Emperor Deqing's desire to support the seventh prince Zhu Hejian to succeed him as crown prince has long been an open secret, but it has not become a fait accompli after all, and there will always be variables before the dust settles.
Therefore, if Zhu Hejian wants to ascend to the throne smoothly without any danger, he must do the following two things.
First, he must stay in the center of the capital and accompany Emperor Deqing, not only to consolidate the holy family, but also to respond quickly to unexpected situations;
Second, we must maintain our own image, reduce political opponents, adhere to the principle of doing less, making fewer mistakes, and not doing well, and try to reduce resistance from the top;
Given the current situation in the temple, as long as Zhu Hejian does these two things, he will naturally rise to power smoothly and become the ultimate beneficiary.
But now, Zhou Shangjing just said a few simple words, but they may destroy these two points at the same time - not only will the seventh prince Zhu Hejian stay away from the center of the capital and Emperor Deqing, but it will also make Zhu Hejian fall into a situation where he does too much, makes too many mistakes and offends many people.
in the quagmire.
At the same time, Zhou Shangjing also asked Prince Zhu Heyu, who had been far away from the center of the temple, to return to the capital early...
When these factors are combined, the replacement of the crown prince may become complicated.
Therefore, it is no wonder that the officials were in an uproar after hearing Zhou Shangjing's statement.
At the same time, officials were also speculating that Zhou Shangjing's proposal was obviously intended to suppress Zhu Hejian's rise to power, and he also secretly gave Zhu Heyu a hand. Could it be that... Zhou Shangjing was doing this blatantly?
Involved in the fight for the crown prince?
Moreover, who did Zhou Shangjing choose to support, or Zhu Heyu, who is now in danger?
This is obviously an even bigger variable! It’s like thunder on the ground!
*
During this period of time, due to the acquiescence and connivance of Emperor Deqing, Zhu Hejian's temple power has been in conflict. Not only has it won the support of the vast majority of Qingliu officials, but also a large number of political speculators have pledged their support and taken the opportunity to annex
Most of the forces and party members of the former chief minister of the cabinet Shen Changmao, such as the cabinet minister Cheng Yuandao, the young master Zhang Cheng, the Minister of Rites Lin Wei, the right capital censor Lu Chunxiao and other important officials in the court have now become him
The crowd formed an extremely astonishing official power!
To this day, all forces believe that Zhu Hejian's rise to power is the general trend, so they call this force the "New Prince Party."
If we put aside the actual power and only talk about the momentum, the "New Prince Party" is no less inferior to the Zhou and Zhao parties!
At this time, as Zhou Shangjing's words fell, the officials of the "New Prince Party" all smelled the danger, and immediately changed from their previous taciturnity. Everyone looked angry, and did not wait for Emperor Deqing to express his position.
They came out one after another to express their opposition.
"Your Majesty, I believe that Zhou Shoufu's advice is very inappropriate! Although His Highness the Seventh Prince has an outstanding reputation and is convinced by all parties, he is only a prince after all. According to the ancestral teachings of our dynasty, princes are not allowed to participate in politics and are not suitable for this role.
Such an important responsibility.”
Zhou Shangjing's prestige was so great that ordinary officials would not have the guts to confront him face to face, but Cheng Yuandao, as a cabinet minister, naturally had the responsibility to be the first to stand up and express his attitude at this time.
Following Cheng Yuandao's lead, Lin Wei, Zhang Cheng, Lu Chunxiao and others also agreed.
Zhang Cheng's attitude was very fierce and he said loudly: "Your Majesty, there is no rule without rules. Our ancestors have taught us first. We must not set a precedent like this!"
Lu Chunxiao, on the other hand, presented the facts and spoke loudly: "Your Majesty clearly knows that although the seventh prince is of noble character and intelligent, he is ultimately inexperienced. Even if the prince's sensitive identity is put aside, he cannot suddenly become so incompetent.
The foreboding lets him take on the heavy responsibility!”
Later, Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites, had a righteous look on his face: "Your Majesty, I believe that what Zhou Shoufu said is ridiculous and is suspected of harming the country! I will die to remonstrate with you, and I hope that your majesty will punish him for the crime of confusing the public with his evil words!"
"
Zhou Shangjing's proposal was very abrupt, and he did not consult with the "Zhou Party" in advance. The "Zhou Party" officials were inevitably a little slow to respond at this time, and did not provide timely support. As the "Xintai Zi Party" officials responded,
One after another expressed their opposition, and the opposition was everywhere in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. For a while, Zhou Shangjing's momentum was actually at a disadvantage.
In the past ten years or so, Zhou Shangjing has been in power and glory, and this situation is rarely seen anymore.
Emperor Deqing was originally angry with Zhou Shangjing's speech. After all, he had been laying the groundwork for nearly half a year to support Zhu Hejian's rise to power, and he was about to succeed. However, he did not expect that Zhou Shangjing suddenly jumped out to sing the opposite at this time, making Emperor Deqing even more angry.
Medium burn.
However, after seeing the enthusiastic performance of the "New Prince Party", Emperor Deqing couldn't help but feel stunned, but suddenly discovered that-unknowingly, the temple power of the Seventh Prince Zhu Hejian had become so amazing.
.
"If it hadn't been for what happened today, I'm afraid I still wouldn't be able to see that Lao Qi's influence on the previous dynasty was already so huge. Before he became the new prince, he could have so many important officials of the court working for him. If
He has become the true prince, and I am afraid that his power will further increase, and he may be able to overwhelm Zhou and Zhao in one fell swoop... Although it is a coincidence, this method is extraordinary... But in this situation
In front of me, he has never shown such means and ambition..."
As he was thinking secretly, Emperor Deqing's mood became more and more complicated, and he didn't know whether he should be happy or worried for a moment.
However, just like Cheng Yuandao, Zhang Cheng and others, Emperor Deqing did not want Zhu Hejian to be responsible for investigating the clan affairs. This was obviously a rotten quagmire, and Zhu Hejian was the heir to the throne that Emperor Deqing favored.
You should never get involved.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing quickly turned his attention to Zhou Shangjing again, with unabated anger in his eyes, staring closely at the changes in Zhou Shangjing's expression, trying to understand Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts.
In fact, although Emperor Deqing and Zhou Shangjing had been fighting openly and covertly for many years, there were many tacit understandings between them. The most important one was that Emperor Deqing would not easily use force against Zhou Shangjing, and neither would Zhou Shangjing.
Intervene in the change of imperial power.
Over the years, it is precisely because of this tacit understanding that Zhou Shangjing has never expressed any opinions on the replacement of the crown prince.
In the view of Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing's behavior clearly crossed the line.
However, what surprised Emperor Deqing was why an old fox like Zhou Shangjing suddenly did such a crazy thing? Didn't he plan to retire and return to his hometown peacefully?
Therefore, as the opposition voices of the "New Crown Prince Party" subsided for a while, Emperor Deqing said slowly: "What you dear ministers said makes sense! Zhou Shoufu's suggestion is indeed a bit ridiculous. From all aspects, Qi
The prince is obviously not the right person to be responsible for investigating the affairs of the clan!...Zhou Shoufu, before you made such a suggestion, didn't you think about the pros and cons? Or are you already confused?"
Emperor Deqing's words were mainly to test Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts, but he had been repeatedly provoked to anger by Zhou Shangjing just now, and his words were somewhat loaded with guns and sticks, with a vague intention of counterattack.
Next, if Zhou Shangjing does not give him a reasonable explanation, then Emperor Deqing may have to reconsider the choice of the chief minister of the cabinet on the grounds that Zhou Shangjing is "old and confused".
At this time, in the face of the numerous objections from the "New Taizi Party" and the sarcasm and counterattack from Emperor Deqing, Zhou Shangjing's expression remained as calm as ever, and he said slowly: "Your Majesty, I also know that my suggestions are somewhat inappropriate.
, The seventh prince’s identity is sensitive and he is inexperienced, so he is not the perfect candidate to investigate the clan... However, other than the seventh prince, I really can’t think of a more suitable person to take charge of this matter!”
After speaking, Zhou Shangjing slowly raised his head, with an expression that was half-smiling but not smiling, and looked at the officials of the "New Crown Prince Party" who were rushing to oppose him just now, and said: "Since the 22nd year of Hongwu, we have been responsible for clan affairs.
The clan mansion is no longer in existence, and all affairs of the clan clan have been transferred to the Ministry of Rites... Lin Shangshu, you are the head of the Ministry of Rites. If the court wants to investigate the suspected crimes of clan clans in various places, it is within your responsibilities. Otherwise,
How about I leave it to you to take full responsibility?"
As he spoke, Zhou Shangjing's eyes were fixed on Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites.
Lin Wei, who had been impassioned just now, "remonstrating with death" and saying that Zhou Shangjing would be severely punished for his "monstrous words that harmed the country", was suddenly startled.
Anyone can see clearly that investigating the clan is a thankless mess with endless troubles. As a core member of the "New Crown Prince Party", Lin Wei is certainly unwilling to let the seventh prince Zhu Hejian get involved. He himself
He also had a respectful attitude.
Therefore, Lin Wei quickly shook his head and said: "How can a lower-level official be able to take on such an important task if he has few talents and little prestige? What's more, the Ministry of Rites is only responsible for taking charge of the clan roster, writing the imperial genealogy, and recording the births, deaths, and successor positions of the clan members' children.
It is just a matter of ascending the throne, funeral and posthumous title, etc., and only forwarding the report request of the clan to His Majesty. It does not have the power and responsibility to convict the clan members, so how can it be responsible for this matter? It is absolutely impossible! It is absolutely impossible!"
After hearing Lin Wei's excuse, Zhou Shangjing did not pursue him fiercely. He just nodded lightly, then turned his attention to several officials from the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the Ministry of Punishment, and Dali Temple, and asked: "Now, according to the investigation of His Royal Highness,
"Many of the clan's crimes are within the purview of the Three Law Divisions. How about leaving the investigation of the clan to an important minister from the Metropolitan Procuratorate, Dali Temple, and the three major yamen of the Ministry of Punishment?"
Following Zhou Shangjing's inquiry, several officers from the six gates turned pale, and they quickly thanked him and expressed their refusal.
Among them, Du Bai, the censor of Zuodu of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, and Zhang Bochong, the minister of the Ministry of Justice, were both close confidants of Zhou Shangjing. At this time, they roughly guessed some of Zhou Shangjing's ideas, and they all made statements one after another to cooperate with Zhou Shangjing.
Du Bai was the first to say: "What Zhou Chief Fu said is inappropriate. Everyone in the Metropolitan Procuratorate once had close contacts with His Royal Highness. If the Metropolitan Procuratorate is responsible for taking over this matter, the clans in various places will probably still be dissatisfied!"
Lu Chunxiao, the censor of the right capital of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, hesitated for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, what Mr. Du said is reasonable. The Metropolitan Procuratorate is not suitable to come forward in this matter, and it is unable to handle it properly."
On the other side, Zhang Bochong said: "Your Majesty, although the Ministry of Punishment is jointly called the Three Law Departments with Dali Temple and the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the powers and responsibilities are somewhat different. The Ministry of Punishment is mainly responsible for criminal decrees and reviewing criminal names, and it is'
Pay attention to big things and do small things. Nowadays, the crimes of clans in various places are still controversial, and the Ministry of Punishment is not suitable to take over this matter!"
Fang Shiwen, the minister of Dali Temple who has always been neutral, hesitated for a moment and said a fair word: "Your Majesty, I believe that foreign ministers are not suitable to be responsible for investigating the crimes of clan clans in various places. It is inevitable that they are timid and hesitant to look forward and backward. This matter
After all, it is more appropriate to leave the matter to someone from the clan or a relative!"
After seeing the successive statements from the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Department of Three Laws, Zhou Shangjing nodded slightly again and said to Emperor Deqing: "Your Majesty, this is the situation now. The Ministry of Rites and the Department of Three Laws do not dare to take over this matter, and it is not convenient for the prince.
His Highness was ostracized by clans from various places. As for the East and West Second Factory and Jinyiwei, they were closely related to clans from various places, so they did not seem to be the best choices... In this way, there were not many suitable candidates. The veteran thought about it.
, In the end, I still feel that His Highness the Seventh Prince is responsible for taking over this matter. Although it is not the perfect candidate, it is still the best choice at present, so I will recommend His Highness the Seventh Prince to take over this matter. I hope His Majesty will learn from it."
After hearing Zhou Shangjing's explanation, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but fell silent again.
At the same time, after seeing the reactions of the courtiers, Emperor Deqing's anger aroused by Zhou Shangjing became more intense. He felt that these courtiers were completely irresponsible and did not know how to share their worries. By the way, they also destroyed Deqing's morality.
In particular, the performance of Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites, and Lu Chunxiao, the Imperial Censor of the Imperial Procuratorate, deeply disappointed Emperor Deqing - they were obviously supporters of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, and it stands to reason that they should bravely stand up for Zhu Hejian at this time.
I'm sorry, but they still only wanted to protect themselves when the situation came to pass. They never thought about whether their actions would endanger Zhu Hejian behind them. Such knowledge and responsibility are simply useless!
Emperor Deqing only felt that today's court meeting was simply unsatisfactory. With Zhou Shangjing's repeated disruptions, the situation had completely deviated from his original expectations.
However, Emperor Deqing would not let Zhu Hejian take over the investigation of the clan under any circumstances, otherwise his plan to replace the throne would inevitably run into complications.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing suppressed his displeasure, and after thinking for a moment, he suddenly turned his attention to Zhao Junchen, who had been silent, hoping to break the deadlock with Zhao Junchen.
So Emperor Deqing asked: "Zhao Aiqing, why are you silent? This is inconsistent with your past behavior. Tell me what you think."
To be honest, the development of the situation in today's early dynasty was not only completely out of Emperor Deqing's control, but also completely out of Zhao Junchen's expectations.
From just now, Zhao Junchen's heart has been racing, thinking about Zhou Shangjing's true purpose for his abnormal performance today. He does not think that Zhou Shangjing's repeated deliberate provocations and angering Emperor Deqing are just unintentional, but Zhou Shangjing's true thoughts are really hidden.
It was too deep. Even if Zhao Junchen racked his brains, he couldn't guess the truth this time.
Hearing Emperor Deqing's roll call, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but smile bitterly. Before seeing the development of the situation clearly, he was really unwilling to express his attitude for fear of being plotted against.
Therefore, after Zhao Junchen came out of the queue, he pondered for a moment, and then adopted a "discussing the matter as it happened" attitude: "Your Majesty, I think what Zhou Shoufu and his colleagues said are reasonable. I can't make up my mind for a while... It doesn't matter, let's
Invite His Highness the Seventh Prince to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to hear his own thoughts?"