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

Chapter 394 Small Tricks, Order Matters

On a winter morning, the wind blows like a knife, whistling and seeping into your bones!

Even though the Qianqing Palace blocks the way outside the Qianqing Gate, it's still so cold that people shiver.

Even so, those who could participate in the imperial audience were eager to do so, each more enthusiastic than the last.

I wish I could squat there and wait before dawn.

After all, this imperial audience is not an occasion that just anyone can attend!

Those who can stand here must be important officials with a prominent position in the imperial court!
Only those who could participate in the imperial court's proclamation were qualified to be called "big bosses".

But today is different; an "outlier" has infiltrated this group of big shots—

A wealthy young man dressed in a blue official robe:

Zhen Yan, the Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices!

Zhang Ying's face twitched involuntarily when she saw Zhen Yan.

Before attending court, he had heard that the Crown Prince wanted Zhen Yan to submit a memorial.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince actually dragged the person directly into the court!

Looking at Zhen Yan, Zhang Ying had an urge to give this idiot a good beating.

Hey, are you a human or a dog? Why do you bite wherever the prince points?

But no, this guy still has his own weaknesses to hide.

His current relationship with Zhen Yan is like a stick trying to catch a wolf – afraid of both sides!
Zhang Ying kept quiet, but someone else couldn't hold back any longer.

"Zhen Yan! What are you doing here? Is this a place for you? Huh?"

He Changjing, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, pointed at Zhen Yan, his voice full of reprimand.

Although the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was only a third-rank official, he was still one of the Nine Ministers, and was on the same level as Zhen Yan's superior, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Normally, he wouldn't even give Zhen Yan, who plays such a "minor role," a second glance.

When Zhen Yan saw him, she had to bow respectfully.

To everyone's surprise, Zhen Yan remained calm and respectful, bowed respectfully, and then said with a smile:

"Greetings, Lord He. I was summoned by His Highness the Crown Prince. If you feel I am unworthy, why don't you speak to the Crown Prince and have me dismissed?"

These words sound polite, but they are actually barbed.

To put it bluntly, if you're so capable, then chase me away; if you're not, then shut up here and spout nonsense!

You don't even know your own limitations, yet you're here pretending to be all high and mighty! Pah!
He Changjing was so angry he almost exploded on the spot, but after thinking about it carefully, he realized there was nothing he could do about it.

After all, Zhen Yan is no longer under his control, and he is now famous all over the world.

Although his current position is higher than Zhen Yan's, he can no longer easily manipulate this minor official!

"The villain succeeds!"

In the end, He Changjing could only manage to utter this one sentence before retreating in a huff.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yan chuckled and clasped his hands in a fist salute to those around him, saying:
"My lords, Lord He said I was a petty person who had gained power. I have reflected on this carefully. Where exactly did I act like a petty person?"

"Is it because I impeach current affairs and dare to speak the truth?"

"Or is it because, in the eyes of a petty person, everyone else is a petty person?"

He Changjing's blood pressure spiked instantly, his eyes widened like saucers, and he cursed inwardly:
I really want to slap you across the face!

But he couldn't do that, because if he acted impulsively, he would be accused of fighting at the Qianqing Gate.

This isn't as simple as just a pay cut; it could cost you your head.

Moreover, with his old arms and legs, he might not be able to beat Zhen Yan in a fight.

He just mocked Zhen Yan, and Zhen Yan didn't back down an inch. If he were to make a move, Zhen Yan might not necessarily give in either.

After thinking about it, I decided to just let it go and not provoke this guy.

For a time, the area outside the vast Qianqing Gate became increasingly deserted.

Just then, someone shouted, "The Crown Prince has arrived!"

Under the gaze of the crowd, Shen Ye slowly walked to the front of the assembled officials. After the officials paid their respects to Emperor Qianxi with the chair, he stood under the Qianqing Gate.

Shen Ye glanced at everyone and calmly said, "A while ago, Zhen Yan submitted a memorial saying that officials and gentry throughout the land are utterly loyal to the court."

"Faced with the current financial difficulties of the imperial court, officials and gentry are restless and eager to contribute generously to alleviate the court's burdens. This awareness is truly moving!"

“I was deeply moved by Zhen Yan’s words. Even my father, who was fasting, was overjoyed when he heard about it.”

When Shen Ye said this, both Zhang Ying and Chen Tingjing's lips twitched instinctively.

They really wanted to say, "Your Highness, don't you feel any guilt making up these lies?"

Is what you're saying even human language?!
Making officials and gentry pay taxes like ordinary people is clearly a forced arrangement by you, coercing people into compliance.

The contents of that memorial were probably under your personal guidance, weren't they?
How did it come to be that Zhen Yan took the initiative to submit a petition, and that officials and gentry took the initiative to show their love and serve the court?

Unfortunately, even though they knew the Crown Prince was talking nonsense and spouting empty rhetoric, they couldn't question him.

After all, the slogans of the officials and gentry were loud and clear, and they kept saying "I swear to share weal and woe with the court" every day!

"That's great! The Crown Prince has made your dreams come true!" Tong Guowei subconsciously stroked his beard, a wave of emotion washing over him.
Emperor Qianxi was at most ruthless and cunning, but at least he cared about saving face.

The Crown Prince, on the other hand, has a skin as thick as a copper wall and an iron wall; he has absolutely no shame!
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Zhen Yan and noticed that Zhen Yan also looked confused.

Clearly, he did not say this in his memorial.

But, under the watchful eyes of everyone, would he dare to correct the Crown Prince?
While the ministers were inwardly complaining, Shen Ye had already satisfied himself by covering up all the big accusations he could!
Then, in a serious tone, he shifted the blame, saying, "Lord Zhen, please explain the contents of your memorial to the other officials."

"Enough with the nonsense, get to the point!"

Zhen Yan has been thinking a lot lately. He knows he's already on a sinking ship with no way back.

He can only serve as the "divine sword of the imperial court"!
He decided to go all out, cleared his throat, and began his passionate speech:
"Your Highness, Your Excellencies, the imperial court's tax revenue is dwindling, yet the places where money is spent are increasing..."

"...Why? Because officials and gentry are acquiring more and more fertile land and wealth, while the common people are becoming increasingly impoverished!"

"...When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact? Officials and gentry are one with the imperial court..."

"...With the collapse of the imperial court, how can you still be content to be landlords? Keep dreaming!"

"...Therefore, for the long-term stability of the court and for officials and gentry to have a good life, I humbly request the court to follow the will of Heaven and the people, and allow officials, gentry and commoners to pay taxes together!"

Zhen Yan had practiced these words eight hundred times in private, so when he delivered them now, they were truly moving and full of emotion.

"Your Highness, Zhen Yan is spouting nonsense, spreading heresy and misleading the public. This is pure fabrication. I implore Your Highness to issue an edict to execute this scourge upon the country and its people!"

Before Shen Ye could even speak, He Changjing jumped out again!

His words immediately drew everyone's attention to him.

Upon seeing He Changjing appear, Zhang Ying smiled.

The Crown Prince wanted to defeat his enemies one by one, but He Changjing's sudden appearance has disrupted his plans.

if only……

Just as Zhang Ying looked towards He Changjing, he saw the Crown Prince, without even lifting his eyelids, reprimand him:
“He Changjing, this is the Qianqing Palace, not a place for you to shout and kill.”

"Chen Tingjing, you are the Left Censor-in-Chief. He Changjing has disrupted the court assembly and made a great disturbance. Tell me, what crime should he be punished for?"

Shen Ye wasn't surprised to see He Changjing jumping around like this.

After all, many things in life are not smooth sailing.

However, Shen Ye can freely switch between his two personas: one of being courteous and the other of following the rules.

Chen Tingjing was extremely unwilling. Although he was unhappy that the Crown Prince was making him play the bad guy again, he could only bite the bullet and answer:

"Your Highness, Lord He disrupted the court assembly; according to the law, he should be fined."

"However, I believe that Lord He was just acting on impulse."

"In the end, his starting point was still for the court and for His Majesty."

"So, it's better to just give them a warning."

Listening to Chen Tingjing's speech, Shen Ye sighed inwardly. This old fox could switch between being stern and impartial and being lenient with others so smoothly.

He immediately agreed, saying, "Alright, then we'll do as Lord Chen says."

“He Changjing spoke recklessly and disrespectfully in court. He is hereby punished to be the last to speak today.”

He Changjing was dumbfounded!
I jumped out to disrupt the rhythm, and you want me to be the last to speak?
I was clearly trying to steal the spotlight, but you made me the grand finale!

The Crown Prince is incredibly cunning! Aren't you just cheating?
If he continues to pester the Crown Prince at this critical juncture, he will be seen as ungrateful and persistent.

They're probably just eagerly offering themselves up to be the Crown Prince's executioner!

He probably wouldn't have finished speaking before he was dragged out.

Shen Ye ignored him and turned to Tong Guowei, asking, "Grand Secretary Tong, you are the Grand Secretary and a high-ranking official of the court. What is your opinion on the matter reported by Zhen Yan?"

Tong Guowei was quite pleased that He Changjing had suddenly appeared.

Although he agreed to the Crown Prince's request, it did not mean that he was willing to stand up and support him openly.

He prefers to avoid things that might offend people, and he's happy to take a break.

However, the Crown Prince used a trick to block He Changjing and directly called him out by name, so he had no choice but to step forward and say, "Your Highness, I agree with Lord Zhen's proposal."

"The government's tax revenue is of great importance. If there are problems with the tax revenue, the government's operation will be disrupted."

"I think Lord Zhen is right. The hearts of the gentry in the land are still with the court."

Tong Guowei launched into a long, rambling speech, which could be summarized in one sentence: He supports the proposal.

Shen Ye nodded, then turned his gaze to Zhang Ying: "Grand Scholar Zhang, what do you think of Zhen Yan's suggestion?"

Zhang Ying sighed inwardly. A good opportunity had been missed just like that. Although he was unwilling, he could only bite the bullet and say, "Your Highness, I generally agree with Lord Zhen's plan."

"However, I believe we should proceed step by step, rather than trying to achieve everything at once..."

After Zhang Ying finished speaking, Shen Ye turned to Ma Qi and asked, "Ma Qi, you are the Minister of Revenue, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Ma Qi stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, I agree with Lord Zhen's proposal!"

……

As the Crown Prince called out names one by one, the seven or eight people who had offered their opinions unanimously agreed, creating a harmonious scene.

(End of this chapter)