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

Chapter 370 The First Ironclad Rule of the Crown Prince Regent
Shen Ye didn't rush to respond to Longkodo's words. He first slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then raised his eyelids, asking in a deep voice, "Tell me, what are the backgrounds of these people? What are their identities?"

Longkodo quickly stepped forward and bowed, replying, "Your Highness, most of these people are young scholars who passed the imperial examinations in the last two sessions. There are seven from the Hanlin Academy, five from the Censorate, and several from the Court of Colonial Affairs..."

Listening to Longkodo recount the origins of these people in detail, Shen Ye already understood about 70-80% of the situation.

Firstly, these scholars were young and came from diverse backgrounds, forming a complex and intertwined network of relationships, which Longkodo did not want to easily offend.

Secondly, they probably wanted to use this opportunity to test their stance and bottom line, and see how to handle the matter.

Shen Ye did not directly express his opinion, but instead calmly asked in return: "According to the law, what is the sentence for killing an official of the imperial court in broad daylight?"

This time, Longkodo answered decisively, raising his voice slightly: "Your Highness, according to the law, murder is punishable by death!"

"Since the law is written so clearly, is there any need to specifically ask for instructions on this matter?" Shen Ye's tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable air.

"Just do it according to the law."

Upon hearing this, Longkodo inwardly groaned.

He hesitated for a moment, but still forced himself to persuade him: "Your Highness, you are wise. These people are all young talents who have studied the classics. They may very well become pillars of the court in the future."

"While they were taking action, they were shouting 'Eliminating a scourge for the imperial court!'"

"...If we arrest people directly, it will cause too much of a commotion, and I'm afraid... I'm afraid some people who don't know the truth or have ulterior motives will jump out to oppose it, causing unnecessary trouble for no reason."

Shen Ye raised his head, his gaze falling on Longkodo's slightly uneasy face.

How could Shen Ye not see through his little scheme?
—Isn't he just trying to get clearer and more "flexible" instructions from me, so that he can act flexibly and know when to advance and retreat when arresting people?

Pshaw! You think you can fool me with your petty tricks, Longkodo?

Do you think I, Shen Ye, am some kind of clay in your hands, someone you can knead and manipulate at will?
Having spent so many years working at the grassroots level in my previous life, I know all too well the weight of "following the rules." Sometimes, these four words are the best talisman and shield.

Since there are laws to follow, why should I go to all this trouble by standing in the position of the Crown Prince and giving orders to your Infantry Commander's Office, thus giving others a handle to use against me and asking for trouble?
Being the Crown Prince Regent is no easy task, so those who can follow the rules will absolutely not innovate.

This is the first ironclad rule of regency!

Then, he changed the subject and asked casually, "Longkodo, how long have you been the commander of the Infantry Commandery?"

The question, though asked casually, sent a chill down Longkodo's spine and made his heart skip a beat.

He values ​​this position very much!
With it, he could practically do whatever he wanted in the capital, and even princes had to treat him with deference.

Which high-ranking official in the capital hasn't sought favors from the Infantry Commander's office? Moreover, only the emperor's confidants can secure this position.

If you lose it, in other people's eyes it's like falling out of favor.

This is something he absolutely cannot accept!

Although the Crown Prince may not be able to directly dismiss him from his post, if the Crown Prince were to take forceful action during his regency, he could certainly cause him considerable trouble.

Once someone dislikes you, no matter how much you try to please them or make amends later, that bad impression is hard to erase!

Moreover, given the Crown Prince's recent performance, his methods are so sophisticated and his mind so meticulous that he is no ordinary person. I could easily be remembered by the Crown Prince if I'm not careful!

At present, the Emperor is reciting scriptures to pray for the late Emperor, and unless something extremely important happens, no one can disturb him.

No matter how arrogant Longkodo was, he was self-aware enough that he was not favored enough to warrant the emperor's support.

It's best to be honest and dutiful when dealing with the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, I only took office this year," Longkodo said, his tone becoming increasingly respectful.

“It’s understandable that you’ve only been in office for a short time,” Shen Ye said in a deep voice. “But as the head of the Infantry Commander’s Office, you should remember these four words: Strict enforcement of the law!”

"No matter the reason, killing someone is unacceptable."

"As for the consequences of someone obstructing or hindering the Infantry Commander's office from handling a case, don't you know?"

A few words from him sent a chill down Longkodo's spine, and his little scheme completely fell apart.

Even after he left Yuqing Palace, his heart was still pounding.

After carefully considering the Crown Prince's words and actions, he couldn't help but sigh.

Originally, I wanted to get clear instructions from the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince's words were watertight, yet the meaning couldn't be clearer.

Based on his speaking skills and handling of affairs, it was enough to make him realize that this Crown Prince was definitely not someone to be trifled with.

During the Emperor's prayer period, I must be careful no matter what, lest I inadvertently become a target for the Crown Prince to establish his authority.

If someone can find any excuse to justify sacrificing themselves in a grand and righteous way, that would be troublesome.

As soon as he stepped out of the Forbidden City, his trusted lieutenant, Erqui, came to greet him.

Before the other party could speak, Longkodo coldly ordered, "Arrest them! Leave no one who laid a hand on them untouched!"

Seeing that his hands were empty, Erqui asked in a low voice, "General, you didn't get the Crown Prince's edict? Arresting someone like this... I'm afraid..."

Longkodo was already seething with anger, and when Erqui asked him this, it was as if the small flame in his heart had been completely ignited. He snorted coldly and said, "What, do you want me to get another scolding?"

"The Crown Prince said that since the law is clearly written in black and white, then we should act in accordance with the law."

"Our Infantry Commander's Office just needs to follow the law."

"Anyone who dares to obstruct this will be dealt with as obstructing official business!"

"If you can't do it, just say so and I'll send someone else. Three-legged toads are hard to find, but there are plenty of two-legged people!"

After being thoroughly scolded by Longkodo, Erqui immediately understood—his boss had suffered a setback at the Crown Prince's hands and was in a foul mood. "Don't worry, Commander, I'll take care of it right away!"

Longkodo mounted his horse and, without returning to the yamen, headed straight for Xiaotangshan.

Although the emperor claimed to be in seclusion to pray for blessings, he knew that his cousin would definitely come to see him.

……

After Longkodo left, Shen Ye summoned Zhen Yan.

Zhen Yan's face was still pale, but he bowed respectfully, looking much more submissive than before.

"Lord Zhen, what do you think of this matter?" Shen Ye asked, gesturing for him to sit down.

Zhen Yan took a deep breath: "Your Highness, those people... are here to take my life."

"If it weren't for Lady Tian Wenjing's intervention, I would have been dead long ago."

"But poor Lord Tian... he lost his life for me."

"I owe him my life."

Shen Ye took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Lord Zhen, the fact that these people are using such unscrupulous means to deal with you proves one thing: they are afraid of you."

"They dare to be so blatant because either you ruined their plans, or your reputation isn't good enough."

Have you ever seen anyone lay such a dirty trick on Hai Rui?

Since submitting his memorial impeaching the emperor, Zhen Yan has read a lot of Hai Rui's records.

Deep down, he didn't want to be a saint like Hai Rui—it was too tiring.

But now he finds himself in a predicament, even more so than Hai Rui.

“The reason why no one dares to touch Lord Hai is because once you do, you will become the enemy of the world.” Zhen Yan’s voice was heavy. “So even if they are enemies, they don’t dare to use such underhanded methods.”

Shen Ye nodded: "Lord Zhen, you see this very clearly."

"Hai Rui was able to escape unscathed because of his own prestige."

"You've already laid a solid foundation. As long as you persevere, your reputation will soon spread."

"By then, no one will dare to use such methods against you."

"Lord Zhen, if you want to accomplish what others cannot, you must first be strong yourself."

Zhen Yan silently pondered these words, then cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I will remember it."

"Take a good rest these next few days. You'll need my help soon." Shen Ye said solemnly, "I hope Lord Zhen won't disappoint me then."

After a moment's hesitation, Zhen Yan gritted his teeth and asked, "Your Highness, I have a question for you: Can Lady Tian Wenjing... get justice?"

Looking into his gloomy yet hopeful eyes, Shen Ye said calmly but firmly, "Justice will definitely be served."

"But we need to work together to prevent Tian Wenjing's tragedy from happening again."

"Now, I have already ordered the Infantry Commander's Office to arrest them."

"If you kill someone, you must pay the price."

Zhen Yan clasped his hands in a deep fist salute and said no more.

……

At the same time that Shen Ye ordered the arrest of the murderer, Erqui arrived at the gate of the Hanlin Academy with his men.

"Halt! Who goes there?" the gatekeeper shouted sternly.

Erqui responded loudly: "I am Erqui, the deputy commander of the Infantry Commander's Office, ordered to arrest the murderers Lü Baizhou and six others! Anyone who dares to obstruct me will be punished as an accomplice!"

The soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment.

A leader-like figure stepped forward and said, "Since you have official business, sir, we will certainly cooperate. However, this is the Hanlin Academy, so please allow us to inform the head of the academy first. Please wait a moment, sir!"

Erqui also knew that the people in the Hanlin Academy were not to be trifled with, and that they had a bright future ahead of them; perhaps one of them would become a minister in the Southern Study.

Having lived in this palace for so many years, I've always made sure to plant more flowers and fewer thorns. How could I not understand this way of life?
After thinking it over for a while, he suppressed his temper and said, "Alright, then please inform them quickly. We have found the murderer in the courtyard."

"Please wait a moment, sir."

This wait lasted for half an hour.

He was so anxious and restless that he paced back and forth.

Not to mention the headmaster, even the person who went in to deliver the message has disappeared.

Erqui's face grew increasingly grim—were they just leaving him hanging here?

He was furious and ordered, "Since no one is paying attention, let's go in and arrest them ourselves!"

"My lord, think twice before you act!" a subordinate advised nervously in a low voice. "This is the Hanlin Academy after all; don't accidentally cause trouble..."

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(End of this chapter)