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

Chapter 369 Even the Emperor Cannot Do What He Wants
Despite the freezing weather, the heated discussions in the capital city remained undiminished.

After news spread that more than twenty young officials had attacked Zhen Yan and intended to kill him, the entire capital was in an uproar.

"Good fight!"

Inside the Censorate, a young official shouted excitedly, "Why bother reasoning with a scoundrel like Zhen Yan, who has no loyalty to the emperor, father, teacher, or morality?"

"It would be more satisfying to just kill him outright!"

“Brother Yuli is right. There’s no need to be polite when dealing with this kind of guy.”

"Trying to reason with him is like talking to a brick wall, a complete waste of time!"

"This is just like a sage executing Shao Zhengmao!"

"If I were there, I would have rushed up and slapped him a few times, and beaten that heartless scoundrel to death!"

……

Chen Tingjing, the supervising censor, had an unusually solemn expression.

Besides being impressed by the remarkable achievements of these young people, he also felt a sense of unease.

He knew Emperor Qianxi's temperament well.

This person is not easy to talk to.

Faced with such fierce opposition, Emperor Qianxi's methods would likely only become more ruthless and decisive.

Those young people who participated in the physical altercation are probably in big trouble!

It might even lead to someone dying...

Unfortunately, they didn't kill Zhen Yan, but instead mistakenly killed the innocent Tian Wenjing.

Although this Lord Tian was not usually a very sociable person, it was really a bit of a misfortune that he was accidentally killed.

Chen Tingjing wondered if he should try to protect these young people.

Even if Emperor Qianxi wanted to punish them severely, he should at least spare their lives, right?
Just like the mess caused by Yang Dacai back then, the mastermind was exiled, while the others were spared.

But where should we begin?
Emperor Qianxi was not the same as Emperor Jiajing of that time. In terms of both prestige and methods, he far surpassed that "Daoist Emperor".

Moreover, he personally led troops into battle on many occasions, making decisive and ruthless decisions.

Just as Chen Tingjing was in turmoil, someone came to report: "My lord, His Majesty has issued a decree from the Southern Study, saying that His Majesty dreamt of the late Emperor last night and wishes to pray for the late Emperor's well-being for forty-nine days. During this period, the Crown Prince will oversee the country."

Upon hearing that Emperor Qianxi was going into seclusion to pray for blessings, Chen Tingjing was delighted—he felt that the emperor's choice to go into seclusion at this critical juncture was actually a way of deliberately downplaying the matter.

But upon hearing "the Crown Prince overseeing the country," his heart skipped a beat, and his spirits sank.

Who forced Zhen Yan to submit the memorial on tax reform? Wasn't it the Crown Prince who forced him?
It is almost certain that the Crown Prince was the mastermind behind Zhen Yan.

Now that Emperor Qianxi has gone into hiding and left the matter to the Crown Prince, will the Crown Prince take the opportunity to brandish his sword and kill indiscriminately?

If that's the case, then it'll be a real problem!

He pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Someone, prepare a sedan chair for me. I am going to see Grand Secretary Zhang Ying."

When Chen Tingjing met Zhang Ying, Zhang Ying already knew about the Crown Prince's regency.

Not only that, he was also fully aware of the Crown Prince's plans to hold court at the Qianqing Gate and resume the morning court sessions.

After Chen Tingjing sat down, he didn't stand on ceremony and went straight to the point: "This was done too rashly!"

Zhang Ying took a sip of tea and said calmly, "It was a bit reckless, but now that things have come to this, there's no other choice."

"If we can't even oppose this, how will the world view us?"

The "people of the world" he referred to certainly did not mean everyone, but rather the group of officials and gentry whom they identified with. As for others, they were not even among the "people of the world" he was considering.

Seeing Zhang Ying's nonchalant demeanor, Chen Tingjing was annoyed and replied irritably, "But the price is too high!"

"These young people will probably never be able to turn their lives around!"

"Especially those who lead the charge, they might even lose their lives and fortunes."

Zhang Ying glanced at him and casually asked, "Some things, how can you do them without paying a price?"

"If this incident can make His Majesty realize that there are some things he can't just do as he pleases, then the price they paid will have been worthwhile."

After saying that, he turned to Chen Tingjing and said, "Lord Chen, I think the Censorate should take a stance on this matter."

"It's not a big deal!"

"It was just a debate between a few young people and Zhen Yan in the street. In the heat of the moment, they got into a heated argument and started pushing each other."

"During the scuffle, Tian Wenjing suddenly died due to her own physical condition."

"This was purely accidental."

Hearing Zhang Ying describe the "killing of Tian Wenjing" as an "accident," Chen Tingjing felt a bit of admiration, but couldn't help but ask, "You say it was an accident, but will His Majesty believe it?"

Zhang Ying said firmly, "As long as there are sufficient benefits, His Majesty will believe it."

“Didn’t Zhen Yan impeach the Duke of Yansheng? We can make the Duke of Yansheng’s mansion bleed a little and pay a price, such as confiscating the land that the Duke of Yansheng’s mansion has occupied too much.”

"This can be seen as giving His Majesty a way out, and tax revenue in various regions can also be increased appropriately."

Chen Tingjing pondered Zhang Ying's words silently for a while before speaking, "Since you're prepared to back down, why make someone do this kind of thing?"

"Isn't this...forcing Emperor Qianxi to kill someone?"

Zhang Ying smiled faintly: "Some things, if you don't make people feel resistance, they won't know where the bottom line is, and they won't understand that there should be a 'limit' in doing things."

Chen Tingjing thought for a moment, then asked, "His Majesty has appointed the Crown Prince to oversee the state. What do you think the Crown Prince will do?"

"I've already sent someone over to the Crown Prince's side. I hope he can persuade him."

Zhang Ying said calmly, "Compared to His Majesty, the Crown Prince needs more support."

While Zhang Ying and Chen Tingjing were talking, Wang Yan had already arrived at Yuqing Palace.

When Wang Yan arrived, Shen Ye had just returned from the hot spring palace and was sitting in front of the charcoal brazier in the study to warm himself.

Although Yuqing Palace had heated floors, the temperature was still a bit low. So, having just returned to the palace, Shen Ye already missed the warmth of the hot spring palace.

He couldn't help but wonder: Was Emperor Qianxi really praying for blessings, or was he just slacking off?

"Your Highness, Lord Wang Yan requests an audience," Zhou Baojin announced.

No wonder people say that it's easy to go from simplicity to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury to simplicity.

He had gotten used to staying at the hot spring palace recently, and now that he was back at Yuqing Palace, he was shivering from the cold, clearly not used to the temperature here.

Wang Yan has arrived.

Shen Ye's attitude towards this Crown Prince's teacher has always been neither too close nor too distant, maintaining a respectful distance.

What brings Wang Yan to him at this time?
Is this to plead for those who beat people up?
Shen Ye pondered for a moment, then instructed Zhou Bao, "Please invite Master Wang in."

A short while later, Wang Yan entered and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your subject Wang Yan greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Shen Ye reached out to support him: "Master Wang, there's no need for such formalities. I've said before that we don't need to be so polite between us."

"Please have a seat!"

Wang Yan, however, said with a serious expression: "Your Highness, etiquette must not be disregarded."

After exchanging a few pleasantries about his health, Shen Ye asked with a smile, "Master Wang, why did you come in such a hurry? Is there something important?"

Wang Yan said solemnly, "Your Highness, I heard that His Majesty has appointed you to oversee the country, and I was anxious, so I rushed over."

"This country is not easy to govern!"

“If anything goes wrong, not only will the entire court be watching, but His Majesty will also be watching.”

Shen Ye looked at Wang Yan, who had a concerned expression, and said thoughtfully, "Thank you for reminding me, Master Wang. I know that it is not easy to oversee the country."

"However, since His Majesty has made the arrangements, I have no choice but to do it."

He paused, then asked, "Master Wang, is there anything you would like to teach me about how to oversee the country?"

"Your Highness, I am not sure how to do it specifically."

"However, in my humble opinion, His Majesty naturally hopes that during the Crown Prince's tenure, the court will be peaceful and everything will go smoothly."

"Only in this way will His Majesty feel that you can grasp the overall situation and are capable of undertaking great responsibilities."

Shen Ye's lips curled slightly. Although Wang Yan's words sounded high-sounding and commonplace, Shen Ye sensed the underlying bias.

"May the court be peaceful and tranquil" means that he should not cause any trouble.

To avoid trouble, he had to make concessions on certain matters, satisfy the demands of some people, and let them achieve their goals.

He smiled and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master Wang. Yunye knows what to do now."

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent. In fact, there are many things that this old minister doesn't need to say. You understand everything perfectly well."

"But I'm still worried, so I couldn't help but come over and say a few words."

"Whether it's the imperial court or other places, a balance is achieved through mutual compromise."

"This is what people often call 'returning a favor'."

Shen Ye understood Wang Yan's unspoken meaning—as long as he didn't pursue the matter too much, the other party would give him a corresponding reward.

But he had no intention of accepting this sweet treat after being slapped.

He didn't pursue the topic further, and after chatting with Wang Yan for a few more minutes, he had someone escort him out.

After Wang Yan left, Shen Ye fell into deep thought.

He knew Wang Yan well; there weren't many people who could command him.

The fact that Wang Yan rushed over as soon as I returned to the palace shows that the person behind me is definitely not simple.

Who could this person be?

"Your Highness, Longkodo, the Grand Commander of the Infantry Commandery, requests an audience," Zhou Bao announced in a low voice.

He didn't want to disturb Shen Ye's thoughts, but Longkodo's identity was special—he was not only the commander of the Infantry Commandery, who was highly regarded by Emperor Qianxi, but also Emperor Qianxi's cousin and brother-in-law, and was deeply trusted by the emperor.

If we make him wait too long, people will inevitably say that the Crown Prince is arrogant and neglects his senior ministers.

If word gets out, it won't be good for the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing that Longkodo had arrived, Shen Ye smiled and said, "He's just in time. I was looking for him anyway. Please invite him in."

A short while later, Longkodo entered and bowed respectfully: "This servant Longkodo greets Your Highness."

Shen Ye wasn't particularly close to this person who was called "uncle" by the fourth brother in another time and space.

Besides the fact that the Tong family would never support him, Shen Ye, he also knew in his heart that if he got too close to Longkodo, Emperor Qianxi would probably have no sleep.

"No need for formalities," Shen Ye said businesslike.

"This servant has come to ask Your Highness for instructions: those who beat Tian Wenjing to death have been found. What should be done next? Please decide, Your Highness."

　The second update for today is here! Please support me and vote!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)