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

Chapter 121 Change of Crown Prince!

Royal study room.

Zhao Zhen waved his hand, and all the eunuchs and palace maids withdrew.

At this moment, only the emperor and his subject remained.

Jiang Zhao quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty has trusted me and appointed me as the governor of Xihe for three years. I have always adhered to the four principles of securing the borders, ensuring the safety of the people, promoting culture, and strengthening the army."

First, pacify the Tibetans to secure the border; second, implement military-agricultural colonies to replenish border reserves; third, establish academies to civilize the barbarian tribes; and fourth, exchange fine horses to strengthen the border army.

Once the outline was drawn up, Jiang Zhao was about to explain it one by one, but Zhao Zhen, who was in the main seat, stopped.

Zhao Zhen sighed inwardly.

Although they were all around twenty years old, in terms of governance alone, the members of the imperial clan were far inferior to Jiang Zhao, by more than one level.

Even Zhao Ceying seemed quite inexperienced compared to Jiang Zhao.

"I am fully aware of the administration of Xihe Road," Zhao Zhen explained. "This time, let's not discuss the administration of Xihe Road."

Generally speaking, the performance review is often just a formality.

To truly understand the merits and demerits of governance along a route, how can a single performance review be sufficient?
Previously, the five members of the imperial family wrote a letter every month, from which much information about the current affairs of Xihe Road could be gleaned.

Xihe Road was originally a newly expanded territory, so there was nothing messy about it.

Since Jiang Zhao's overall strategy and planning are sound, that's enough.

In contrast, Zhao Zhen had a better topic to discuss.

Jiang Zhao bowed respectfully, secretly making plans in his mind.

If we don't talk about performance reviews, then what should we talk about?
Zhao Zhen pressed his hand down, got up, and took out the Book of Han from the corner of his desk.

He spent a full five years reading this book, the Book of Han.

They even read the book so much that the pages were a little wrinkled!

Jiang Zhao understood and slowly sat down.

From the moment he saw the Book of Han, he knew what the emperor intended to discuss.

Discussing the establishment of a successor!
Let's discuss the matter of the Holy Grandson!

“Back then, I had some concerns in my heart.” Zhao Zhen walked slowly and recalled, “I summoned you in private, and your words, ‘Perhaps the Crown Prince can be adopted by the Prince of Wei,’ dispelled all my concerns.”

Zhao Zhen turned around, his gaze intense: "In your opinion, which of the five members of the imperial clan is superior, and who is suitable to be adopted by the Prince of Wei?"

"I do not know," Jiang Zhao said, bowing his head and remaining silent.

"No matter what, this country and its people need someone to govern it. I have never spoken to anyone about the matter of the Crown Prince. Not even to Minister Han."

Zhao Zhen shook his head and said slowly in a deep voice, "If I need someone to advise me, it is only Minister Jiang!"

After speaking, Zhao Zhen looked at Jiang Zhao with a calm expression.

"The crown prince is the foundation of the state, and I dare not make a rash decision. Only His Majesty can decide." Jiang Zhao lowered his head and remained silent.

The moment the secret succession law was enacted, it was destined that the new emperor who ascended the throne would owe others a favor.

In particular, anyone who ascended the throne other than the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong owed him a great favor without exception.

After all, without a secret law for designating an heir, it would be difficult for others to come into the emperor's sights.

The teacher, Han Zhang, ranked first among all officials and was destined to be a minister entrusted with the care of the young emperor.

This fact destined the master and disciple to have rendered meritorious service in supporting the emperor, thus ensuring the continuation of their power.

In addition, he also achieved his first territorial expansion, which was a rare talisman.

Any emperor who isn't a fool would have to pay attention to the frontier.

Even more so, they certainly intend to expand their territory.

Thus, Jiang Zhao had no desire to actively interfere in the matter of choosing an heir.

If it succeeds, it will simply be icing on the cake.

If that doesn't work, then things will be difficult.

The effort and reward are disproportionate, which makes people unwilling to participate.

Such discussions involving the throne might even be recorded in the imperial court's daily records.

It's best to say less of what shouldn't be said.

Zhao Zhen sighed softly.

If these officials are determined not to say certain things, even if you ask them a hundred times, the result will be the same. "Then, tell me about the strengths of the five members of the imperial clan!" Zhao Zhen changed his questioning style, becoming much more tactful.

This is some experience he has accumulated since taking power.

They still needed to get certain answers, but if they were too direct, the ministers would not dare to answer.

Conversely, to put it more tactfully, some ruthless individuals even dare to discuss matters concerning the founding emperor.

Strengths?

Jiang Zhao frowned slightly.

In fact, he knew that Zhao Zhen had simply changed the way he asked the question.

However, he can answer this kind of tactful question!

"I have only heard and heard this, and I am afraid there may be errors or my understanding may be superficial. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense," Jiang Zhao replied cautiously.

The matter of the Crown Prince was completely unknown to others; indeed, only he, as the one who brought it up, had the opportunity to speak about it.

"I pardon you." Zhao Zhen waved his hand.

"Young Master Ce Ying is a man of great talent and strategy, brave and skilled in battle, and adept at winning over the hearts of his troops. He has the demeanor of Emperor Taizu."

"Young Master Zhong is strict in observing the law, conscientious in his duties, and dignified, much like Emperor Taizong."

"Young Master Shicheng is diligent, self-disciplined, hands-on, and resilient, showing the demeanor of Emperor Taizong."

"Young Master Shiyi is benevolent and loves the people. His benevolence spreads far and wide. He loves the people like his own children and has the demeanor of Emperor Taizong."

"Young Master Shiqian is a model of nobility, with keen insight and the ability to select the virtuous and capable, much like Emperor Taizong."

After speaking, Jiang Zhao sat down with his hands at his sides.

The five princes either possessed the demeanor of Emperor Taizu or Emperor Taizong.

In any case, they are all first-rate wise and virtuous people.

Emperor Zhao Zhen's eyelids twitched slightly. "You dare to boast about your strengths!"
Apart from Zhao Ceying, the others are all ugly and deformed, how dare they be worthy of the "Taizong Emperor's demeanor"?
Fortunately, Jiang Zhao's words roughly revealed the personalities of these "good grandsons".

Apart from Zhao Ceying, the rest of them lacked martial virtue.

The choice is quite clear.

This result was consistent with what Zhao Zhen had in mind.

Having already harbored some bias, this single statement amplified that bias.

"Someone come here," Zhao Zhen called out.

"Your Majesty." The Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonies immediately entered.

"Go." Zhao Zhen pointed outside: "Have someone bring the plaque from the Wende Hall."

The chief eunuch was startled and quickly bowed and withdrew.

Jiang Zhao was taken aback, stood up and bowed, saying, "This humble subject takes his leave."

In fact, he had a vague idea of ​​who Zhao Zhen would choose.

However, even if you guess it, you can only pretend you don't know.

He wouldn't gamble if there was even the slightest possibility of something being different.

Zhao Zhen nodded and waved his hand.

After leaving the palace, Jiang Zhao headed straight for the Jiang residence.

He barely rested during the ten-day journey from Xihe Road into Beijing.

Upon arriving in Beijing, he immediately began reporting on his duties and discussing the matter of establishing an heir apparent.

For a moment, it made one feel slightly tired.

Fortunately, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will have a three-month break.

After all, if he were to take over the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhang Fangping would have to vacate that position.

For Zhang Fangping to vacate his official position, he would have to undergo a major performance evaluation around May and be appointed by the Ministry of Personnel to be promoted to the position of Pacification Commissioner of Xihe Road.

Three months of vacation!

Jiang Zhao looked up and gazed into the distance.

It's really rare!

(End of this chapter)