Film and Television: A Man in White Horse, Begins by Becoming an Apprentice of Yu Sheng Demon

"speak!"

Emperor Mingde seemed to be in poor spirits, but Zhang Huailu didn't think much of it.

"Your Majesty, what I am reporting today concerns the very foundation of our Northern Li kingdom. Whether Your Majesty is willing to admit it or not, Your Majesty's health has been poor recently, showing signs of your advanced age."

"Today, I dare to suggest that Your Majesty, in the interest of the nation's foundation, discuss the matter of the Crown Prince with your ministers."

A cold glint flashed in Emperor Mingde's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

He sat on the dragon throne, his expression calm and composed. He didn't like listening to Zhang Huailu's words, but he also knew that everything Zhang Huailu said and thought was for the sake of Beili.

"Your Excellency is known for your integrity, and what you have said is all for the sake of Beili. I grant your permission."

As Emperor Mingde finished speaking, all the officials bowed their heads and kowtowed.

"Your Majesty is wise. Long live Your Majesty!"

Zhang Huailu was the first to stand up. He continued to bow to Emperor Mingde.

"The Northern Kingdom has a long history, and the matter of choosing an heir has always been a matter of fundamental importance to the state."

“Now, each of the princes has his own strengths, but ‘only those with both virtue and talent can govern the country.’ I believe that we need to carefully consider which one is better or worse.”

Upon hearing Chancellor Zhang Huailu's words, Grand Tutor Dong Zhu spoke up immediately. His voice was cold and clear.

"Lord Huailu, are you being too harsh? The Second Prince is kind and filial, and his benevolence is evident to all the people. Why do we need to consider this further?"

As soon as Grand Tutor Dong Zhu spoke, all the officials knew that the Second Prince's faction was beginning to exert its influence.

Moreover, Dong Zhu's words just now were intended to guide the officials toward establishing the eldest prince as heir.

The eldest prince died young. Although the second prince, Xiao Chong, is not the eldest prince in name, all the officials know that Prince Bai, Xiao Chong, is the eldest prince.

As Grand Tutor Dong Zhu finished speaking, the court officials who favored the eldest son over the most virtuous among the officials echoed his sentiments.

"The Grand Tutor is absolutely right. The eldest son of the Emperor is benevolent and filial. Even in his youth, he always paid attention to the people's conditions, shared their hardships, and implemented good policies in the countryside. The people are all grateful for his kindness."

"His Majesty's favor is great, so the eldest prince is naturally the only choice for the crown prince."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Mingde merely glanced at Prince Xiao Chong, then closed his eyes slightly without making a statement.

Zhang Huailu waited until everyone quieted down before calmly retorting.

"I cannot fully agree with what the Grand Tutor has said. It is certainly a virtue for a ruler to be benevolent, but can a country be governed solely by benevolence?"

"The eldest prince's benevolence is certainly commendable, but in this world, the time for the Demonic Sect and my Northern Li has come to an end, and the world may soon be in turmoil. Without courage and skill, it may be difficult to rule the world."

Zhang Huailu's words silenced the entire court. The memory of Ye Dingzhi, the leader of the Demonic Sect, conquering the north and causing immense suffering to the people, who were displaced and destitute, still lingered vividly. Only a decade or so had passed since that catastrophe.

Zhang Huailu's words directly pointed out Bai Wang Xiao Chong's shortcomings. Upon hearing Zhang Huailu say that he lacked decisiveness and methods, his face turned pale.

But he knew that he had no right to interrupt at this moment.

Grand Tutor Dong Zhu's expression changed slightly, but he remained calm and spoke.

"Your Excellency's words are biased. A ruler's virtue lies in benevolence, not in coercion."

"The way to govern a country is to win people over with virtue, not to judge heroes solely by their military achievements. Although the Second Prince is not skilled in military or political affairs, he possesses sufficient wisdom and benevolence to make the world submit."

"Regarding border troubles, we can rely on the General to suppress them."

At this moment, Minister of War Meng, who was standing next to Grand Tutor Dong Zhu, suddenly stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"What the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Tutor said is both reasonable."

"But I believe that the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe is brave and invincible. In his early years, he followed the Prince of Langya and led troops outside the country for many years. He is adept at commanding troops and has repeatedly quelled border rebellions. If we are talking about who can ensure the safety of our northern border, it should be His Highness the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe."

These words immediately sparked discussion among the court officials, with those who supported the sixth prince echoing their sentiments.

"The Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe is indeed brave and skilled in battle, having repelled the Demonic Sect's eastern expeditions several times. The people of the borderlands all call him the 'God of War.' If we can establish the Sixth Prince as the heir apparent, he will surely be able to deter all sides and ensure the stability of our Northern Li."

However, before the words supporting the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe could be finished, Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Revenue, dressed in a blue official robe, hurriedly stepped forward and said urgently.

“No! Although the Sixth Prince has achieved great military exploits, governing a country is not just about military prowess. The Sixth Prince has a fiery temper, and in his early years, in order to redress the wrongs done to the Prince of Langya, he frequently tried to cause trouble for His Majesty. Such impulsiveness will inevitably lead to chaos and loss of control in the court. Moreover, the Sixth Prince, Xiao Chuhe, is willful and has no sense of the big picture. If the Sixth Prince were to wield power, I fear that public resentment would rise up!”

Lord Zhao supports the Seventh Prince, Xiao Yu, and his teacher was originally Xiao Yu's mother's father. He is known for his forbearance.

Although he kept a low profile and remained patient, his intentions for the Seventh Prince Xiao Yu were self-evident.

He changed the subject and continued.

"As for the Seventh Prince Xiao Yu, he is exceptionally talented in literature and deeply respected by Confucian scholars. Moreover, he is humble and easy-going, familiar with the law, and adept at handling civil affairs. Even when discussing state affairs with officials, he displays wisdom. If we are talking about the way to govern a country, the Seventh Prince Xiao Yu is the best choice."

"The Seventh Prince Xiao Yu is known for his strategic thinking, respect for scholars, and deep respect and love from all officials."

"If he can be made crown prince, all civil and military officials will submit to him."

"Indeed! The Seventh Prince Xiao Yu is elegant and talented, and has extensive knowledge. He associates with scholars all over the world. It would be best to choose a successor who is both virtuous and capable."

These words caused another uproar in the court. Officials who supported the Seventh Prince Xiao Yu spoke out one after another.

However, such remarks immediately drew opposition.

Imperial Censor Li couldn't help but step forward to offer his advice.

"Although the Seventh Prince is exceptionally talented, a crown prince must possess a benevolent heart. The Seventh Prince is ruthless and would not hesitate to kill his own brothers for the position of crown prince."

"Moreover, his temperament is too frivolous. The court officials may respect his talent and learning, but they lack reverence for him, and it is hard to guarantee that they will not harbor disloyal thoughts."

Upon hearing this, none of the ministers dared to speak out of turn. Emperor Mingde, seated on the dragon throne, opened his eyes and looked sharply at the Imperial Censor.

"Drag him away and beat him to death."

After speaking, Jin Xuan left and ordered the Imperial Guards outside the Qian Yuan Hall to drag the Imperial Censor out.

Even though he shouted, "Your Majesty, please forgive me!" no one dared to speak.

The princes fighting each other is a matter for the royal family, and it is not his place to interfere. However, this statement also proves that the seventh prince, Xiao Yu, is no longer qualified to compete with the second prince, Xiao Chong, and the sixth prince, Xiao Chuhe, for the position of crown prince.

The court fell silent once more, as if the entire court was shrouded in a heavy shadow.

Emperor Mingde surveyed the three princes' camps with a deep gaze, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

At this moment, the complexities of the succession issue are fully revealed.

Whether it is the second prince's benevolence, the sixth prince's decisiveness, or the seventh prince's talent, they all seem to have shortcomings, but each has its own strengths.

Finally, Emperor Mingde spoke, his voice low yet authoritative: "I am aware of what you have said. However, the matter of the crown prince is not a decision I can make alone; it still needs to be discussed with the imperial family and officials."

The debate that had taken place in the court was immediately reported to the Red King's residence.

"Ah! Shameless! They actually used this method to disqualify me from competing for the crown prince position. Second brother, sixth brother, you are really ruthless."

The Red King was hysterical, smashing and breaking things around the room like a madman.

At that moment, the voice of Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Revenue requesting an audience reached the ears of the Red King. (He, who was originally in a frenzied state, instantly calmed down.)

“I haven’t lost yet, I haven’t lost yet, I still have my favored mother.”

After muttering to himself, the Red King went to his study to meet Lord Zhao.

"His Royal Highness the Red King."

As soon as Lord Zhao stepped into the study, he bowed to the Red King.

The Red King dared not neglect the supporter who was still arguing for him that morning.

Get up quickly.

"I am grateful for your words of defense in court this morning, Your Excellency. However, I already know what happened this morning. I am afraid I have no chance in the struggle for the crown prince position."

"The Red King said sadly, but his gaze drifted toward Lord Zhao."

Lord Zhao chuckled.

“Your Highness, your maternal grandfather was my mentor. If I didn’t support you, I wouldn’t have taken such a big risk to stand up for you this morning.”

"Therefore, there is no need to test me."

Lord Zhao said sincerely.

After hearing Lord Zhao's words, the Red King was immediately ashamed and angry, and knelt down to him in submission.

"It was Xiaoyu who was presumptuous. Please teach me, Lord Zhao, how I can get back into the competition for the crown prince position."

Lord Zhao was extremely satisfied with the Red King's attitude.

He stepped forward and helped the Red King up.

"Your Highness, rumors are circulating in the court that you murdered your brother to seize the throne. There is only one way to push the entire Dark River organization to the Ninth Prince, Xiao Jinxia."

“I know that the Ninth Prince Xiao Jinxia is currently impersonating the Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe and cooperating with the Dark River.”

"What if the assassination attempt on the Second Prince in the Dark River was orchestrated by the Ninth Prince?"

Lord Zhao's words instantly enlightened Xiao Yu.

"What Lao Jiu did has nothing to do with me, Xiao Yu."

After the Red King finished speaking, Lord Zhao and he both burst into laughter.

Immediately afterwards, the Red King wrote another letter, stating that none of the civil and military officials in the court today, regardless of their importance, who supported the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince, could escape punishment.

"Someone come here, I want to practice my skills."

After seeing Lord Zhao off at the mansion, the Red King called out to the steward.

The debate in the court today made him feel the danger, especially with Xiao Se's return. Previously, apart from Xiao Chong, there was no one else who was the most powerful contender for the throne.