Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

The proposer of the secret succession law.

If it weren't for Jiang Zhao, he probably would never have had the chance to go to the capital again in his life.

But this opportunity leaves one unsure whether to be happy or worried.

"I am Zhao Zongquan from Yuzhou, and I have come to the capital by imperial decree."

These two men were Zhao Zongquan and Zhao Ceying, father and son from Yuzhou.

Zhao Zongquan smiled awkwardly, his demeanor revealing his cautiousness, as if he was afraid of making a mistake.

Decades of suppression have long since dulled his edge.

Furthermore, he recognized Jiang Zhao.

This is a disciple of the Grand Secretary, a figure renowned throughout the land.

In the future, he may well become a renowned figure who governs the country.

That is why he became even more cautious.

The situation of royal family members without power is truly complicated.

"Lord Jiang, these are the documents and seals." Even the usually sharp-tongued Zhao Ceying became obedient, presenting the documents proving his identity in a proper manner.

Documents and seals, which are proof of household registration and travel itinerary, require official approval and are difficult to forge.

Jiang Zhao remained expressionless, took the documents and seals, and without even turning the pages, said, "This place is less than two li away from the residence designated by the Emperor, and it takes less than two incense sticks' worth of travel by carriage. May I ask if you would like me to lead the way?"

After speaking, he politely returned the documents and seal.

Zhao Zongquan smiled kindly, but hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Could we walk there?"

On the one hand, it was his first time in Beijing, and given his special status, he really didn't dare to be too conspicuous.

He also stayed at the Guangqin residence for some time.

That's the heart of Bianjing City. Taking a carriage there would be inappropriate.

On the one hand, he also wanted to see the cultural charm of Bianjing.

He hadn't been to Beijing for decades, and couldn't help but feel nostalgic.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, sir," Zhao Zongquan added.

"I am but a fifth-rank official and am truly unworthy of the title 'Sir'. If you gentlemen do not mind, you may address me by my given name or my official title; it is all the same."

As Jiang Zhao spoke, he gestured to the side: "Please!"

Zhao Zongquan and Zhao Ceying both breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Zongquan was a cautious and meticulous person, while Zhao Ceying was visiting the capital for the first time and seeing such a large city wall.

Walking, with your feet firmly on the ground, undoubtedly gives you a sense of security.

The three walked into the city, while the other guards followed slowly, leading the horses and carriages.

Jiang Zhao pointed ahead and explained in detail: "Two hundred steps ahead is Shuntian Gate, with Jinming Pond and Qionglin Garden to the left and right respectively."

"This Jiang, I wonder why His Majesty has summoned us to the capital?"

Zhao Zongquan explained, "Jiang Shidu, you may not know this, but I, Zhao Zongquan, am merely a member of the imperial clan from a poor and remote place. I have neither reputation nor talent. What merit do I have to be ranked among the six imperial clan members?"

As Zhao Zongquan spoke, a look of worry appeared between his brows.

In order to live a better life, he stayed in Yuzhou for a long time to keep a low profile and avoid attracting the attention of the imperial court, so as not to suffer again.

Unexpectedly, Meng was ranked as one of the six royal family members, which made people feel inexplicably uneasy.

Originally, he shouldn't have asked such a profound question when he first met Jiang Zhao.

But he had no connections in Bianjing, so if he wanted to know something, he really had no choice but to ask him.

Jiang Zhao glanced around and said softly, "Since the death of the young prince nine years ago, many officials have advised the emperor to establish an heir. Until a year ago, a disobedient person submitted a memorial, which angered the emperor."

Zhao Zongquan nodded slightly. This matter had caused quite a stir and was the starting point of Jiang Zhao's rise to fame; it had already spread throughout the world.

"After that incident, the officials deliberately set aside some time for the Emperor to have children, but to their surprise, it was completely ineffective."

Thus, the officials, who had long been suppressing their anger, grew increasingly impatient, culminating in a recent joint remonstrance by all of them. The Emperor was furious and intended to adjourn the court, but unexpectedly, the leading official, Grand Chancellor Fu Bi, grabbed the Emperor's robe, preventing him from leaving.

Upon hearing this, both Zhao Zongquan and Zhao Ceying were taken aback.

I knew the calls for establishing an heir would be loud, but who knew they would reach this level?

"After this incident, the emperor and his ministers fell out, and the emperor skipped court several times." Jiang Zhao sighed, looking sorrowful and compassionate: "The emperor doesn't hold court, and the ministers don't govern. What can be done about the country and its people?"

"Jiang felt that the matter of establishing an heir could not be dragged on any longer, so he submitted a secret proposal on establishing an heir, which was intended to allow the emperor to establish an heir on his deathbed. Thus, the matter of summoning six members of the imperial clan to the capital came about."

"I see!" Zhao Zongquan sighed, and said nothing more.

The Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong are very powerful, so if he keeps a low profile, theoretically there shouldn't be any major problems!

He was a descendant of the founding emperor and had always been cautious and timid, so he had virtually no presence.

The matter of the throne is none of his concern!

Today's update is 12,000 words.

Chapter 64. Having served as an official for less than a year, he rose to the rank of fifth grade! (Two chapters combined)

End of June.

As dawn breaks, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

All the civil and military officials, as well as members of the imperial family and ministers, wore solemn expressions.

About a hundred steps ahead, there is an altar made of three layers of white marble. Along the imperial road, there are dragon patterns and sea beasts, which are very majestic and noble.

The altar is surrounded by stone railings, with interlocking pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes, and decorated with red steps. There is a yellow brick stove with a blazing charcoal fire.

The three sacrificial animals, five kinds of grains, and ancient sacrificial vessels were all neatly arranged.

A little further ahead from the altar is the main hall of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, which enshrines the emperors of the Zhou Dynasty and the ministers who were honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple during the last hundred years of the dynasty.

Those who are honored with a place in the ancestral temple of Emperor Taizu are: Grand Tutor Zhao Pu and Grand Secretary Cao Bin.

Those who were honored with a place in the ancestral temple of Emperor Taizong were: Xue Juzheng, Minister of Works, Grand Commandant, and Chancellor; Pan Mei, Chancellor; and Shi Xizai, Grand Chancellor.

Those who were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple of Emperor Zhenzong were: Li Hang, Grand Commandant and Chancellor; Li Jilong, Chancellor; Wang Dan, Grand Tutor and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat; and Wang You, Grand Tutor.

During the nearly one hundred years of the Great Zhou Dynasty, only nine people were granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

At the Imperial Ancestral Temple altar, Emperor Zhao Zhen wore a black and red imperial robe, embroidered with twelve symbols including the sun, moon, mountains, dragons, and pheasants, and had twelve tassels on his head, making him appear solemn and dignified.

Empress Cao wore a dark blue robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with pheasants and phoenixes, and a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes on her head. Her demeanor was graceful and noble.

The emperor, empress, civil and military officials, and members of the imperial family all stood with their hands at their sides, without making a sound.

After a while, the bells and chimes rang out in unison.

"when!"

With a clear, resonant chant, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices rose and announced, "The auspicious hour has arrived—"

"Welcome the gods!"

After the song ended, the chime bells played a long melody, and the six members of the royal family who were expected to be adopted walked to the front and knelt down in worship.

Grand Secretary Han Zhang rose, presented the memorial text, and then withdrew.

"By the late Emperor Zhenzong!"

Holding the eulogy, Zhao Zhen solemnly read: "In the third year of Jiayou, I, considering the supreme importance of the imperial regalia and the ancestral temple, have selected six virtuous and wise members of the imperial clan—Zhao Yunqi, Zhao Yunyuan, Zhao Yunchu, Zhao Zongquan, Zhao Zonge, and Zhao Congshi—to enter the capital for observation and training. The most outstanding among them will have their names recorded in my will, one to be brought to the inner court, and the other to be kept on my person."

In future years, when the time is ripe, I will entrust the regency and the state to a capable minister, verify the imperial edict, and support a member of the imperial clan to succeed to the throne. I pray that our ancestors in Heaven will bless him with benevolent and filial governance, a thorough understanding of rites and music, and a clear and efficient administration, ensuring the longevity of the nation.

When Zhao Zhen named a member of the imperial clan, that member would kowtow deeply.

After the eulogy was read, the body was thrown into the fire to be burned.

Zhao Zhen held a jade goblet and performed the wine offering ceremony.

Several members of the imperial family followed Zhao Zhen's movements closely, not daring to make the slightest mistake, and carefully completed the ceremony.

This ceremony is a modified version of the previous ceremony for establishing an heir or successor.

Because of the secret succession law, the ceremony was held first, and then the name of the crown prince was officially appointed.

Once the ceremony is completed, the names on the two imperial edicts will officially take effect the moment they are shown to the officials, without the need for a complicated and time-consuming ceremony of designating an heir.

The chime bells played a long, continuous melody.

"when!"

With a resounding chime, Grand Chancellor Fu Bi presented two imperial edicts that had been prepared beforehand.

These two imperial edicts were made by soaking specially made dragon robes in Phellodendron bark juice until they turned white, which has an excellent insect-repellent and sterilization effect.

The edict was about three feet long and about one foot wide, and its contents concerned the matter of establishing an heir apparent.

The methods for establishing and judging an heir are recorded in great detail.

Apart from some template-like content regarding the establishment of an heir apparent, both edicts deliberately left a blank space in the center, specifically reserved for writing the name of the heir apparent.

All six members of the imperial clan turned their gazes toward the throne, and even Zhao Zongquan, who had never intended to vie for the throne, couldn't help but take notice.

That simple imperial edict contained immense allure, making it impossible to look away.

After a few breaths, two eunuchs lifted the imperial edict, unfurled it, and walked towards the officials, showing it to them so that they would know what the edict looked like.

Many officials breathed a sigh of relief.

Even if they don't know who the crown prince is, at least they have a legitimate heir!

Zhao Zhen looked at the six members of the imperial clan and solemnly instructed them: "You are all wise men among the imperial clan. If someone ascends the throne after my death, you must, according to the agreement, bestow titles, such as king or duke, upon the other members of the imperial clan."

The six men bowed in unison and said respectfully, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Zhen nodded, took a few steps forward, and walked step by step with Empress Cao into the main hall of the Imperial Ancestral Temple to worship the ancestors and virtuous officials of past dynasties.

The ceremony was grand and took almost a whole day to complete.

Wende Hall.

All the civil and military officials, as well as members of the imperial family and ministers, gathered together.

A sacrificial ceremony completely calmed people's hearts.

At least, no one dared to offer any advice anymore.

Emperor Zhao Zhen ascended the throne, folded his sleeves, and scanned the area below.

When his gaze swept to the middle section of the civil and military officials, Zhao Zhen's eyes lingered for a moment.

All the civil and military officials noticed this, and some of them would turn around to look over from time to time.

Jiang Zhao!

No one could have imagined that such a conflict between ruler and subject, which often leads to discord, could actually be resolved in a way that satisfies both sides.

He has chosen an heir, but keeps it a secret!

To come up with such a method, one not only needs a novel solution, but also a certain amount of courage.

Changing the ancestral method of establishing an heir is quite rare.

Jiang Zhao's heart stirred slightly, but his demeanor remained calm and composed.

Where is the Hanlin Academy Reader?

As expected, Zhao Zhen called out.

"Wei Chen is here."

Jiang Zhao quickly stepped forward and walked ahead.

During this time, all the officials watched with interest, and the six members of the imperial family had different expressions.

Regardless of who ascends to the throne and becomes the one whose name is "legitimate" in the imperial edict, they will all remember Jiang Zhao's kindness and be very grateful for the "secret succession law" that Jiang Zhao spoke of.

After all, one thing at a time.

A peaceful transition of imperial power is quite rare.

Once you successfully rise to power, your mindset will be completely different.