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

Chapter 105 The Royal Family's Reaction!

In officialdom, the most important thing is to pay attention to the actions of your superiors.

A casual remark from a high-ranking official may reveal the direction of policy.

For the nobles, officials, and civil and military officials of Bianjing, the emperor was their highest superior and the most important person.

Every move the emperor made revealed the direction of the political situation.

In particular, the secret succession law made the crown prince less visible, which made the emperor's preferences even more noteworthy.

The conversation in the Imperial Study, involving several imperial grandsons and other members of the imperial clan, has spread silently.

For a moment, all the civil and military officials, the crown prince and members of the imperial family fell silent.

Prince Yan's Mansion.

The dancers twirled gracefully, their light silk robes trailing on the ground.

The King of Yan stood with his hands behind his back, turning his head to look at his eldest son.

"You mean, the Emperor specifically summoned several younger members of the imperial family to give them experience and tests?"

Zhao Shiyi, a portly man, nodded and said, "His Majesty wants several members of the imperial clan to live in Xihe Road and submit a letter every month explaining what they have been doing. Jiang Xuanfu Envoy will submit a letter once a quarter, explaining what the imperial clan members have been doing."

"Is that so?"

The Prince of Yan put his hands behind his back and pondered for a moment.

The fact that the crown prince is not prominent does not mean that there is no competition among the members of the imperial family.

Several members of the royal family were candidates for the throne.

The throne is the prize to be fought over; who wouldn't be tempted by it?

The difference lies in the fact that the direction of competition has gradually changed.

In the past, when the two kings vied for power, the main competition involved accumulating strength and winning over court officials.

Because the emperor had no son, the two princes even showed signs of openly trying to win over court officials, becoming extremely arrogant.

However, since the six members of the imperial clan were summoned to the capital, the competition has subtly shifted to showcasing their abilities in hopes of gaining the emperor's attention and being chosen as the crown prince.

Building up strength and winning over court officials is certainly meaningful, but it's already difficult to influence the overall situation.

The existence of the secret succession law necessitates the process of "entrusting the orphanage to another family."

This gave powerful dukes and civil officials in purple robes the impression of sitting idly by, neither taking the initiative to choose sides.

Ultimately, who would risk their life and fortune for a one-in-five chance of success if they could secure their power?

It's possible that someone hasn't achieved success or fame.

The powerful dukes and high-ranking officials were all figures of great power and prestige.

Thus, officials with real power naturally remain seated on the sidelines, unwilling to participate.

Without winning over high-ranking officials of the third rank or above, no matter how much power the five members of the imperial clan accumulate, it will be difficult to influence the overall situation.

Furthermore, the secret succession law gave the emperor the opportunity to renege on his decision.

The title of Crown Prince can be changed at will.

Even the edict establishing the heir apparent may have had its name changed several times.

Today, the only way to win the throne is to demonstrate the wisdom and virtue of the imperial family.

As for whether they are wise or not, the members of the imperial clan are currently about the same, with little difference between them.

The meeting in the Imperial Study, during which the Emperor specially sent a younger member of the imperial clan to Xihe Road for training, must have been related to the decision on the position of Crown Prince.

"The Emperor's move is likely to ensure that the Great Zhou Dynasty will produce two generations of wise rulers!"

After a long pause, the Prince of Yan spoke up and made a definitive statement.

Five members of the royal family were chosen, and he was selected as a wise and virtuous ruler. This was already a wise and virtuous ruler.

The frontier tests the younger generation, which means selecting outstanding imperial grandsons.

In that case, wouldn't they be two generations of wise rulers?
"Father."

Zhao Shiyi's plump figure trembled, his eyes darting around in panic, as if he were afraid of ruining things.

Having lived a wealthy life since childhood and being the eldest son of a prince, he really had no goals to strive for.

If one lacks patience in reading, one's ability to learn characters will be limited to memorizing words, making it difficult to even pass the imperial examinations.

Practicing martial arts is too much for someone of your precious health; how can you endure hardship?

Of the five younger members of the imperial clan, he was relatively mediocre.

If the Emperor truly intends to choose the heir apparent based on the abilities of the imperial grandsons, he will definitely be a hindrance.

"No hurries?"

The King of Yan's expression darkened.

In the past, it didn't matter that his son was mediocre. Little did he know that this would be a decision that could affect the throne.

"Judging from the official's words, it should be that Jiang Zhao was put in charge of observing and testing."

The Prince of Yan instructed, "Jiang Zhao is indeed a virtuous minister who has expanded the territory. Once you enter Xihe Road, you must restrain your temper and avoid offending people recklessly."

Time was short, and these were the only solutions he could think of for the time being.

Compared to mediocrity, stupidity is undoubtedly more unpleasant.

"Father, rest assured."

Zhao Shiyi nodded quickly.

He's mediocre, but not stupid.

Now that we know this is a test, and we know who the examiner is.

He certainly wouldn't offend the examiner.

Prince Yong's Mansion.

Prince Yong looked troubled.

He really had no idea how to make his son stand out.

He is a prince, but he is only a prince.

His hand wasn't stretched out particularly far.

We can't let someone betray the country and be implicated by the eldest son, thus gaining merit for their actions.

hiss~!

Guangqin Residence.

In a small wheat field, Zhao Zongquan held a rake, poking and prodding the wheat, lost in thought.

"Father, this is wonderful news!"

Zhao Ceying, in her late twenties, was full of energy and ambition.

He is of royal blood, his grandfather was once trained in the palace, and his father was one of the six members of the imperial clan who were expected to be made crown prince.

Such an experience could not help but ignite his passion.

There are countless members of the imperial family in the world. My father has become one of the candidates. We have already come this far. Who wouldn't want to make something of themselves?
"shut up!"

Zhao Zongquan threw down the rake in his hand, his face grim.

“I have neither connections nor reputation or talent. What’s the point of fighting?” Zhao Zongquan retorted angrily.

"Father."

Zhao Ceying had heard her father's words countless times.

"Father, this is a secret selection of an heir!"

"When Jiang, the Pacification Commissioner, presented the secret method, the Emperor specially selected six members of the imperial clan, and Father was one of them. Now that Zhao Yunchu has passed away, Father is one of the five!"

"The secret method of establishing an heir, entrusting the young emperor with the foundation of the dynasty. Whether one has connections or a reputation, it doesn't affect the overall situation!"

Zhao Ceying argued her case based on reason.

Once you inherit the throne, you become the emperor!
He desperately wanted to help his elderly father ascend the throne!

Zhao Zongquan shook his head repeatedly: "How can someone of the Taizu lineage be qualified to inherit the throne? The Emperor specifically summoned me to the capital, probably to ease the tension between the Taizu and Taizong lineages. Ceying, the lives of over a hundred people in Yuzhou rest on our shoulders, so please don't be foolish!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ceying was taken aback.

Yes!

The bloodline of the founding emperor!
Even the father himself didn't think there was a chance to compete.

Zhao Ceying's eyes lit up, and he said, "In that case, I should perform even better."

"Hmm?" Zhao Zongquan looked surprised.

If they don't keep quiet, what are they trying to prove?
"Why?" Zhao Zongquan couldn't help but ask.

“Even my father believed that the bloodline of the founding emperor was not destined for the throne, so the other members of the imperial clan must have thought so too.”

Zhao Ceying waved his hand, his spirit soaring: "Since Father is not destined to inherit the family business, whether I try my best or not will not affect the overall situation."

No one cares about the bloodline of the founding emperor.

Almost everyone believes that this person was specially chosen by the emperor to ease the relationship between the two lineages of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong.

In this way, Zhao Ceying can naturally give it her all.

Anyway, he is a descendant of the founding emperor!
This excuse always works.

Zhao Zongquan was taken aback.

Can this be done?
(End of this chapter)