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

Chapter 350 Shifting the Blame Eastward: My Criticism Primarily Against the Crown Prince
If the Sizhi Study was where Emperor Qianxi studied and slept at the Xiaotangshan Palace, then the Danbo Jingcheng Hall was where Emperor Qianxi summoned ministers and handled state affairs.

The Xiaotangshan Imperial Palace was exquisitely built, and the only place that could be used for holding court was the Danbo Jingcheng Hall.

To show the importance he attached to this rebuttal, Emperor Qianxi deliberately held the meeting on a platform outside the Danbo Jingcheng Hall.

He himself sat in the Danbo Jingcheng Hall with the important court officials of the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, observing from the sidelines.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Ma Qi's appearance surprised many people.

When Emperor Qianxi saw him, he asked with a smile, "Ma Qi, have you recovered? Would you like to rest a little longer?"

These words sounded like expressions of concern, but as a trusted confidant of Emperor Qianxi, how could Ma Qi not hear the sarcasm in them?
He knew that he probably couldn't hide the fact that he was faking his illness from Emperor Qianxi.

So he honestly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My health has almost fully recovered, and I no longer need to rest."

"Moreover, the court is currently facing a turbulent time. How could I, for my own benefit, fail to share Your Majesty's burdens?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qianxi's expression softened considerably.

He immediately said calmly, "Sit down. In the days you've been gone, another arrogant young man has emerged. Instead of studying other things properly, he insists on imitating Hai Rui's memorials."

"He even produced the 'Number One Memorial in the World,' tsk tsk, it's a pity I'm not the Jiajing Emperor."

"I'm not arresting him, I just want him to know that I have the magnanimity to forgive others."

"Ma Qi, have you heard about the contents of this 'Number One Memorial Under Heaven'?"

Most of the content of this "Number One Memorial Under Heaven" was written by Ma Qi. How could he not have read it?

If you say you don't know at this point, that would be really unacceptable!

This would mean he was unqualified as a minister.

After all, Zhen Yan had already been spreading his manuscript around, and who in the entire court hadn't heard a few lines of it?
"I have heard about it. I think Zhen Yan is just trying to attract attention!"

Ma Qi said firmly, "Therefore, I believe that such a person should absolutely not be allowed to live."

"So that no one will try to imitate it and end up looking ridiculous!"

Ma Qi knew all too well that the emperor was inherently suspicious.

Not only could he not speak up for Zhen Yan, but he also had to take drastic measures from the outset and kill him.

This was also a pledge of allegiance to Emperor Qianxi.

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said, "What he said wasn't entirely unreasonable, although it was somewhat hearsay."

"Therefore, I cannot take his life just because he said a few words."

"Wouldn't this block all avenues for expression?"

At this point, Emperor Qianxi glanced at the princes, including Shen Ye, who were already seated outside, and asked, "Ma Qi, do you think the Crown Prince and the others can refute Zhen Yan in this rebuttal?"

"I believe that with His Highness's intelligence and wisdom, victory will not be difficult," Ma Qi said, appearing completely confident in Shen Ye.

Although he said that, he knew in his heart that it wouldn't be so easy for Shen Ye to refute the things he mentioned in the memorial!
Moreover, Ma Qi deliberately avoided mentioning that the Crown Prince could persuade people with reason, instead saying that the Crown Prince could only win by relying on "intelligence and wisdom." This was tantamount to indirectly reminding the Emperor that the Crown Prince was merely glib-tongued and quick-witted, capable of reviving even the dead with his words!
Just as Ma Qi was secretly pleased with himself for subtly sowing discord in the Crown Prince's eyes, someone reported, "Zhen Yan has arrived!"

Emperor Qianxi stopped speaking. Although he appeared calm on the surface, he was actually a little nervous inside.

After all, this concerns his reputation throughout his life, and even his posthumous evaluation.

If he could refute Zhen Yan in a fair and square manner, history would surely record a mark on him: a wise and tolerant ruler.

However, if the princes cannot refute Zhen Yan, then he will be in a difficult situation!
He either had to deal with Shen Ye and the others, or, in a fit of rage, kill Zhen Yan.

This is not the outcome he wanted to see.

"Announce Zhenyan!" Shen Ye said calmly, sitting behind the small table.

He sat on the corridor of the main gate of the Danbo Jingcheng Hall. The hall blocked the cold wind, and the underground hot spring water made it as warm as spring.

Beside him were two rows of small tables on each side, with the eldest prince and others seated on either side of him.

Before the rebuttal began, Emperor Qianxi had already said that the Crown Prince would preside over this matter today, and there was no need to consult him on everything.

Zhen Yan was quickly brought up.

He was wearing official robes but no shackles, yet he looked very disheveled, with chapped lips.

Shen Ye frowned: What happened? Did someone attack him on the road?
"Zhen Yan greets His Highness the Crown Prince and all the princes." Although Zhen Yan was down on his luck, he was in good spirits and spoke with a strong voice.

Hearing his slightly hoarse voice, Shen Ye said calmly, "Minister Zhen, there's no need for such formalities."

"You must have had a long and arduous journey. Someone, bring a seat for Minister Zhen and a cup of hot tea to warm her up."

Zhen Yan never expected that he would be met with the Crown Prince's concern instead of criticism when he entered the palace.

He hadn't expected to be offered a seat and served hot tea.

You, Zhen Yan, clearly slapped the Crown Prince in the face, yet he still treats you with such an attitude. You are truly flattered.

Although he wasn't mistreated along the way, the flatbed cart given to him by the Infantry Commander's Office was cold and bumpy, which made him suffer quite a bit.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince was so considerate.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Zhen Yan used to be a bit rigid in his actions, but at this moment he was unusually frank.

Since they've already gone all out, they've become much more carefree.

As Shen Ye instructed, hot tea and seats were quickly arranged.

Zhen Yan picked up the hot tea and drank it all in one gulp before sitting down. "Are you ready?" Shen Ye asked in a deep voice, looking at Zhen Yan who seemed to have disregarded life and death.

"I need not prepare anything; everything is in my mind. If the Crown Prince or any of the princes have any questions, please ask. I will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

As Zhen Yan spoke, he slowly rose to his feet: "Your subject will certainly speak frankly and without reservation."

Upon hearing Zhen Yan's words, the Fourth Prince hesitated for a moment before turning to Shen Ye and saying, "Your Highness, why don't you let me go first?"

Shen Ye glanced at the Fourth Prince in surprise.

The fourth brother always liked to stay in the back, so his sudden appearance this time must mean he has other plans.

However, he still couldn't figure out what the fourth brother was planning to do.

"Then Fourth Brother will go first!" Shen Ye was prepared for this rebuttal.

He was very confident in his preparations, so he wasn't worried no matter what moves Zhen Yan or the princes made.

The Fourth Prince clasped his hands in a fist salute to Shen Ye, then stood up from his seat and said coldly, "Zhen Yan, your report that we princes and ministers colluded and formed cliques for personal gain is utter nonsense!"

"Take my third brother for example. He associates with Li Fu and others from the Hanlin Academy because they are kindred spirits!"

"They also worked together to organize ancient books, restore dilapidated historical sites, and reprint them—their merits are immeasurable! How can you slander them like this without feeling any remorse?"

At this point, his tone became even colder: "Your petition, which distorts the truth, is an extremely heinous crime!"

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince, who was sitting to the side, changed his expression.

Although his association with Li Fu and others was based on mutual understanding, Emperor Qianxi was aware of it, so it was considered aboveboard.

But now, with all the ministers and officials of the Six Ministries here, and the Fourth Prince publicly singled him out first, he felt a little uncomfortable.

However, the Fourth Prince was standing up for him. If he stood up to oppose him, it would become an internal strife among the princes, which Emperor Qianxi would absolutely not let off lightly.

"I have also heard about the interactions between the Fourth Prince, Prince Cheng, and Hanlin scholars such as Li Fu."

"I admire this kind of interaction from the bottom of my heart."

"The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water, and the relationship between Prince Cheng and Lord Li Fu is exactly that of gentlemen."

"When I spoke of colluding with ministers and forming cliques for personal gain, I was not referring to the Third Prince."

As Zhen Yan finished speaking, he glanced in Shen Ye's direction.

He hesitated for a moment, then solemnly said, "I am referring to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, the fourth prince's expression immediately changed.

He glanced quickly at Shen Ye, then said urgently, "Your Highness, Zhen Yan is talking complete nonsense; his intentions are despicable!"

"I never expected him to dare to make such a false accusation."

Shen Ye looked at the terrified Fourth Prince and said calmly, "Fourth Brother, don't worry about it. This Zhen Yan dared to impeach even Father, so it's normal for him to impeach me as well."

"Does Fourth Brother have anything else to say?"

The fourth prince wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with shame, "Your subject has nothing more to say."

Inside the Danbo Jingcheng Hall, Emperor Qianxi listened to all of this with an indifferent expression.

He remained silent, as if he cared nothing about the debate.

The other ministers in the hall also remained silent with solemn expressions.

Then Shen Ye asked, "Since Fourth Brother has nothing to say, what about the others?"

The Third Prince, having just received a few words of praise from Zhen Yan, suddenly understood something. He glanced at the Fourth Prince, then his gaze fell on the Eighth Prince.

He suddenly stood up and said, "Your Highness, I have something to ask him!"

Shen Ye calmly said, "Third brother, please ask away."

The Third Prince said indignantly, "Zhen Yan! You accused us of interfering in the capital's performance evaluation in your memorial. Tell me, when did I interfere?"

"Furthermore, you also said that we princes are competing with the people for profit. Then tell me, was it me competing with the people for profit, or was it my elder brother?"

"Where did you hear that 'competing with the people for profit' thing?"

"If you don't give me a straight answer today, I'll make sure you don't leave this Danbo Jingcheng Hall alive!"

The Third Prince, usually gentle and refined, was now unleashing his full power, exuding a murderous aura that instilled fear in those around him.

Despite the Third Prince's threats, Zhen Yan remained unfazed. He calmly replied, "Third Prince, whether you interfered in the capital inspection is something I do not know."

"But everyone in the world knows who interfered in the capital inspection."

"After all, Shen Zhumo's blood hasn't dried yet!"

"As for competing with the people for profit—look at this Xiaotangshan Imperial Palace, do you know where it came from?"

"Hehe, some people have made millions of taels of silver just by buying low and selling high."

"What is this if not competing with the people for profit!"

Zhen Yan's voice was loud and clear, with a resounding and powerful quality.

Although he didn't name names directly, everyone present knew who he was talking about!
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(End of this chapter)