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

Chapter 507 Father, I'm past the age where I can be coaxed by a candied hawthorn.
It's almost Chinese New Year in the palace, so none of the princes have left.

After all, they still have to have New Year's Eve dinner with the emperor later!
Of course, what most people are concerned about is, what exactly is the situation in Jiangnan?
The Eighth Prince sat there somewhat distracted, as if he had lost his soul.

As the crown prince, Shen Ye appeared calm and composed.

He and several princes waited in a side hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, drinking tea and chatting casually.

As the sun began to set, a commotion arose from afar.

Just as Shen Ye was about to send someone to ask what was going on, Wei Zhu walked in with a big smile on her face.

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Wei Zhu, accompanied by several eunuchs, hadn't even settled in before she started shouting good news:

"Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that from this day forward, the Qingqiu Prince's Mansion shall be officially renamed the Eastern Palace, and Your Highness shall reside here."

"Furthermore, His Majesty also decreed that the etiquette of the Crown Prince's Palace shall be the same as that of the previous dynasty."

Crown Prince!

That's quite a title.

Generally speaking, the place where the crown prince lived was called the Eastern Palace. However, starting from the Tang Dynasty, emperors began to guard against their sons as if they were thieves, and gradually weakened the power of the crown prince.

As a result, the six officials of the Eastern Palace disappeared first, followed by the elimination of half of the official positions in the Eastern Palace. Then, the place where the Crown Prince lived was no longer allowed to be called the "Eastern Palace".

Now, Emperor Qianxi suddenly renamed the Qingqiu Prince's residence, where the Crown Prince lived, as the Eastern Palace, which immediately changed the expressions of the princes present.

What does the Eastern Palace represent?
These princes, who were well-versed in the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), knew this all too well.

When the system of the Crown Prince and the Eastern Palace is linked, the Crown Prince's power will directly double!

Previously, when the Crown Prince moved out of Yuqing Palace, everyone secretly guessed that his position was unstable. Now that the Eastern Palace is in place, his position as the heir apparent is as secure as Mount Tai.

The one who was most panicked was the Eighth Prince.

Having botched his own job, the Emperor had no choice but to appease the Crown Prince.

To appease someone, you have to offer benefits and pay a price, so what the Emperor sacrificed was the prestigious reputation of the Eastern Palace.

For so many years, the place where the Crown Prince lived was called Yuqing Palace, and it was never associated with the Eastern Palace, which shows that Emperor Qianxi did not like the Crown Prince to use the name Eastern Palace.

After all, the Eastern Palace has a system that is like a miniature imperial court.

Even the system of the Crown Prince's residence, when brought to the imperial court, would be a smaller version of the imperial court itself.

If you become the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince's Palace, congratulations! Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you will become a Grand Secretary.

Moreover, according to the rules, the Crown Prince's Palace is allowed to have its own soldiers.

This was what emperors throughout history feared most, so gradually, the army disappeared.

But the name alone is enough to make people's imaginations run wild.

The Emperor expelled the Crown Prince from Yuqing Palace and renamed the Crown Prince's residence "Qingqiu Prince's Residence." Now, it has suddenly been renamed the Eastern Palace. Isn't this a clear sign that His Majesty is bowing down to the Crown Prince?
The thought that his proud and vain father was actually trying to please the crown prince made the eighth prince feel uneasy.

Just then, Shen Ye spoke up: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

"However, Eunuch Wei, this matter concerning the Crown Prince is of utmost importance. Please inform the Emperor that I dare not obey the imperial decree."

"I will write a memorial to His Majesty in a moment to decline this matter."

Shen Ye was well aware of the benefits of the title "Eastern Palace".

If he said I didn't care at all, that would be a lie.

But he knew even better that if he accepted the position now, it would only be an empty title.

Why would I want something that invites resentment and offers no real benefit?

You think you can just give and take as you please? Haha, I'm not playing this game with you anymore!
I'm past the age where I can be easily charmed by a lollipop.

So you should keep the Eastern Palace for yourself!
Shen Ye's refusal startled Wei Zhu, who broke out in a cold sweat.

When he came to deliver the decree, he sensed that His Majesty was not in a good mood.

This time, from suppressing the Crown Prince to suddenly bestowing a great reward upon him, the Emperor must be seething with anger.

If Emperor Qianxi was unhappy, those who followed him closely would not have an easy time.

“Your Highness, it’s the New Year, and you’re declining His Majesty’s reward like this… isn’t that inappropriate?” Wei Zhu’s voice trembled slightly.

Shen Ye looked up at him and asked slowly, "Wei Zhu, are you teaching me how to do things?"

Upon hearing Shen Ye's question, which carried a hint of coldness, Wei Zhu's legs went weak, and she hurriedly waved her hands, saying, "Your Highness, how could this servant dare to instruct you on how to do things!"

"It's just... it's just that this servant thinks it would be so much better if everyone were happy during the New Year, haha... this servant will go and report to His Majesty right away."

After saying that, he hurriedly slipped away.

The Crown Prince actually doesn't want the Eastern Palace? The princes present were all stunned.

After all, Emperor Qianxi had never bestowed upon the two characters "Donggong" (Eastern Palace) that were naturally associated with the Crown Prince.

This sudden reward was something the crown prince had been dreaming of.

But why did the Crown Prince decline?

Is the Crown Prince going to play a game of "three refusals and three concessions" with His Majesty?

Just as everyone was wondering, the eldest prince couldn't help but jump out and say:

"Your Highness, I truly do not understand why you do not want the title of Crown Prince?" "I remember you always said that the Crown Prince should be paired with the Crown Prince! Why did you refuse it when Father actually gave it to you?"

The eldest prince's words were so blunt and barbed that they surprised the other princes.

Shen Ye smiled without changing his expression: "Big brother must be mistaken. I have never said such a thing."

"The reason I don't accept the title of Crown Prince is because I feel that the burden is too heavy."

“My shoulders are too small to carry this heavy load, so I had to ask my father to rescind his order.”

"I still think the Prince Qingqiu's Mansion is the most comfortable place to live!"

The eldest prince was so angry his face turned green.

Isn't this clearly saying he has a bad memory? This made him feel indignant.

He said angrily, "Whether the Crown Prince said it or not is not important. Anyway, His Majesty and everyone else know the truth."

"Your Highness, please don't take offense. I'm just a straightforward person, and I always speak my mind."

"Unlike some people, who clearly want something but still make excuses and insist on saying no."

The moment the Crown Prince uttered those words, the atmosphere instantly became tense and hostile.

Shen Ye felt even more sympathy for the eldest prince. This guy couldn't even understand the current situation, yet he wanted to seize the throne and become emperor? It was both pathetic and laughable.

He immediately went along with it, saying, "Since you say so, then to prove that I am true to my word, I will resolutely refuse the title of Crown Prince."

"I must never let my elder brother think that I am a hypocrite who is two-faced."

"If Father asks about it later, elder brother, you'll have to testify for me."

The eldest prince's words were originally intended to ridicule the crown prince.

He even tried to tarnish the Crown Prince's reputation in front of everyone, but unexpectedly, the Crown Prince took advantage of the situation.

Didn't you say that if I took it, I would be a hypocrite?
Alright, then I don't want the Eastern Palace. If Emperor Qianxi pushes me too far, I'll explain to him using your words.

The eldest prince was outmaneuvered and immediately became a little angry.

However, having just said that, he couldn't immediately back down, so he could only chuckle dryly and say, "Well... well, that depends on Father's opinion."

The Eighth Prince watched anxiously from the side and wanted to advise the First Prince to say less.

He knew very well that Emperor Qianxi was using the words "Eastern Palace" to comfort the Crown Prince, but he would still send someone to issue an imperial decree later.

After all, if the crown prince doesn't accept it, then he hasn't been properly appeased.

The eldest prince's current remarks about the crown prince are tantamount to inviting Emperor Qianxi's wrath.

However, just as he was about to speak, he remembered the incident of Ge Li being stabbed to death.

Emperor Qianxi had nowhere to vent his anger at this time, and it would be troublesome if he were to vent it on himself.

If His Majesty were to deal with the eldest prince now that he has stepped forward, His Majesty's anger might dissipate considerably.

During the Lunar New Year, the emperor's handling of one of his sons was enough to cause a stir in the court.

As wise as Emperor Qianxi was, he couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

The saying goes, "Better to die for your friend than for yourself." When Father is angry, if you can stand up for your brother, please do so.

Just as the Eighth Prince was having these thoughts, Wei Zhu had already returned to report to Emperor Qianxi with a mournful face.

To his surprise, Emperor Qianxi was not angry after hearing this. The Crown Prince's reaction was exactly what he had expected.

If the Crown Prince, whom he has suppressed for so long, were to accept any reward as soon as it is given, then he should be wary and consider whether the Crown Prince is suitable to oversee the country.

He hesitated for a moment, then said to Wei Zhu:
"Wei Zhu, go and deliver the decree again. In addition to the previous decree, establish the Eastern Palace Chamberlain's Office and set up an official position of the fourth rank."

"The Court of Imperial Sacrifices has three official positions: one chief and two deputy chiefs. The candidates are chosen by the Crown Prince himself."

Wei Zhu's heart skipped a beat when she heard the order.

Although the Court of Imperial Sacrifices only had one chief and two deputy officials, it was still a government office.

With the establishment of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Crown Prince essentially had his own mini-court.

Within the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince can convene meetings with his officials, and the selection of these officials is entirely at his discretion, which greatly enhances his authority.

His Majesty has really gone all out this time.

Would the Crown Prince agree to such generous treatment?
He increasingly felt that his job was not going to be easy.

If the Crown Prince accepts, that would naturally be a good thing;
But if the Crown Prince declines, then he will be caught in the middle between Emperor Qianxi and His Majesty, which...

But he had no choice. After respectfully kowtowing to Emperor Qianxi to receive the decree, he walked towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony where the Crown Prince was.

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the princes were still waiting for the New Year's family banquet.

At this very moment, Wei Zhu came to deliver another imperial decree, this time not only granting favors to the Crown Prince, but also establishing a special Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Hearing about the treatment Shen Ye received from the Imperial Household Department, all the princes looked at him with envy.

The Emperor has restored the former Crown Prince's Chamberlain's office; what an extraordinary favor this is!
His Majesty values ​​the current Crown Prince too much!
A mocking smile appeared on the eldest prince's lips.

However, he dared not make any more sarcastic remarks, because he realized that what he had said earlier was a bit inappropriate, so he remained calm at this moment.

He refused to believe that the Crown Prince would refuse such a generous reward this time!

Haha, he's still too young!
(End of this chapter)