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

Chapter 538 His Majesty the Emperor Leaves His Loyal Forbidden City
Being able to serve in the Southern Study is an excellent opportunity for the princes to elevate their status!

The arrival of the Third Prince and the Eighth Prince was tantamount to forcing a lemon into the mouths of the other princes.

That tangy and refreshing taste, you have to try it to know.

But despite their sour feelings, no one dared to show their envy, jealousy, or hatred on their faces.

After all, everyone understands a fundamental truth:

What the emperor gives you is yours; if the emperor doesn't give it to you, you can't just take it by force.

But just at this crucial moment, when the Emperor was arranging the remaining guards, someone suddenly jumped out and shouted:

"I want to enter the Southern Study too!"

This guy must have gotten his head caught in a door when he woke up this morning!
Suddenly, all eyes in the Hall of Supreme Harmony turned to this courageous man.

Even the usually composed Shen Ye couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and look over, a hint of amusement creeping onto his lips.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that the speaker was the eldest prince!
He looked sincere and earnest, as if he were ready to sacrifice his life for the country at any moment.

Emperor Qianxi was taken aback for a moment, then sighed silently to himself:

Boss, when are you going to get rid of this impatience?

With such a mindset, how could she possibly outmaneuver the increasingly stable Crown Prince?
Moreover, he and the Crown Prince had already reached a private agreement on how to arrange things for the eldest prince.

Although the Crown Prince has already prepared the provisions and pay, the real event is his oversight of the country.

The problem of the eldest prince must be dealt with in advance.

As the emperor, I cannot break my promise just because you added a scene at the last minute, can I?

Thinking of this, Emperor Qianxi looked at the eldest prince and asked in a deep voice:

"Yes, what makes you think you deserve to be in the Southern Study?"

The eldest prince's expression changed several times, and finally he clasped his hands in a solemn gesture and said:

"Father, although I am somewhat lacking in ability, I have a heart full of sincerity to share your burdens!"

"I can't guarantee anything else, but as long as I'm allowed into the Southern Study, I'll definitely lead my brothers to protect this empire for Father Emperor!"

"I beg you, Father, to grant me this opportunity!"

In fact, the eldest prince had been harboring a grudge for a long time: why was I not included in the Southern Study?
Even if the Crown Prince is in charge of the country, wouldn't it be better for me, his number one rival, to stay and keep an eye on him?
It's so frustrating that I can't even get such a good opportunity! That's why he impulsively spoke up in court.

At this moment, all the ministers remained silent and obedient.

When it comes to matters of power struggles among princes or the sensitive issue of regency, anyone who speaks up is asking for trouble.

A single wrong word could lead to utter ruin, so everyone wisely chose to remain silent.

Emperor Qianxi's gaze swept from the eldest prince over the other princes, finally landing on Shen Ye's face, and he suddenly smiled:

"Your Highness, your elder brother has volunteered, showing his filial piety. What do you think?"

Shen Ye was speechless:

Didn't we already reach an agreement on the matter of the eldest prince? Why are you asking me for my opinion now? You're not thinking of backing out, are you?

Although he was inwardly complaining, he remained outwardly calm and composed: "Your subject obeys Your Majesty's decision."

That sounds reasonable, but anyone with a brain can hear the coldness in it.

Emperor Qianxi understood instantly:

If the Crown Prince is willing to make concessions on the matter of the First Prince, then it's time to praise the eldest brother a few times.

They would then say some polite things like, "I have no objection to my elder brother overseeing the country," and might even feign modesty.

But the Crown Prince disagreed, directly retorting with "Let the Emperor decide," clearly a reminder to the Emperor:

Do you still respect our agreement?
Emperor Qianxi tapped his finger lightly on the imperial desk, making a decision in an instant.

He looked at the eldest prince, his tone indifferent:
"I am pleased that you have this intention. But it is a pity that you are not capable enough."

"Here's what we'll do: you go back to your residence and study behind closed doors. I'll test your knowledge when I return from my campaign."

Having said that, he turned his gaze to Prince Yu of the Imperial Clan Court:

"Prince Yu, arrange for the Imperial Clan Court to keep a close eye on the Crown Prince's studies. Without my order, he is not allowed to go out on his own."

The eldest prince was completely dumbfounded!
I'm offering to help you out; if you feel I'm not capable enough, you can simply refuse!
Or you could say something like, "My son, if you're so willing, then come with me on this expedition!"

But what is this? Studying behind closed doors? Isn't this just another form of confinement? I…

"Father! Your son... Since your son's knowledge is insufficient, you are not worthy to serve in the Southern Study. I beg Your Majesty to allow your son to accompany you on the expedition!"

The eldest prince was anxious; he didn't want to be locked up again.

Although going on a campaign is dangerous, being by the emperor's side might allow one to achieve some merit and perhaps even turn the tide.

Looking at his aggrieved eldest prince, Emperor Qianxi thought to himself: Where were you all this time?
If you request to go to war first, I might be able to help you get on the good side with the Crown Prince.

But now you first made a fuss about entering the Southern Study, and only after being refused did you change your mind and say you wanted to go on an expedition. How can I agree to that?

He glanced at Shen Ye again and found that the Crown Prince was looking down, his expression unreadable, as if everything in front of him had nothing to do with him.

The more this was the case, the more Emperor Qianxi felt he could not easily overturn the agreement with the Crown Prince.

"Guards, escort the eldest prince back to his residence to study." Emperor Qianxi no longer hesitated.

The imperial guards, who were already waiting, swarmed around him with smiles on their faces: "Sir, please—"

The eldest prince's eyes dimmed completely.

He never imagined that his passionate attempt to "share his father's burdens" would end up like this.

Little did he know that his fate had already been clearly arranged before the Lunar New Year.

The reason Emperor Qianxi didn't punish him was simply because he wanted him to have a good New Year.

As the eldest prince was dejectedly "invited" out of the main hall, the atmosphere in the court immediately became heavy.

Although the courtiers were full of doubts, they also realized one thing: the emperor was quite supportive of the crown prince who was acting as regent.

Because Emperor Qianxi was about to embark on a military campaign, the court session didn't discuss much. After the routine ceremonies were completed, the announcement of the adjournment rang out. For most officials, the adjournment meant they could go home and rest.

But for high-ranking officials of the third rank or above, today's "main event" has only just begun.

The emperor, about to leave the capital, would certainly not let his last days in the city slip by.

After a short rest, the ministers rushed to the outside of the Qianqing Palace.

The imperial audience is about to begin.

Crown Prince Shen Ye naturally followed along.

From this moment on, he will become the "temporary master" of the Forbidden City.

Before the emperor began his audience with the emperor, Emperor Qianxi had many things to say to him.

Sure enough, Shen Ye was summoned into the Qianqing Palace as soon as he arrived.

Emperor Qianxi was leisurely sipping tea when he saw Shen Ye enter. He smiled and invited him to sit down.

"Your Highness, do you know why I allowed the Third Prince and the Eighth Prince to enter the Southern Study?"

Shen Ye rolled her eyes inwardly: What else could it be? It's just that they're wary of me!

But you can't say that directly, or you'll really break off relations.

So he replied respectfully:

"Father was worried that I would be overwhelmed and unable to manage alone, so he specially sent two brothers to help me."

"Not bad!" Emperor Qianxi said with a fatherly expression.

As the saying goes, "When fighting a tiger, you need your own brothers!"

“Those people in the Southern Study are all as cunning as foxes. I’m afraid you’ll be fooled by them, so I’m sending the Third and Eighth Princes to keep things under control for you!”

"With their help, those old foxes like Tong Guowei will have to behave themselves! They won't be able to fool you anymore."

He patted Shen Ye on the shoulder, speaking earnestly:
"You are the Crown Prince and the heir apparent. You must lead your younger brothers well and shoulder this responsibility of overseeing the country steadily."

Shen Ye immediately put on a grateful expression:
"Your Majesty has shown great foresight and made such thorough arrangements for me. I will certainly devote myself wholeheartedly to fulfilling Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Emperor Qianxi nodded in satisfaction: "I'm relieved that you think this way!"

"By the way, after I leave, you should move into the East Palace. The Forbidden City can't be left unattended."

"Although your Prince Qingqiu's mansion has a very nice environment and is very comfortable to live in, when it comes to safety, the palace is still more secure."

Shen Ye did not refuse this arrangement.

With the emperor absent and the capital's defenses weakened, it would indeed be more appropriate for the crown prince to remain in the palace.

Moreover, once the emperor leaves, he will be much more at ease in the palace.

"My son obeys the order!"

Emperor Qianxi then gave some further instructions, and finally his expression turned serious:
"Your Highness, Jiangnan must not be allowed to descend into chaos! I hope that when I return, those rebel armies will have already been quelled!"

"If the rebels cannot be wiped out in a short time, the matter of officials and gentry in Jiangnan paying taxes together should be put on hold for the time being."

"Don't push too hard, lest something unexpected happens."

He paused and then said:
"Tong Guowei may not be a man of exceptional talent, and he is not a capable minister in governing the country, but he is experienced and reliable in handling affairs."

"With him around, nothing serious will happen."

Shen Ye didn't expect that the topic would eventually circle back to Jiangnan.

He understood immediately and solemnly replied, "Father, rest assured, I will remember this."

The father and son had a heart-to-heart talk that lasted half an hour.

During the subsequent imperial audience, Emperor Qianxi gave many instructions to those who remained behind.

Although the emperor's words were all the same, every single one of them revealed his concern and worry about the affairs of state after he left the capital.

Even the longest admonitions eventually come to an end.

After the court session ended, Shen Ye left the Forbidden City and returned to the Prince of Qingqiu's residence.

No sooner had he left than Emperor Qianxi summoned the Third Prince and the Eighth Prince to the Qianqing Palace for a banquet.

Only Liang Jiugong served at this small banquet, and few people in the palace knew about it.

The fireworks on the Lantern Festival illuminated half of Beijing.

Beneath this dazzling light, many people have already begun to make plans:
The emperor's absence will last at least six months, and the crown prince, who will oversee the country, will assume imperial power.

What kind of performance will the crown prince deliver when he truly takes charge of the government, given his outstanding performance last year?

In the Mingzhu Mansion, Kui Xu was reporting to his father about the situation of the imperial audience.

After listening, Mingzhu smiled and said, "Your Majesty is just worried."

Just as Kui Xu was about to reply, a servant rushed in to report: "Master, an imperial edict has arrived!"

Kui Xu hurriedly said, "Father, please wait a moment, I will go to receive the imperial decree."

The messenger looked troubled: "My lord, this imperial edict... is for the old master."

Kui Xu's expression immediately turned sour.

After the imperial decree was read aloud, his expression turned even more grim: "Father, why does His Majesty want you to accompany him on this expedition?"

Mingzhu gazed at the increasingly dazzling fireworks outside the window and said calmly, "Would you believe me if I said he trusts me?"

I was speechless for a moment.

Mingzhu let out a long sigh.

Just then, a deafening roar ripped through the night sky, and a huge firework burst into bloom, illuminating the entire heavens.

Tomorrow is coming!
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(End of this chapter)