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

Chapter 375 The Crown Prince is Unfair, Let's Go to His Majesty

The moment Cheng Youdao's gaze swept over him, his heart skipped a beat, and his blood ran cold.

He is in terrible pain right now; his internal organs feel like they are being torn apart.

To say he doesn't admire Shang Rongjun would be a lie—this man is unyielding and a true hero.

However, the thought of Shang Rongjun's fate sent a chill down his spine.

He studied diligently for twenty years and finally earned the title of Second-Class Jinshi.

He earned his position today through hard work and perseverance.

Just like that, it's gone? He was unwilling, truly unwilling.

However, he felt humiliated if he gave up what he believed in just because the crown prince threatened him.

He despised Zuo Yindu's cowardly behavior just now, but now, Zuo Yindu has become his "role model".

With this person standing in front of me, I shouldn't be too much blamed, right?

The moment the thought popped into his head, he felt his face burning.

Cheng Youdao's mind was in complete turmoil when Shen Ye spoke up: "Lord Cheng, what about you?"

Those five words pierced his heart like needles, causing him great pain.

But now, there was no time for him to hesitate any longer.

He has to make a choice.

"Your Highness, this humble subject... is the same as Lord Zuo."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Youdao's heart sank, but strangely enough, he also felt a sense of relief—

Finally, I don't have to worry about it anymore!

Zuo Yindu cursed inwardly: If you're going to lower your head, just lower your head, why drag me into this?

It's like I've corrupted you!

But he could only keep these words to himself, not daring to utter a single word.

He stole a glance at Cheng Youdao and saw that his face was ashen and his eyes were darting around. He was even more furious.

On the other side, Shang Rongjun was pale-faced, kneeling there swaying unsteadily, barely able to hold on.

He originally thought he could go all the way in a spectacular fashion, and he wasn't afraid even if it meant sacrificing his life.

Who would have thought that in the end he would be all alone.

The other two companions bowed their heads without hesitation.

What's even more infuriating is that they not only kept their official positions, but also their academic achievements.

And what about himself? He had nothing left, just an ordinary citizen.

What kind of nonsense is this?! Thick-skinned and greedy!

"You...you have betrayed us!" Shang Rongjun roared at the two men, his voice hoarse.

Zuo Yindu and Cheng Youdao remained silent, one turning his head to look at the sky, the other looking down at the ground.

Shen Ye didn't stop them, letting them fight amongst themselves—he was happy to watch this show.

"Shang Rongjun, shut up!" Zhang Ying stepped out and shouted in a deep voice.

Shang Rongjun still held a certain degree of awe for this scholar and fellow townsman.

Moreover, at this juncture, scolding him harshly is probably an attempt to protect herself.

Realizing this, Shang Rongjun immediately gritted his teeth and stopped talking.

After Zhang Ying finished reprimanding him, she turned and bowed to Shen Ye:
“Your Highness, Shang Rongjun has already realized his mistake. I think... he should be given another chance.”

"After this incident, he will definitely be able to understand right and wrong better."

Shen Ye glanced at Shang Rongjun and said indifferently:

"Scholar Zhang, do you think I'm the kind of person who doesn't keep his word?"

This may sound like a dismissive remark, but it's actually the toughest response.

Zhang Ying was speechless for a moment.

The emperor's word is law, and so is the Crown Prince who oversees the country, even though he is merely acting as emperor.

If you don't seize the opportunity I've given you, then I will never give you a second chance.

This is Shen Ye's attitude.

Zhang Ying's expression wasn't good, but she still cupped her hands and said:
"This old minister only feels that Shang Rongjun is still young and impetuous, and should be given another chance. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Shen Ye waved his hand: "Lord Zhang meant well, how could I blame you?"

Then he turned to Zhou Bao and said:

"Copy out the records of my conversation with Zuo Yindu and the others, and post them outside the Meridian Gate so that everyone can see them."

"Zuo Yindu, go and tell those officials who came to the palace that the court has already responded to the issues they raised."

"Anyone who continues to cause trouble and tries to use coercion to make the court break the law and undermine the court's prestige will be punished the same as Shang Rongjun and will suffer the same fate."

Shen Ye's gaze swept towards Shang Rongjun:
"This Mr. Shang, you should go back to your hometown."

Shang Rongjun, like a gambler who had lost, suddenly became agitated:
"Your Highness! Even if you dismiss me from my post, you won't be able to silence the gossip of the people!"

"What the world says is not up to you!"

Shen Ye was not angry, but coldly replied, "Justice is not something you can decide."

"If you don't even respect the law, what else do you have to revere?"

"Guards, take him out!" Erlengtai had long disliked this young official, and upon hearing the Crown Prince's order, he immediately gave a wink to the two guards behind him.

Without saying a word, the three men grabbed Shang Rongjun and dragged him outside.

Shang Rongjun was lifted off the ground by his feet, but he was still shouting at the top of his lungs:
"Crown Prince! How can you possibly inherit the throne if you insist on going your own way!"

"Let's see how long you can be so smug!"

"You're going to offend all the officials and gentry in the world. Do you know how many people that is..."

Before she could finish speaking, her mouth was gagged, leaving only a series of indistinct sobs.

Li Guangdi and Zhang Ying, who were standing to the side, took in the whole scene and shook their heads in unison.

This young man is so immature.

It may feel good to scold the Crown Prince, but saying such impulsive things at this time is just giving the Crown Prince a handle to use against him.
The two glanced at Shen Ye discreetly, only to find him completely calm, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

Just when they thought the matter was over, Shen Ye suddenly spoke up:

“Scholar Zhang, Master Li, you are both learned seniors.”

"Tell me, what kind of logic is it to disregard the law and then stand up for yourself?"

Zhang Ying and Li Guangdi exchanged a quick glance, and finally Zhang Ying mustered her courage and spoke first:

“Your Highness, the laws of the court cannot be disobeyed. Shang Rongjun was just in a fit of anger and spoke without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart.”

“He has already been punished, and I believe he will remember this lesson.”

Shen Ye smiled slightly upon hearing this and turned her gaze to Li Guangdi.

Now that I've asked, you need to give me a clear answer.

Even if you have other ideas right now, I still need to hear them from your own mouths.

Seeing the Crown Prince looking at him, Li Guangdi immediately understood and solemnly said:
"People like Shang Rongjun have had such a smooth career that they've lost their sense of awe."

"He has only a superficial understanding of the affairs of the court. If he continues to serve as an official, he will probably not achieve anything. He is just a mediocre person."

"It's no pity that the Crown Prince dealt with him."

As they spoke, Zuo Yindu and the other man followed Zhou Bao toward the Meridian Gate.

Outside the door, the students were hunched over the cold little tables, writing furiously. Their hands and feet were stiff from the cold, but they still had to grit their teeth and keep writing.

Although they came to pay their respects to the Crown Prince, they were, after all, students. If the Crown Prince suddenly said he wanted to test their knowledge, who would dare to say no?

The officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Censorate nearby, who didn't have to take the exam, were also busy, whispering among themselves and speculating about the consequences of Shang Rongjun and his group meeting with the Crown Prince.

"The Crown Prince will probably grant Brother Shang's request!"

"Brother Shang and the others are right, so why should the Crown Prince disagree?"

"Stop talking, stop talking! Brother Shang and the others are back!"

……

In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on Shang Rongjun!
He looked completely lost and disoriented, and what was even more shocking was that his official hat had vanished!
Everyone remembered clearly that when they came to pay their respects, they all wore their official hats neatly. How come their hats disappeared inexplicably after they met the Crown Prince?

While everyone was wondering, someone quickly approached Shang Rongjun and whispered, "Brother Shang, what exactly happened?"

Shang Rongjun raised his head blankly, looked around, and murmured, "Loyalty is not always rewarded, nor is virtue always employed!"

"From now on, this bright and clear world... can only be entrusted to you all."

After speaking, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the crowd, his voice hoarse:
"Just now, the Crown Prince stripped me of my academic titles. From now on, I can only retire to the mountains and forests!"

Zuo Yindu kept staring at Shang Rongjun with unease.

After all, as a "traitor," he was afraid that Shang Rongjun was talking nonsense.

Hearing Shang Rongjun say that, he felt a little more at ease.

But he was also a little disappointed. Shang Rongjun had seemed absent-minded just now, but now he seemed to have come to his senses.

If only he could stay in a daze and be in a daze forever!
"Brother Yindu, what exactly happened? Did the Crown Prince accept our suggestion?" Seeing that Shang Rongjun was unwilling to say more, someone turned to ask Zuo Yindu.

Zuo Yin sighed and said, "Gentlemen, the Crown Prince has already ordered his men to copy our dialogue with him today and post it on the wall over there."

"Go see for yourselves!"

Only then did everyone notice that Zhou Bao and the others were sticking stickers on the wall.

Immediately, a large number of people rushed forward and surrounded it.

Only those poor students were still burying their heads in answering questions.

The Crown Prince personally set the exam questions, as they concerned one's future prospects, so no one dared to perform too poorly.

As the papers were pasted on the wall, the content of Shen Ye and Shang Rongjun's dialogue became clearly visible to everyone.

As they watched, many officials' expressions changed.

They initially felt they were in the right, but the Crown Prince's every word was firmly grounded in the laws of the court, leaving them speechless and even making them feel insecure.

I arrived full of enthusiasm, but now I feel a chill in my heart.

What chilled them the most was the last part—

Shang Rongjun vehemently insisted on his opinion, resulting in the Crown Prince imposing severe punishment: dismissing him from his post, stripping him of his academic titles, and stripping him of his official documents... almost completely destroying Shang Rongjun's reputation.

Looking at the students of the Imperial Academy who were engrossed in writing their exam papers in the cold wind, many people felt a chill in their hearts: ten years of hard study is not easy, who would be willing to sacrifice their entire future for one thing?
This is a matter for everyone, why should I be the only one to charge into battle?

In the midst of the deathly silence, someone suddenly raised their arm and shouted: "Since we can't get justice from the Crown Prince, then let's go to the Emperor!"

"We're going to the Hot Spring Palace to ask Your Majesty to uphold justice!"

In the biting cold wind, this shout sounded particularly loud and jarring!
　The second update for today is here! Please support, recommend, and vote!
　　

(End of this chapter)