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

Chapter 55 will show you what a good older brother is.

When Shen Ye inquired about the Fourteenth Prince's studies, the Ninth and Tenth Princes realized something was wrong.

The two of them also discussed the matter in hushed tones with the Eighth Prince.

However, upon hearing Shen Ye's question, she still felt a little flustered.

The reason for this is that they really haven't learned anything.

“Your Highness, my tenth brother and I have only just begun to study the Ming Dynasty Records. We find the contents to be vast and boundless, so we have only read the beginning.”

The Ninth Prince forced himself to say, "When we get back, I will definitely ask my master to explain it to me more."

The tenth prince remained silent, but looked at Shen Ye with a tense expression.

Although they did not show any signs of vying for the throne, when they were with the Eighth Prince, they all felt that their lives would be better if he became the Crown Prince.

They even expressed it that way.

However, at this time, they were only sixteen or seventeen years old. Facing the Crown Prince directly, they couldn't help but feel a little breathless, especially since the topic of their studies was being discussed.

The key point is that they felt guilty.

How could Shen Ye let these two guys get away so easily? He chose to lie down, but he didn't choose to be bullied.

In a parallel universe, the ninth and tenth princes would be the vanguard attacking the crown prince.

They even went so far as to throw buckets of dirty water at the former crown prince.

However, the former crown prince was mindful of his status, so most of the time he could only endure it.

Shen Ye's purpose in hosting this dinner was largely to teach these two people a lesson.

Let these two insidious and reckless fellows behave themselves from now on.

He said calmly, "Now that you've learned the beginning, let me test you. In the records of the Annals of Emperor Taizu of Ming, why did Emperor Taizu of Ming launch one major case after another?"

Upon hearing this question, the ninth and tenth brothers were immediately dumbfounded.

They had hardly read the "Veritable Records of the Ming Dynasty," and of course, they didn't take Shen Ye's reading notes to heart at all.

At this point, the answer is naturally no.

The two exchanged a quick glance, and the tenth prince, Yun'e, said loudly, "Your Highness, Father knows me well; my head aches whenever I read."

"I really didn't understand any of what you said."

If before, Prince Zhi and the others were just watching the spectacle, now their hearts were filled with anticipation.

The tenth prince, who was known for his reckless behavior, made his statement at this moment, which was tantamount to shrug and revealing his true intentions.

I'm not good at studying, so don't bother researching me.

Even my father didn't force me, so why are you forcing me?
Shen Ye was not angry at Yun E's table-flipping behavior; instead, he secretly laughed to himself.

If you don't get furious, how am I supposed to deal with you!
He coldly replied, "Is it that you can't read it, or that you haven't read it at all?"

"How many book reports have you written that I asked you to write?"

At this point, he turned his gaze to the Ninth Prince, Yuntang, and said, "Ninth Prince, I remember you didn't give me your study notes either."

"One article every five days, how many have you written?"

Yuntang and Yun'e exchanged a glance, and in the end, Yun'e threw down his wine glass: "Your Highness, are you inviting us brothers to dinner today, or are you looking for something to criticize us?"

"If it's time to eat, we're happy to join you."

"If you're going to find fault with me, then I'll leave now."

"Father is watching from above. We princes are his responsibility."

Upon hearing Yun'e's words, Shen Ye inwardly sneered.

Yun'e may seem reckless, and his words may sound impulsive, but they actually reveal his unique wisdom.

What does it mean to say that the Emperor is watching from above? It's clearly a reminder to Shen Ye that Emperor Qianxi is still alive, and it's not his place as the Crown Prince to interfere or control us. What does it mean to say that we princes are being controlled by the Crown Prince? It's a message to the other princes that we cannot allow the Crown Prince to control us.

Their main objective is simple: to drag people down with them.

After Yuntang and Yun'e finished speaking, he added, "Second Brother Crown Prince, although what the Tenth Prince said was rash, I think it's not wrong."

"Our studies have always been overseen by our father."

"His demands on us were not high; he just wanted us to be idle princes."

"You don't need to worry about us!"

The two, one gentle and the other firm, worked together very well.

The Eighth Prince, Yunsi, became increasingly calm. With the two of them flipping the table like this, it seemed that the Crown Prince was in a difficult position to handle.

Based on the Crown Prince's past personality, he would likely have been furious in this situation, and the Ninth and Tenth Princes would have simply left.

At worst, I can go back and apologize to Emperor Qianxi.

Just as he was speculating, he heard Shen Ye clasp his hands in a fist salute towards the sky and say, "Father Emperor's eyes are all-seeing and all-knowing; nothing can escape his notice!"

"But he is not only our father, but also the emperor of hundreds of millions of people under heaven."

"There are so many things in the world that require Father Emperor's attention every day!"

"You've all seen it in the Southern Study, haven't you? How late Father Emperor reviews memorials every night!"

At this point, Shen Ye composed himself, lowering his voice as much as possible, and then asked in an extremely pained tone, "Father, what is the purpose of your tireless work day and night?"

"Besides ensuring peace for all living beings, it is also so that we brothers can enjoy peace and tranquility."

"While we enjoy the prosperous era that our father has created for us, we should also think about what we, as sons, should do for our father."

Shen Ye's voice rose a few decibels: "Yun'e just said that Father Emperor doesn't have high expectations for you."

"But one thing is certain: your father also hopes that you will study and understand principles!"

Instead of acting like, "I'm stupid, what can you do to me?"

"Do you know how heartbroken Father Emperor would be to hear your self-deprecating words?"

The Eighth Prince felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this:

Things did not develop as he had expected.

He originally thought that once he invoked his father's name, the crown prince would be hesitant and helpless.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince used his father's name so skillfully.

Every word he uttered was resounding and powerful, measured yet weighty: it was all for the sake of his father!
If such words were to reach the ears of Emperor Qianxi, how could the ninth and tenth princes possibly fare well?

Just as he was about to come out and plead for leniency to settle the matter, he heard Shen Ye continue, "I am a filial son to my father."

"And for the two of you, I am just a good older brother."

“I cannot allow you to be so young, ignorant and reckless, causing Father Emperor to be angry with you while he is preoccupied with important state affairs.”

"So today, after we finish this wine, I will ask my father for permission to let you two study behind closed doors until your knowledge has improved, then you can come out."

At this point, Shen Ye's gaze fell on Prince Zhi and he asked, "Brother, do you think this punishment is appropriate?"

Prince Zhi had been watching the show from the start, but Shen Ye's performance left him speechless. He really wanted to ask the Crown Prince, "Who bestowed upon you the title of 'filial son'?"

Unexpectedly, after announcing the punishments for the ninth and tenth brothers, Shen Ye then asked his eldest brother a question.

What could he say?!

He said that if the punishment was too severe, it would clearly show that he didn't know the limits of what was being done and didn't know how to share the burden of his father!
If he says the punishment is too lenient, wouldn't that make him offend Lao Ba and the others again?
This prince is as cunning as a hornet's nest. Aren't you just blatantly treating me like lamb to be roasted in a furnace?
That's so mean!

(End of this chapter)