Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 1272 Epilogue: The Battle of the East Palace ()

The Chang Dynasty is different from the ordinary morning Dynasty. It pays more attention to etiquette. Even if there is such a big event that shakes the court, the ceremony officer does not dare to neglect it after reacting. With a loud whip, the palace suddenly returns to silence.

At the same time, everyone's eyes were focused on the emperor and the prince. Although it was only a short moment, many people's palms were already soaked with sweat.

Finally, after reading the memorial, the emperor raised his head and thought for a moment. What made many people's hearts sink was that the emperor did not order everyone to discuss, but directly looked at Yu Shiyue who was aside.

"Yu Xingbu, you are the Minister of the Prince's Mansion. You know best how the Prince is doing."

"Wang Tianguan said that the prince is suffering from madness. Please depose the prince. In your opinion, can the prince still be the heir apparent now?"

It has to be said that the situation in the court often changes rapidly.

Yu Shiyue, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishments, had been serving as a minister in the Prince's Mansion since the prince came out to study. Even after the Nangong Incident, the emperor did not remove him from this job.

And this Yu Shangshu has always tried his best to protect the prince in the court. Over the years, even if many people are on the opposite side of him, he has not changed his position at all, and has blocked countless open and covert arrows for the prince.

Therefore, in the eyes of the court officials, Yu Shiyue is undoubtedly a die-hard princeling.

In this situation, the emperor was the first to ask Yu Shiyue, and his intention was almost obvious and couldn't be more obvious.

However, after the emperor's words fell, many sensitive ministers present immediately cheered up and smelled the breath of hope again.

This question seemed ordinary, but it revealed a key piece of information, that is, the emperor did not deny that the prince was suffering from madness.

Although this fact was well known to everyone in the court, the emperor never admitted it in public.

Moreover, the emperor's question at the end was also quite intriguing.

What does it mean... In your opinion, is the prince still worthy of being the heir apparent?

The information revealed by the word "still" made many people feel excited. Does the emperor's words mean that he felt that the prince could be the heir to the throne before, but now he has hesitation?

If you think about it further, the emperor has always refused to depose the prince. Has he also considered how to arrange Yu Shiyue, an important minister in the court...

You must know that in the past few years, Yu Shiyue had tried his best to protect the East Palace. Even when the situation in the court became increasingly unfavorable to the prince, he still did not change his original intention.

However, in the eyes of many people, there are only two reasons for him to do this. The first is that he is reluctant to follow the throne. Although the prince is weak, he is still the crown prince. Even if it is difficult now, as long as he can survive it, he can successfully ascend the throne. , then, Yu Shiyue, an old minister who never left the prince at his lowest point and was always loyal, will be the first contributor.

Of course, in today's court, the situation facing the East Palace is getting worse and worse, and this possibility is becoming smaller and smaller. Therefore, more people tend to believe that the reason why Yu Shiyue has been trying his best to protect the East Palace is to take into account his own reputation. After all, since the prince came out of the cabinet, he has been the official of the prince's palace. Others in the court advocated deposing the prince. If he advocated the same, he would inevitably be regarded as a duplicitous person by Shilin.

You know, in the past few years, many people have impeached the crown prince. However, Xu Youzhen was the only one who was demoted several levels and directly sent out of the capital because of the impeachment of the crown prince. And the reason why he was punished in this way was that the Central Committee of the DPRK But no one interceded for him. A large part of the reason was because he was an official in the East Palace, but he impeached the prince on such a huge crime as unfilial piety and unrighteousness. This behavior made many people in the court look down upon him.

If these speculations are true, then when the emperor asked this question, he not only had the intention to depose the prince, but also hinted that Yu Shiyue should cut off from the East Palace as early as possible.

After all, as Yu Shiyue is the official of the Prince's Mansion, if even he agrees to depose the Prince, it will be enough to show that everyone in the court has the same intention, and it will be more justifiable to depose the Prince.

At the same time, from Yu Shiyue's point of view, the East Palace was already on the verge of collapse. This time Wang Wen proposed that the prince should be deposed, which undoubtedly pushed the struggle to a fierce level. In addition, the Sacred Heart has begun to change. , if Yu Shiyue still objects at this time, it will not only be a head-on war with Wang Wen, but also a violation of the emperor's will.

He was already the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, one of the Seven Ministers, and was not a humble official. To put himself in danger in order to achieve the feat of Conglong, which was almost foreseeable and would definitely not be achieved, was not something that a wise man would do.

As for the Shilin Style Review, over the past few years, Yu Shiyue's hard work has not turned a blind eye to everyone in the court. He persisted for so long without giving up, which is enough to show his character. Now the emperor has asked him personally, so, Even if he softens his attitude, it will not cause much criticism.

As a result, many people's eyes were focused on Yu Shiyue, and even other important ministers who were standing aside also looked at him...

Facing the gazes from all directions, Yu Shiyue was silent for a moment and stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has certainly behaved inappropriately. However, the throne of the Eastern Palace is based on the order of elders and young children. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the eldest grandson of Emperor Xuan Zongzhang. For one thing, His Majesty is in the prime of his spring and Autumn period. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince may have a minor illness. , but it is already getting better. What’s more, there are still ministers in the court to assist the emperor. Therefore, I believe that the prince should not act lightly and the prince should not be easy to change. I hope your majesty will think twice."

After saying these words, many ministers present could not help but show a trace of regret in their eyes.

They did not expect that Yu Shiyue would eventually choose to stand on the rickety ship in the East Palace. However, it only took a short moment for them to regain their spirits.

Because compared to Yu Shiyue's attitude, the emperor's attitude is obviously the most important. At least the sentence just now shows that the emperor is leaning towards something. With this in mind, it actually doesn't matter where Yu Shiyue stands.

However, just as the ministers below were gearing up, planning to show off their skills, and vying to win a support, the emperor did not take his eyes away from Yu Shiyue, but said thoughtfully.

"I have heard before that the term 'princeling' is used in the court, which means that the ministers in the East Palace do not seek state affairs, but seek the interests of the East Palace and become friends with each other. Yu Xingbu, is this possible?"

???

As soon as the words fell, the palace suddenly fell into deathly silence.

After a brief daze, those ministers who had originally planned to stand up and charge into the battle couldn't help but feel ecstatic in their hearts.

You know, everyone in the court knows that the emperor is most afraid of the troubles of cronyism. Since he ascended the throne, whether in public or in private, he has warned the ministers of the court countless times that the country, the country, and the country should be the most important thing in everything. Form cliques and collude with each other.

But now, the emperor openly calls out the word "princeling", which shows that the old man is not just shaken, but has made up his mind with high probability.

However, facing such accusations, although Yu Shiyue's face was a little heavy, he did not show any fear. Instead, he stepped forward and knelt on the ground and said.

"Your Majesty clearly knows that I have been ordered to assist the Crown Prince. This is my duty. Everyone in the East Palace agrees with this. The so-called princeling party is just a rumor from outside. I support and protect the Crown Prince to fulfill my duties loyally to Your Majesty. As for the word "party", In fact, the prince is nothing.”  “It is nonsense to say that the minister does not seek state affairs, but seeks the interests of the East Palace. The prince is the crown prince of the country, and all affairs in the court are related to the prince. They are state affairs. I will do my best to assist the East Palace. I will do my best, but I will act with a clear conscience.”

"Even when I was planning for the East Palace, it was because there was a villain in the court who framed the prince, and I had no choice but to fight back. Even so, what I did never violated the laws of the Ming Dynasty, nor did I ignore the imperial court and the country, and did not start a party dispute... …”

As he spoke, Yu Shiyue straightened up, took off the black gauze on his head, placed it respectfully in front of him, kowtowed and said.

"If your Majesty does not believe it, I am willing to send you to prison and wait for the judicial officer to verify it to make it clear!"

Ah this...

There was a burst of low discussion in the court hall. No one thought that the emperor had already hinted to such an extent. Yu Shiyue still pretended not to know, and would rather go to jail than abandon the East Palace. For a moment, All the ministers present, regardless of their stance, couldn't help but feel a little complicated.

The official fired his whip again, and the ministers became quiet. Then they looked up at the Emperor. After all, Yu Shiyue was the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments and an important minister of the Seven Ministers. Although he was still trying to protect the East Palace, it was obviously against the law. He went against the holy will, but no one is sure whether the emperor will be angry because of this and really lock him up in prison...

However, just when all the ministers were waiting for the result, the emperor suddenly abandoned Yu Shiyue who was kneeling on the ground, turned to the prince who bowed his head and said nothing, and asked.

"Prince, what do you think of this matter?"

It has to be said that the emperor's thoughts are becoming increasingly difficult to grasp.

You know, what is being discussed now is the matter of deposing the prince. If you ask the prince himself about this topic, how should he answer it?

In this situation, if you say no, it means you are clinging to power. If you say yes, it seems to be the result of the officials forcing you to bully the prince.

The best answer is just that I have poor moral character, I will make more improvements in the future, and then bring the topic back to the topic again. What’s the use...

Of course, since the emperor asked the question, he had his own intention, and the ministers could only look at the prince nervously. However, if anyone noticed the important ministers below at this time, they would find that there was no trace of nervousness in their eyes. On the contrary, There was a faint sigh.

So, in full view of everyone, the prince came to the front of the palace, bowed and said.

"Back to Your Majesty, it is not for my nephew to discuss the matter of the Eastern Palace Reserve. However, regarding the draft that Hu Shangshu just mentioned, my nephew wants to ask for a favor from your Majesty."

Uh……

Ministers, you look at me, I look at you, I feel more and more confused.

The development of this matter is so unconventional. First it was His Majesty, then Yu Shiyue, and now even the Crown Prince is like this. The discussion is obviously about the Eastern Palace Reserve, so what kind of draft is suddenly mentioned?

The ministers below were confused, but Wang Wen, Yu Shiyue and other important ministers at the front did not look surprised when they heard this, and they seemed to be expecting it.

Therefore, in official circles, people often cannot understand the direction of things, often because their position is not high enough...

In such a strange atmosphere, Zhu Jianshen didn't have any special expression, but bowed respectfully and said.

"When the dragon in the capital was in trouble, I had the honor to go out with His Majesty to inspect the situation of the people. On the way, I rescued an orphan girl. With Your Majesty's grace, I brought her back to the palace to serve. Although I was young, I always had a crush on this girl and always planned to stay. When we are older and discussing marriage, I will start the memorial to Your Majesty again."

"Unexpectedly, before I turned fifteen, my father died, so I didn't dare to say anything. Now, the Ministry of Rites has reported that I want to be selected for my selection. I am afraid that if I don't report it again, it will be too late. Today, all the ministers are here. I sincerely ask your majesty to give me the gift." Due to my grace, I am willing to appoint her as my royal concubine, and when the period of filial piety is over, the wedding will be held."

???

There was silence in the hall, and a series of questions floated over the heads of countless ministers.

Isn’t this turning point so amazing?

where is this place?

The main hall of the Forbidden City, Fengtian Hall!

What time is it now?

This is a critical time to discuss deposing the prince!

Under such circumstances, the prince actually proposed to marry a palace maid as his concubine?

You know, although the Ming Dynasty did not value family status as much as other dynasties, it at least had to be the daughter of an innocent family, and this was only the standard for selecting concubines.

The crown prince and his concubine will have their mothers to honor the world in the future. Even if family status is no longer important, they must at least come from a scholarly family.

As for palace maids, to put it bluntly, they are just slaves. Although in the past, slaves could be given the title of concubine if they were lucky enough to do so, but that was all based on the mother's worth. However, there has never been a precedent for a palace maid who did not even have a good name to be a mother to the world. …

At the moment, the ministers were in a commotion, and many ministers who were quick-thinking were already preparing to march out.

No matter what the purpose of the prince's words was, once these words came out, there was no doubt that the ministers in the court would feel that the prince was limited by the love of his children and did not care about his family, country and country.

This is a good opportunity to criticize the prince, so no matter what the other party's purpose is, this opportunity must not be missed!

However, what was even more unpredictable was that before they had time to speak, they heard the emperor snorted coldly and said.

"absurd!"

Immediately, the emperor seemed to be a little angry, and he suddenly stood up from the throne, turned around, and walked away... fell...

(End of this chapter)