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

Chapter 452 My Father and the Crown Prince Tried to Scam Me Together

The brief morning court session had just ended, and the officials filed out.

However, at this moment, some people are happy while others are sad!
Who was that beaming with pride? It must be Li Guangdi! He was walking out with a cheerful stride, the hem of his official robe swaying back and forth as if he were carrying a happy little sparrow.

As he walked, he sighed with pride, finally squeezing into the ranks of Grand Secretaries and taking the third seat. He was incredibly pleased with himself...

Who were those looking so gloomy and dejected? They were none other than Zhang Yushu's close associates, huddled together sighing and lamenting.

The Minister of Rites, a man of great stature, was sent on a "direct route to retirement" simply because of a single sentence from the Crown Prince, without even a chance to defend himself.

Chen Tingjing was the most indignant. He quickened his pace, caught up with Zhang Ying, and tugged at Zhang Ying's sleeve, saying, "Grand Secretary Zhang, please say a few words of justice for Brother Yushu!"

"The Duke Yansheng is dead, what does that have to do with the Ministry of Rites?"

"Does the Ministry of Rites really send people to guard the Kong family's gate to prevent them from committing suicide?"

Zhang Ying glanced at him, her tone nonchalant: "Lord Chen, please be careful with your words. Thunder and rain are both acts of imperial favor. Such important matters of the court can be decided solely by His Majesty's divine will; how dare we discuss them so casually!"

Zhang Ying's words were like a bucket of ice water, making Chen Tingjing shudder, and he immediately realized what she meant:

He originally thought that the Crown Prince was just using this as an excuse, but in the end, it was not the Crown Prince who made the request for Zhang Yushu to retire to his hometown, but rather that Emperor Qianxi had already made up his mind long ago.

He sighed deeply, wanting to say something, but after glancing around, he swallowed his words.

Just as the courtiers were leaving, the Eighth Prince was quietly slipping out.

At this moment, his heart was pounding with anxiety, fearing that the Crown Prince would really drag him along to see his father.

After all, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that the Crown Prince's words didn't seem like a joke.

Asking me to petition for "unified taxation by officials and gentry"? Wouldn't that be blatantly making me offend all the gentry in the land?!
"Eighth brother, where are you going?" The Crown Prince's voice suddenly came from behind, and the Eighth Prince felt a chill run down his spine.

Just as he feared, the Eighth Prince turned around and saw the Crown Prince's smiling face. His heart skipped a beat.

He turned around stiffly, gave a dry laugh, and said, "Your Highness, Second Brother, Father has ordered the three judicial departments to investigate the suicide of the Duke Yansheng. I am rushing back to the Ministry of Justice to discuss it."

"After all, this case is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly!"

Shen Ye slapped him on the shoulder: "Eighth brother is so diligent and conscientious, he is a model for all officials. No wonder Father Emperor values ​​you so much!"

"However, this case will be put on hold for now."

"Eighth brother, come with me to see Father Emperor first, and tell him what you are willing to do to share Father Emperor's burdens."

After saying that, without giving the Eighth Prince a chance to refuse, she grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the Emperor's study.

The Eighth Prince secretly tried to break free from Shen Ye's grasp, but found that the Crown Prince's hand was like an iron clamp, and he couldn't move at all!

When Shen Ye looked at him, he could only laugh awkwardly and say, "Second brother, you're too strong... my hand is almost dislocated!"

"Haha, I was just worried you might not be able to walk steadily!" Shen Ye said with a forced smile.

As soon as the two arrived at the study door, they saw Liang Jiugong standing guard at the door.

Seeing the two brothers approach, he quickly bowed and said, "Greetings to the Crown Prince and Eighth Prince."

"No need for formalities. Is Father Emperor available now?" Shen Ye asked in a deep voice.

"His Majesty is having tea. This servant will go and inform him immediately."

A short while later, Liang Jiugong led the two into the study.

At this moment, Emperor Qianxi was leisurely drinking tea and reading a book with his legs crossed. He raised his eyelids and saw his two sons shuffling in together. He slowly sipped his tea and asked, "You two came together. Is there something you need?"

Shen Ye stepped forward and immediately replied, "Father, didn't you say before that the taxation of officials and gentry as a whole required someone to petition again? What a coincidence! Today, my eighth brother said that this matter is beneficial to the country and the people, and he is willing to be the pioneer and share the burden of the court!"

"Your subject believes that your eighth brother is of good character and has high prestige, and is deeply trusted by many ministers."

"With my eighth brother submitting this memorial, the progress of this matter will certainly be much smoother!"

Emperor Qianxi turned his head, raising an eyebrow at the Eighth Prince. His questioning gaze clearly asked: Are you sure?
The Emperor saw right through the Eighth Prince's little scheme.

The Eighth Prince has formed cliques and won over ministers, harboring ambitions to seize the throne. How could he possibly do anything that would offend the ministers?

"Yun Si, are you really willing to submit a memorial on 'officials and gentry paying taxes together' as the Crown Prince said?"

Emperor Qianxi spoke in a calm tone, yet it conveyed a kind of imposing authority without anger.

The Eighth Prince broke out in a cold sweat. He glanced at his father, then at his second elder brother, the Crown Prince, and finally gritted his teeth with a look of grim determination, saying, "Your subject... Your subject is willing to share the Emperor's burdens!"

The Eighth Prince's answer was actually telling Emperor Qianxi, "Father, if you really want me to submit a memorial, then I will."

If you're not interested, I'll just leave.

Emperor Qianxi sighed inwardly. The Eighth Prince was indeed clever, but unfortunately, he became muddled when it came to crucial moments. This was what they meant by "becoming confused when it concerns oneself."

This time, the Eighth Prince really didn't realize that the Crown Prince and I had already discussed this matter!

"In that case, I grant your permission to submit your memorial."

"The matter of officials and gentry paying taxes together is of great importance and must not be taken lightly."

"I will remember your kindness."

The Eighth Prince's vision went black, and his heart sank: It's over, the Crown Prince has really screwed me over this time!
He went to visit the Crown Prince only to exchange a few polite words, but he never expected that the Crown Prince would seize on his words and drag him over to take the blame for such a huge blunder.
How many people will he offend once this memorial is submitted!

The thought that those who had originally supported him might harbor resentment towards him because of this memorial made him feel uneasy.

But now, he has no way out!

He could only bite the bullet and awkwardly reply, "Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teachings!" Since he couldn't escape it, he might as well accept it honestly!

Shen Ye looked at the Eighth Prince, whose expression instantly became calm, and sighed inwardly, "This Eighth Prince is quite something, he really is a talent."

At the very least, being able to remain calm under such circumstances is a mindset that is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Emperor Qianxi waved his hand: "You go ahead and do your work. I still have something to say to the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, the Eighth Prince felt even more resentful.

Not only were you dragged into this mess to be the scapegoat, but once things were settled, you two just kicked people out. Is this a case of crossing the river and then burning the bridge, or discarding the millstone after it's done its work?

Although he was inwardly cursing and very unhappy, he still left with a smile on his face.

After he left, Emperor Qianxi said to Shen Ye, "Crown Prince, you are brothers. You should do less of these kinds of deceitful things in the future."

"To avoid accumulating too many conflicts that are difficult to resolve."

Shen Ye said with a grin, "Father, it was Eighth Brother who took the initiative to come to me and said himself that he wanted to share the burden of the court. I thought, since Eighth Brother has spoken up, I should give him a chance."

"After all, the affairs of the imperial court are our family's affairs."

"Since he enjoys the royal treatment that you, Father Emperor, have given him, it is only right that he contributes some effort."

Emperor Qianxi was too lazy to dwell on this matter. In his view, it didn't matter which of his two sons had tricked the other.

The most important thing right now is food and supplies.

"Have you prepared the rations and pay? When will they be issued?"

Shen Ye looked at the solemn-looking Emperor Qianxi and said with a smile, "Father, I have long been prepared and can issue it at any time."

"That's good!" Emperor Qianxi slammed his hand on the table: "As long as the military pay is issued, let's see if Ayunbutan still dares to be arrogant!"

"This time, I'm going to make Ayunbutan realize just how foolish he's been!"

Just as the father and son were having a pleasant conversation, Liang Jiugong hurriedly entered and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Fuerxing requests an audience."

One of the two routes of attack was led by Furxing.

Therefore, Emperor Qianxi attached great importance to Fu Erxing's request for an audience.

He immediately said in a deep voice, "Summon them!"

Seeing that something was amiss, Shen Ye quickly made his escape: "Father, I must take my leave now."

Emperor Qianxi originally wanted Shen Ye to stay, but after thinking for a moment, he waved his hand at Shen Ye, signaling him to leave.

Fu Erxing entered in a hurry and immediately bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, we have just received an urgent report—Ankang City has fallen!"

Emperor Qianxi's expression changed.

He was well aware of Ankang City's importance in the snowy region, and it was a fortified city that the imperial court had been cultivating for many years.

Now, this city has been lost!

"How did it get lost?"

"The detailed memorial has not yet arrived. I have heard that someone colluded with us from the inside to open the gates of Ankang City."

"I fear this news cannot be kept secret, and once it spreads, it may affect the morale of the troops."

Emperor Qianxi nodded. Having fought many battles, he was well aware of the importance of morale.

He immediately said, "The news from Dingkang City should be blocked."

"As for the expeditionary force, preparations must be made, and they should depart no later than the day after tomorrow."

Shen Ye overheard their conversation outside the door and thought to himself: This battle in the snowy region is probably going to be tough.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yushu had already returned home.

He sat silently for a while, then said to his personal steward, "Go and invite Lord Chen Tingjing over. Tell him I have something to say to him."

Chen Tingjing arrived very quickly!
Although Zhang Yushu lost his official position, the friendship between the two remained.

Moreover, Zhang Yushu has many disciples and former subordinates, and his influence is still there, so we should still give him the face he deserves.

As soon as he entered, he comforted him, saying, "Brother Zhang, your retirement this time is just a temporary rest. Once the storm has passed, we will definitely put in a good word for you before His Majesty."

"I believe that one day, Brother Zhang will not only be able to return to the imperial court, but may even go further."

Zhang Yushu waved his hand to interrupt: "Brother Chen, I know my own situation best."

"His Majesty has already ordered me to retire, so it's impossible for me to come back."

"I've invited you here today because I have something important to discuss."

Zhang Yushu lowered his voice and said, "The Crown Prince is intelligent, but he is taking too big a step. If he is not careful, the country may be shaken!"

Chen Tingjing was startled; he instantly understood what Zhang Yushu meant.

He then exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Zhang, are you crazy! You'd better calm down!"

"Brother Zhang Ying said that we would not get involved in the struggle for the princes' positions, we would only banter and not risk our lives!"

"you you……"

Zhang Yushu chuckled slowly and said, "Brother Chen, things have come to this point, and it's very difficult for us to escape unscathed!"

(End of this chapter)