Prince?"

“Mingzhu is His Majesty’s son, and someone we can comment on.” Soetu glared at Mingzhu, his expression cold and stern.

When Mingzhu saw the angry Suo'etu, his expression became even more composed. He said with a smile, "I think the Eighth Prince has a good appearance, good manners, and good character."

Where are you thinking about going?

Upon hearing his old rival's cunning reply, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Songgotu's face.

He rubbed his hands together and said, "Minister Ming, I was wrong. Please forgive me."

"Haha, I was being a bit too paranoid."

Mingzhu chuckled and said, "Minister Suo, it was my fault for not explaining clearly, haha!"

Soetu gave Mingzhu a deep look, and was about to speak when someone said, "Prime Minister Soetu, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

When Suo'etu saw that it was Wang Yan who was greeting him, he didn't want to pay attention to him, but he eventually went over anyway.

As Mingzhu watched Suo'etu leave, her questions deepened.

He felt that Songgotu at this moment was truly different from before.

Is he truly cultivating his character?

Mingzhu's gaze involuntarily turned towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony were still closed, so he naturally couldn't see Emperor Qianxi, who should have been in the rear hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

However, a question arose in his mind: Did His Majesty the Emperor know about this change in Songgotu?

Emperor Qianxi was in the rear hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony at this moment, listening to his trusted eunuch Zhao Chang report on the situation outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

In reality, it was a report on the performance of Mingzhu and Suo'etu at that moment.

After all, Emperor Qianxi knew perfectly well how others attended court.

However, these two people had already left the court for some time.

When Emperor Qianxi heard that Mingzhu was greeting people everywhere as if they were old friends, a cold smile appeared on his face.

Although this brilliant talent has stepped down from his position as Grand Secretary, he remains the same person.

A leopard can't change its spots.
However, while the words were meant to mock Mingzhu, the Emperor Qianxi's expression turned more serious upon hearing that officials had greeted Suo'etu all the way.

He knew very well that Songgotu was able to maintain his current prestige even after retiring, not only because of his many years as the chief Grand Secretary, but also because of another reason.

That was his relationship with the Crown Prince.

Although it was the Crown Prince who ordered Suo'etu and Mingzhu to retire, the court officials believed that the Crown Prince did so out of necessity.

However, as long as the crown prince ascends the throne, Songgotu will still be able to wield immense power.

Therefore, under such circumstances, many people would choose to show respect to Suo'etu.

"Where is the Crown Prince?"

Emperor Qianxi asked Zhao Chang in a seemingly casual manner.

Zhao Chang had become accustomed to Emperor Qianxi suddenly asking about the Crown Prince, and he would review the Crown Prince's situation every time he met Emperor Qianxi.

"As soon as the Crown Prince left Yuqing Palace, Jin Wushan pulled him away to check on the preparations for the ceremony, and he did not meet with Prime Minister Suo and the others."

Emperor Qianxi nodded, but did not speak.

However, his brows were furrowed quite deeply.

Shen Ye was unaware that Emperor Qianxi had asked him about it. At that moment, he had just escaped Jin Wushan's entanglement when he saw the Thirteenth Prince walking towards him.

At this moment, the thirteenth prince walked with a swagger, exuding an air of high spirits.

Normally, princes like the thirteenth prince do not attend court, but this time, in order to demonstrate Emperor Qianxi's civil and military achievements, these princes in their teens were also required to attend.

Just as Shen Ye was about to greet the Thirteenth Prince, the Thirteenth Prince quickly walked over and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

"Alright, no need for formalities. We're brothers, no need for such formalities."

As he spoke, Shen Ye reached out and supported the thirteenth prince.

Just as Shen Ye was about to lift the thirteenth prince, the thirteenth prince whispered to Shen Ye, "Your Highness, His Majesty has decided that he will spend the Emperor's birthday celebration at the Mulan Hunting Grounds."

"Seize the opportunity to capture and kill Kezang!"

Upon hearing this news, Shen Ye was immediately startled.

What is Emperor Qianxi trying to do? Why does he need to personally handle such a matter?

Is he truly a father and daughter with a deep bond?
　The second update of the day is here! Respect to the big boss, please support, please recommend, please do everything!
　　

(End of this chapter)