The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Undoubtedly, Prince Yu was the most advantageous, the most legally justified, and even arguably the most justified.

Therefore, Zhao Cheng, the chief attendant of Prince Yu, was somewhat displeased with Prince Jing, who was walking alongside Prince Yu. He believed that Prince Jing should have lagged behind by half a step to show respect for seniority.

Ma Dezhao keenly sensed this, but he didn't say anything because he didn't know what his prince's plans were. If he had no intention of becoming the heir apparent, then there was no need to clash with Prince Yu's attendant.

To be honest, he was also somewhat at a loss. For many years, he had tried every means to get his prince on good terms with the crown prince and the imperial concubine, but he never expected that his backer would fall so suddenly.

"Zaizhen, from now on, it will just be the two of us brothers taking care of each other."

"Yes, I never expected my brother to pass away like this. He was perfectly fine just two days ago."

Prince Yu suddenly grabbed Zhu Zaizhen, his eyes filled with tears, and said, "Don't worry, with your brother here, I will definitely protect you from the wind and rain, just like my imperial brother, and ensure your wealth and safety."

Zhu Zaizhen was somewhat surprised. As expected, the children in the palace were very adaptable, even the notoriously incompetent Prince Yu.

However, this brotherly affection came far too hastily. He could have waited until the ministers submitted their petitions for immediate action, then used overwhelming power to pressure them, and offered them benefits to appease them. Only then would his words have had any weight.

Unlike now, they are using empty words and vague promises to win over and appease their only rival, causing him to withdraw from the competition for supremacy.

Prince Yu's words lacked sincerity, and Zhu Zaizhen's response was naturally the same: "Very well, from now on I will have to rely on my elder brother's care."

"Um…"

Seeing that Prince Jing readily agreed, Zhu Zaiji was at a loss for what to say next, since he had never considered these things before.

Moreover, he really doesn't have anything to offer Zhu Zaizhen right now; Zhu Zaizhen has better things for everything he has.

Seeing Prince Yu's behavior, Ma Dezhao, who was observing from the side, looked down on him. How could such a person be worthy of being the emperor of the Ming Dynasty?

They don't know how to exert power, how to show their magnanimity, or how to form cliques to consolidate power. They rely on others for guidance and instruction, and have no independent opinions.

If he can do it, then why can't His Highness Prince Jing?

Upon realizing this, Ma Dezhao immediately became alert. If he himself was thinking this way, how could fools like Tao Ze and Zhang Xing around His Highness not have the same idea?

Ma Dezhao glanced to the side and saw that the two fools were beaming with excitement, clearly already imagining that if their prince became emperor, they would no longer be the chief eunuchs of the Prince's Palace, but the eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

They weren't just making these thoughts out of thin air. Everyone in the palace knew that His Majesty's favorites were the Crown Prince and Prince Jing. With the Crown Prince gone, Prince Jing was naturally the only one left to be favored.

Whether someone is the eldest or the youngest, who will become the Crown Prince is ultimately a matter of the Emperor's decree. Anyone who dares to cause trouble in the court or among the people will be killed on the spot; it's not like they haven't done it before.

When the group arrived at the Xiefang Palace, the change was earth-shattering, and their moods were naturally completely different. Prince Yu suddenly realized that Prince Jing's residence was actually in the center and larger than his own. How could this be in accordance with etiquette?

But he couldn't say anything, after all, he had lived there for so many years... Oh well, he would be moving to Cining Palace soon anyway, and Prince Yu felt much better after thinking this.

After everyone returned to their palaces, Ma Dezhao immediately dismissed the rest of the people, not giving Tao Ze and his ilk a chance to offer slanderous words, and personally served King Jing as he changed his clothes.

"It seems that Ōtomo has something to tell him."

"Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but with the Crown Prince gone, the position of heir apparent will be vacant. According to the laws of the dynasty, Prince Yu, being the eldest son, will surely be supported by the court officials. This is the legitimate order, and no human power can resist it."

Ma Dezhao carefully observed his prince's expression: "Even if Your Highness is willing, I'm afraid it's difficult to go against the general trend. It would be better to retreat and gain wealth and honor. In the future... Prince Yu only has you as his younger brother, so it's only right and proper that he will bestow great rewards upon you to show the harmony of the imperial family."

Seeing his chief attendant's seriousness, Zhu Zaizhen deliberately teased, "Does the chief attendant think I am inferior to Prince Yu?"

Ma Dezhao bowed solemnly and urgently: "In terms of intelligence, Prince Yu is far superior. However, the imperial court establishes an heir based on seniority, not merit. What can be done?"

Seeing his urgency, Zhu Zaizhen stopped joking and helped Ma Dezhao up, saying, "Don't be anxious, my companion. I was just teasing you. I will definitely behave myself, not see any foreign officials, and not show any signs of competition."

Ma Dezhao finally breathed a sigh of relief. The struggle for the throne was no different from other matters. Once you got involved, there was no turning back. The loser would be purged and it was difficult to protect yourself.

Besides, being an emperor is a tough job. Your Highness is too young to know, but I, an old man in the palace, know it better than anyone. Just think about why His Majesty moved out of the inner palace, and think about how many previous emperors died in their prime. I know that being a rich and noble prince is better.

"It is good that Your Highness has thought this way. You should know that some people are urging you to ascend the throne, not for Your Highness's long-term benefit, but only to seek power and position for themselves. Your Highness must be careful with your words and deeds. After you take up your fief, you can live a carefree life."

Zhu Zaizhen thought for a moment and then spoke up: "I'm just afraid there's nowhere to retreat or avoid, and the will of Heaven is hard to defy."

Otomo is currently his most capable assistant, and there are some things he needs to be prepared for.

Ma Dezhao was taken aback when he heard this. It was obvious who the emperor was referring to when he said that the emperor was the successor. But given that person's personality, even if he favored the prince more, he would not risk his own immortality by competing with the court officials for the prince's sake.

Your Highness is still too young and has overestimated the bond between father and son with His Majesty.

Judging from his expression, Zhu Zaizhen knew he had misunderstood. He had no choice but to explain further: "Father probably doesn't want to make my elder brother the heir, but he won't make me either. What he wants most is to use the struggle for the throne to balance the court, so that he can live a life of seclusion and cultivate immortality."

After a moment's thought, Ma Dezhao realized it made sense; it was indeed something His Highness was capable of doing. At this moment, he couldn't care less about why his prince was so perceptive; he frowned and pondered how to break the deadlock.

"This servant is of limited knowledge and cannot offer Your Highness any long-term advice." After a moment, Ma Dezhao said, "But I feel that at this time, with internal and external turmoil and differing opinions among people, it is certain that doing more will lead to more mistakes, and doing less will lead to fewer mistakes."

Zhu Zaizhen nodded: "What Daban said makes sense. We have no choice but to deal with it this way for now."

After giving a few more instructions, Ma Dezhao said, "This servant is going to see Her Majesty. The servants around Her Majesty must also be strictly disciplined."

Zhu Zaizhen stood up: "Thank you so much for taking care of things for my son and me."

Looking at the sincere-looking Prince Jing, Ma Dezhao felt a sudden lump in his throat: "Your Highness, please don't do this. This servant... this is all I should do."

After leaving the room, Ma Dezhao rubbed his eyes. The child he had raised with such difficulty could now say such heartwarming words. At this moment, he would be willing to die.

At the same time, a strong sense of indignation arose in his heart. How wonderful it would be if Prince Yu were also dead, then Prince Jing would be a true emperor of peace.

Such a rebellious thought made his body tremble slightly, but the thought began to flow uncontrollably, accompanied by several underhanded methods.

If it really works out, the worst that can happen is that I'll lose my old life. What does it matter if I'm torn to pieces? In that case, only Prince Jing will be left. Does His Majesty really intend to pass the throne to an outsider?

Unfortunately, as the chief steward protecting the princes, he knew better than anyone how difficult it was to murder a prince in the palace; it was almost impossible.

…………