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

Chapter 486 Crown Prince, you are punished for stepping with your left foot first.

The Crown Prince's brilliant move completely disrupted Emperor Qianxi's meticulously planned scheme, leaving it in ruins.

Emperor Qianxi was so furious he was enraged!
Can this be tolerated?

If I don't show my power soon, people might take me for a pushover and even dare to challenge my authority!

Emperor Qianxi stroked his chin and pondered for a few seconds:

If I were to punish the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince directly for this matter, it would easily give others cause for criticism and make me appear incompetent. No, no, that would be too obvious.

Although Kong Shangde was a descendant of a sage, he could at best be considered a pawn, merely a tool for maintaining balance.

Ultimately, he cannot compare to his two biological sons.

Therefore, he had to find other ways to punish his two unfilial sons.

So, he glanced at Shen Ye and pretended to be calm, saying, "Now that the trial is over, let's hand it over to the Dali Temple for further processing."

Then, he turned to Tong Guowei and instructed, "Issue the decree! The Crown Prince's attire is disheveled and lacks decorum. He is to be punished by being confined to the study to study."

"No one may leave the palace without my decree!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Ye almost burst out laughing:
That reason is really far-fetched!

What's the difference between this and being fired for stepping into the office with your left foot first?
Indeed, when someone is determined to find fault, they will always find a pretext!
If the emperor wants to find fault, even your breathing is wrong.

But Shen Ye also understood that the emperor wanted his words to be lawful, and to talk back at this critical juncture was tantamount to offering his head for punishment.

Moreover, his act of defiantly blocking the imperial edict this time also violated Emperor Qianxi's taboo, and he probably has a big plan in mind.

Therefore, this punishment, which is not a valid reason, comes in a perfectly legitimate manner!

He immediately smiled and cleverly bowed, saying:
"Father, I obey your decree! However, before I am punished, I must speak about the matter of the Duke of Yansheng's mansion."

"Duke Yansheng Kong Yujin violated the laws of the court, colluded with corrupt officials, and embezzled the court's disaster relief funds, resulting in the people around Mount Tai being starving and dying everywhere, a truly tragic sight!"

At this point, he said, emphasizing each word:
"Especially Kong Shangde, the heir apparent of the Duke of Yansheng, personally participated in it, showing no shame, no loyalty or filial piety, no regard for heavenly principles, and a complete lack of conscience."

"To shame the sage and to desecrate the wisdom of Confucius!"

"As a result, the people around Mount Tai were ashamed to be neighbors with the descendants of a sage."

"How can we set an example for the world if we act in this way?"

"Your subject believes that the Kong family of Kong Yujin's branch is no longer able to inherit the mantle of the sage, and is no longer able to serve as a role model for the world!"

"Your Majesty, I request that the Southern Confucian Master be appointed to the position of the Sage and that the Ministry of Rites be instructed to strictly educate the descendants of the Sage."

"So that such a thing as bringing shame upon the court and the emperor will not happen again!"

The fourth prince, who was standing to the side, was fully aware of what had happened.

He looked at the crown prince who had stepped forward, his mind racing.

Choosing sides with the Crown Prince now would undoubtedly alienate Emperor Qianxi, which would be tantamount to making his father hold a grudge!

Not taking sides is tantamount to the crown prince holding a grudge!

I'm too hard!

Upon closer reflection, he realized that he was now tied to the same boat as the Crown Prince.

If we continue to waver like a reed in the wind, we'll end up pleasing neither side.

Moreover, he personally presided over this case.

After weighing the pros and cons, the fourth prince closed his eyes, steeled his resolve, and jumped out to echo:
"Father! I have been in charge of disaster relief in Mount Tai and have witnessed firsthand that the people now regard the Kong family as a major scourge to the area!"

"If the sage knew this from beyond the grave, I wonder what he would think."

"Your subject agrees with the Crown Prince's proposal. I beg Your Majesty to consider the reputation of scholars throughout the land and not allow Kong Yujin's faction to continue to dominate the Duke Yansheng's mansion."

"If we don't change the person soon, the Duke of Yansheng's mansion will truly become a joke!"

Emperor Qianxi, watching his two "good sons" singing in unison, was so angry that his blood pressure soared.
These two unfilial sons are performing stand-up comedy in public!
Not only did the plan fall apart, but he also went further and further—no, he went from being inch to mile!
Right now, even though the Crown Prince has been punished, they are still forcing me to make a statement on the spot and deal with the Duke of Yansheng's mansion.
He gritted his teeth and sneered:
"Kong Shangde was taken to the Dali Temple and placed under strict guard."

"As for who should be appointed as the Duke Yansheng, we'll discuss that after the Ministry of Rites comes up with a plan!"

After saying that, he glared at Orondai and Tulishen, and said fiercely:
"What are you all standing there for? Escort the Crown Prince back to Yuqing Palace to study!"

Upon hearing this, the head guard, Orondai, immediately straightened up, even his back became much more upright.

He immediately swaggered in front of the Crown Prince, grinning broadly:
"Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered you to proceed! Do not make things difficult for us servants!"

Shen Ye smiled calmly: "Fine, let's go! I can go back and catch up on some sleep!"

Once everyone had left, Tong Guowei immediately switched to "scapegoat" mode and knelt down on the ground with a thud:

"This old minister is incompetent and has alarmed Your Majesty. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Tong Guowei was well aware of his duties, and because they involved the Crown Prince, he was hesitant and timid.

Having spent many years in the imperial court, his experience told him that at this critical juncture, he had to adopt the right attitude.

First, take the blame and leave Emperor Qianxi speechless!

Moreover, his fearful appearance only highlights the prince's unbridled behavior.

This achieves multiple goals at once. Just as he expected, Emperor Qianxi waved his hand and said:
"It's not your fault, it's all Yunye's fault. He's too arrogant. Uncle doesn't need to feel guilty."

After saying that, he stormed into the Dali Temple in a huff.

Fei Yuanji, the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review, was of course extremely unwilling to let the Emperor come to the Court of Judicial Review to inspect the work at this juncture.

Helpless, since Emperor Qianxi had already arrived, he could only humbly ask for his guidance.

After Emperor Qianxi frowned and read through Kong Shangde's confession and the witnesses' testimonies, his head started to ache more and more!
It's easy to exonerate Kong Shangde, but silencing public opinion is far more difficult!
What's more, there's a prince jumping around on the sidelines, eagerly waiting to see the outcome.

Emperor Qianxi spoke earnestly to Fei Yuanji:
“My dear minister, in the case of Kong Shangde, the Court of Judicial Review should sentence him according to the law, but in the process of trial, we should also take into account the dignity of the Emperor.”

"Descendants of sages should not die by sword or be imprisoned."

Fei Yuanji paused for a moment upon hearing this, then tentatively suggested:

"Your Majesty, I have heard that the former dynasty's Master Wang Yangming attained enlightenment in Longchang. That place is a place of cultivation, where one can understand one's true nature and repent."

"How about we let Kong Shangde go there to study in peace, spread the teachings of the sages, and make amends for his mistakes? What do you think?"

Emperor Qianxi raised an eyebrow, suddenly looked up at Fei Yuanji, and thought to himself:

Who would have thought that this guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, who is usually so quiet, is actually so ruthless!
When it comes to stabbing with a soft knife, it requires even more precision and ruthlessness than an imperial physician performing acupuncture!

Throw Kong Shangde into the mountains of Yunnan and Guizhou to seek enlightenment? Then he can forget about ever turning his life around!
That's brilliant!

This way, the sage's descendant was spared from death, and he was forced to live a life of seclusion in the mountains, which was a way of giving the world an explanation.

He immediately nodded and approved: "Approved! The Court of Judicial Review shall submit this punishment proposal to the emperor."

Although Fei Yuanji was very unhappy that this task had fallen on his shoulders, he still obediently nodded in agreement in the face of the powerful Emperor Qianxi.

"You may all step back. I have something to say to the Prime Minister."

Just as Fei Yuanji was thinking about how to receive Emperor Qianxi, Emperor Qianxi suddenly cleared the area.

Upon hearing Emperor Qianxi's order, Fei Yuanji fled faster than a rabbit:
I reckon the next topic will involve the Crown Prince, and I'm not getting involved in that mess!
Tong Guowei had already set up the stage in his mind, just waiting for Emperor Qianxi to give the opening gong.

This time, although the crown prince was as slippery as an eel, he did not fall for the concrete evidence of "disobeying the imperial decree".

But what's the difference between that scene and dancing the Yangko in front of the emperor's face?

It would be strange if the Qianxi Emperor could swallow this insult!
He won't be deposed, but the thorn in his heart will definitely remain.

As a seasoned old fox, Tong Guowei knew that at this time, he had to wait for Emperor Qianxi to ask first before he could "reluctantly" speak.

Sure enough, when only the two of them remained, Emperor Qianxi's face fell, and his grievances immediately surfaced:
"Uncle, look at the Crown Prince, he's been acting so outrageously today!"

Tong Guowei immediately got into acting mode, first looking troubled, then earnestly saying:

"Your Majesty, please calm down. The reason why the Crown Prince acted this way today is mainly because he is young and cares about his image!"

"With Your Majesty's guidance, the Crown Prince will surely be able to reform himself!"

These words, though seemingly meant to persuade, were actually laced with venom.

The mere mention of the phrase "saving face" is enough to keep the naturally suspicious emperor pondering for three days and three nights!
The most brilliant impeachments are often not passionate, open attacks, but rather impeachments that superficially speak up for you while secretly stabbing you in the back.

If the Crown Prince cares so much about his image, then shouldn't you, the Emperor, also consider your own image?
You, as the emperor, set these rules, and the crown prince dares to kick them just to save face. This is outrageous!
As for the subsequent strict instruction, that's just a cliché, but the phrase "repent and start anew" solidifies the fact that the Crown Prince "had made mistakes"!
The Crown Prince has made a mistake!

This is the tone that Tong Guowei set for this matter.

Emperor Qianxi paced back and forth a few steps, then immediately exploded:

"Face? I don't think he even respects me as his father!"

"I think he's just arrogant because he's been favored. He thinks he's accomplished a few things and has started to act like he's something special, like he's climbing on the roof and tearing off the tiles!"

"I smile at him far too much!"

Tong Guowei looked at the gloomy-faced Emperor Qianxi and felt a mix of emotions.

Half of it was the smug satisfaction of a successful scheme, and the other half was the chilling sense of loss and despair.

If Emperor Qianxi was so suspicious of his own son whom he had raised, how much sincerity could he possibly have for me, his uncle?

Forget it, if the emotional appeal doesn't work, then let's just keep adding fuel to the fire!
He quickly added fuel to the fire and urged them to continue:

"Your Majesty is wise! No matter how outrageous the Crown Prince may be, he would never dare to do something so 'disrespectful to the emperor and father'!"

Good heavens, although he says he "dares not" be accused of being "disloyal to the emperor and father," the label is already hanging precariously over the crown prince's head!
Emperor Qianxi's face turned even greener. He stared at Tong Guowei and said, "Tell me, have I been too lenient with the Crown Prince?"

Tong Guowei lowered his head even further: "The matter of the Crown Prince is His Majesty's family affair, and I... I dare not speak out of turn!"

Although he said that, he was thinking to himself:

Listen carefully, Your Majesty!

Think back to Li Linfu of the previous dynasty. How did he push for the replacement of the crown prince?

Isn't it just a matter of insisting that this is the emperor's family affair?

As the Grand Secretary, I've already said this, isn't my attitude clear enough?

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(End of this chapter)