Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 662 The Duties of the Crown Prince

In the Palace of Mercy Ning, the Empress Dowager Sun sat on the couch, looking coldly at the seemingly respectful Huai En opposite her, but hesitated for a moment in her heart.

Although she didn't want Zhu Jianshen to leave with her, Wynn's words, although they were threats, had to be said to be somewhat reasonable.

For more than a year, she has been running around for Zhu Qizhen's affairs, working hard every day, which can be regarded as having a little grasp of the imperial court's regulation process and the general situation in the court.

Since this imperial decree has been counter-signed by the cabinet and the six divisions, it means that it has officially become the sacred order of Jun Wuji.

The so-called emperor wants his ministers to die, and the ministers have to die. No matter how noble the prince is, he is also a minister in front of the emperor.

Wynn's words are not just threats, but more like statements of fact.

Strictly speaking, refusing to accept this decree means resisting the decree and not obeying it!

Of course, the crown prince was young, and everyone in the court knew that this kind of decision could not be made by the crown prince, but could only be made by her, the Queen Mother.

The emperor can deal with the prince, but he can't deal with her, so she tried to prevent Zhu Jianshen from accepting the order just now.

When the order was not accepted, if she, the Queen Mother, prevented it, she would be responsible, but if she did not follow the order after receiving the order, it would be the prince's responsibility.

Therefore, what really made Empress Dowager Sun hesitate was Wynn's last few words. The procedures of the cabinet and the six departments, on the one hand, symbolized the authority of the imperial court, on the other hand, it also meant that the news had spread.

In the court, if one wants to keep a matter secret, the fewer people who handle it, the better. However, an imperial decree, from the drafting of the cabinet, to Shang Baosi, the seal of the supervisor of rituals, and then to the countersignature of the Sixth Division, pedestrians The Secretary announced the decree.

It went through several yamen, at least a dozen officials, and it was completely impossible not to leak the news.

As Huai En said, nowadays, those ministers in the capital are afraid that someone has already rushed outside the Nangong Palace, and they are waiting for the prince to go to pay their respects.

If the crown prince didn't show up for a long time, then the label of disloyalty and filial piety must be removed, and that would be the real trouble!
After pondering for a moment, Empress Dowager Sun finally made a concession, said.

"It's fine to let the prince go to Nangong with you, but it's not necessary to pay your respects every day. The prince is young and has to work hard every day, so it may be inappropriate."

"What's more, when the Supreme Emperor returned to Beijing, he already said that the crown prince does not have to worry about the morning and evening, and you should tell the emperor what Aijia said."

It should be said that this is already a step down for myself.

Of course, Empress Dowager Sun knew about Zhu Qizhen's edict, but the palace was strictly guarded, so she didn't know what Zhu Qizhen meant for a while.

However, no matter what, she believed that Zhu Qizhen's original intention was not to involve the prince.

Based on this, in Empress Dowager Sun's view, Zhu Qiyu's imperial decree can be regarded as his counterattack against Zhu Qizhen.

The Supreme Emperor asked him to go to Nangong to pay his respects. He wanted to lose face as the emperor, so he started to toss the crown prince backhandedly.

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether the crown prince really manages to save the morning and evening, as long as the crown prince follows his will and goes to Nangong today, then the Supreme Emperor will lose all face.

It's fine for his own son not to be filial to his knees, and he doesn't follow his own will, but listens to his uncle's, which is undoubtedly a slap in the face for him.

However, the matter has come to this point, and Empress Dowager Sun has no other choice, because the emperor has done enough. In fact, before Wynn came to the Palace of Compassion, there was no choice in this matter.

Therefore, what Empress Dowager Sun can do now is to preserve Zhu Jianshen as much as possible.

However, she obviously forgot how bad her attitude towards Wynn was just now.

Although Eunuch Huai is a 'servant', he is not a 'gentleman' like Cheng Jing, he bowed slightly, and put the imperial decree in his hand on the case in front of the prince, said.

"Holy Mother, don't worry, your ministers will definitely report back to His Majesty exactly what you said."

"However, when the ministers came, His Majesty also had a few words to tell the ministers to the Holy Mother..."

While speaking, Huai En straightened his waist, looked at Queen Mother Sun without any shyness, and said.

"Your Majesty said that when you are in the position, you should manage your own affairs. The crown prince is in the position of reserve, shouldering the hope of the people of the country, and he has his own responsibility. Brothers and friends in the family are respectful, and filial piety is in full swing. Then the monarchs and ministers in the world are orderly, and the world is safe. This is also the position of the crown prince."

"What the Holy Mother said just now, the Supreme Emperor exempted His Royal Highness from the morning and evening of the crown prince. This was a licking of the calf, but what the minister wanted to remind the Holy Mother was that what the Supreme Being exempted was the etiquette of His Highness as a son of man. What cannot be avoided is His Highness's duty as the crown prince."

After a few words, Empress Dowager Sun's complexion had already turned livid.

Wynn smiled, and before the other party got angry, he cupped his hands and said.

"The courtiers have nothing to say, please forgive the sin of the Holy Mother, the prince's car is ready, and the courtiers are outside the palace, waiting for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

After all, no matter how Empress Dowager Sun reacted, she saluted, took two steps back, and exited the Palace of Compassion and Peace.

As the group of people brought by Huai En filed out, there were only a group of confidantes brought by the Empress Dowager Sun left in the Nuan Pavilion of the Compassionate Ning Palace.

At the same time, Wan Zhen'er and others who were kneeling also got up one after another. Tan Chang and Liang Fang tacitly led a few palace servants to clean up the mess in the warm pavilion, while Niu Yu and Wan Zhen'er went forward. After walking two steps, he came to Queen Mother Sun's side.

However, before they could speak, Empress Dowager Sun sighed, her originally hesitant look gradually calmed down, and ordered.

"Zhen'er, go down and get ready. Starting tomorrow, every morning, let the prince go to Nangong to pay his respects. After returning to the palace, he will review his homework."

Wan Zhen'er blinked her eyes, with a troubled look on her face, she hesitated to move, she wanted to say something, but she knew her identity better.

After all, she is just an ordinary court lady, so she has no qualifications to speak on such a big event, but, after listening to these words, she looked at Zhu Jianshen with deep worries after being with her for a long time. and distressed.

On the other hand, Niu Yu, because of her profound qualifications, was selected by the Queen Mother Sun to escort the Eastern Palace, so she pondered for a moment and said boldly.

"Holy Mother, should you reconsider this matter? The Qianqing Palace has made it clear that they are dissatisfied with the Supreme Emperor and are deliberately venting their anger on His Highness the Crown Prince. I believe that the ministers of the government and the opposition will not fail to see this, not to mention the Supreme Emperor. It's the will, His Highness is still young, why not..."

While talking, Niu Yu observed the expression of Empress Dowager Sun, and saw that the other party's face was getting darker, so she lowered her voice knowingly.

The Snapper fell into silence, and the atmosphere was oppressive and stagnant.

A moment later, a slight sigh sounded, and Empress Dowager Sun supported her forehead and said.

"You don't need to say it. Of course that Wynn has bad intentions, but he has a good saying. As a prince, there are some things that cannot be escaped..."

While talking, Empress Dowager Sun seemed to remember something, with a sneering look on her face, she didn't know whether it was for Niu Yu or herself.

"The ministers of the outer dynasty, can they see it, so what?"

With another sigh, Empress Dowager Sun turned to the ignorant little doll and yelled.

"Brother Shen!"

Although Zhu Jianshen had seen Empress Dowager Sun's stern expression when he was not doing well in his studies, this was the first time he had seen such a solemn expression.

The little man subconsciously felt a little uneasy, and said timidly.

"Grandma..."

Empress Dowager Sun smiled, and wanted to put her hand on Zhu Jianshen's head, but when she stretched halfway, she realized that although she was a small person in front of her, she was already wearing a crown.

So, her hand paused and landed on the latter's shoulder, her voice was gentle and firm.

"From now on, you must always remember that you are the crown prince of Ming Dynasty, the crown prince of the imperial court. You bear the hope of all people in the world, and you also entrust the expectations of Aijia and your father. This road is not easy to walk. , but you have to go well, understand?"

Zhu Jianshen seemed a little frightened. He looked at his grandmother without blinking, and then turned his head to look at Niu Yu and others and Sister Wan who had been with him all the time.

However, no one gave him any reminder and help this time.

In his ignorance, he hesitated for a moment under Empress Dowager Sun's awe-inspiring gaze, then knelt on the ground in a proper manner, and said.

"The grandson would like to follow the teachings of the emperor's grandmother."

"Okay, let's go..."

So, Empress Dowager Sun nodded, signaled Zhu Jianshen to get up, and then watched him walk out of the palace gate.

The sky is getting brighter, and the warm sunshine of early spring hits the Compassion Palace through the windows.

With Zhu Jianshen's departure, more than half of the people in the Nuan Pavilion were reduced, and there was a commotion outside, and several loud words "the prince will drive" could be vaguely discerned.

Empress Dowager Sun sat on the couch without saying a word for a long time. After a long time, a helpless sigh sounded in the slightly empty hall, which echoed for a long time...

From Compassionate Ning Palace to Nangong, the fastest way is to cross Fengtian Palace, exit Donghua Gate and arrive at Nangong.

However, on the one hand, it is out of the intention of stabilizing the ruling and opposition parties, and on the other hand, it is also out of rules. This time, the crown prince's ceremonial car came out from Xihuamen, then circled east, passed Chengtianmen Square, and passed through Chengtianmen Square. Donghua Gate leads to the outside of Nangong.

Strictly speaking, this is the first time that the crown prince has used the ceremonial vehicle with such fanfare since he was canonized. Naturally, it has attracted everyone's attention, especially, beside the crown prince, he is accompanied by the recently famous ceremonial inspector, Dang Huai'en.

Those who know the inside story can of course see the back and forth infighting, but the middle and low-level officials who don't know it can't help but feel that the Tian family is harmonious and happy.

In Qianqing Palace, there is no need to go to court today, so Zhu Qiyu's time is relatively loose. Just after breakfast, the small side door outside was pushed open silently. Immediately afterwards, Shu Liang, the admiral of Dongchang, who was dressed in python clothes, came in, respectfully He came to the front of the imperial court, knelt down on the ground, and said.

"I would like to report to the emperor, the slaves have already done what you ordered, and Eunuch Huai En has also received His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and is now rushing to Nangong."

Zhu Qiyu was leaning on the couch and sipping tea. Hearing this, he put down the teacup in his hand, with a complicated expression on his face.

After a while, he waved his hand to signal Shu Liang to get up, and then Zhu Qiyu also got up, walked slowly to the gate of the palace, and finally stood on the porch. In the faint morning light, his gaze seemed to penetrate the thick The imperial city fell into the Nangong.

If there is no accident, the crown prince should have arrived by now...

"What's the reaction outside?"

It should be said that Shu Liang has been by the emperor's side for some time. As the admiral and eunuch of the East Factory, Shu Liang is best at observing words and expressions.

Therefore, from the moment he entered the palace, he was keenly aware that the emperor was in a bad mood.

Although I don't know why, but sometimes, intuition is often the most accurate.

With caution in mind, Shu Liang cautiously followed behind. Hearing the emperor's question, he didn't dare to hesitate too much. He only organized his words a little, and then spoke cautiously.

"Going back to the emperor, Eunuch Huai'en went to the cabinet to draw up an order yesterday, and he didn't deliberately let people keep it secret. Today, he prepared a ceremony and drove to the Palace of Compassion, and he didn't avoid people, so the news spread quickly."

"It is said that when His Royal Highness's ceremonial car left the Xihua Gate, there were already many ministers waiting outside. They praised His Royal Highness for serving his father with filial piety and serving the emperor with loyalty. He is a model for all people."

Speaking of this, Shu Liang stopped, but these words obviously did not satisfy Zhu Qiyu, he frowned and continued to ask.

"anything else?"

Shu Liang's eyes flickered, and various thoughts swirled in his mind, but he didn't dare to neglect his words, and said carefully.

"As the emperor's will became known to the outside world, the edict of the Supreme Emperor last night was also spread, and now people are discussing outside, saying that the heavenly family is harmonious, that the Supreme Emperor and the Emperor are brothers, and that His Highness the Crown Prince took the initiative to share your worries. , at such a young age, he will be the heir apparent."

"The crown prince is in charge?"

Zhu Qiyu stood with his hands behind his back, looking towards the direction of Nangong, and softly repeated these four words.

Although the voice was soft, Shu Liang keenly felt that the emperor's mood was not right, and his intuition told him to be careful at this time, so he subconsciously held his breath, not even daring to let out a breath.

Zhu Qiyu was indeed in a bad mood, because what happened today reminded him of Zhu Jianji in his previous life.

To be honest, if he hadn't been forced to help him, he wouldn't want to torment Zhu Jianshen, a little baby.

However, as Wynn said in the Palace of Compassion and Ning, the prince has the responsibility of the prince. Since Zhu Jianshen has been pushed to this position, there are many things that he cannot avoid.

This was true for Zhu Jianji in the previous life, and it was also true for Zhu Jianshen in this life.

The identity of the crown prince is doomed that he will be involved in the court sooner or later, and it is also doomed that he will be unable to control himself for the rest of his life.

Even if it is not now, it will be the same when he leaves the cabinet in a few days.

The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, every word and deed, every action, is an example for the world!

Zhu Qiyu just stood like this, his eyes were always looking in the direction of Nangong, without moving at all, Shu Liang stood behind, and didn't dare to say a word.

I don't know how long it took before Shu Liang heard the emperor speak again, his voice was calm and calm, and said.

"Let Zhu Yi handle things more quickly. Since he has made up his mind, then don't delay any longer. If this continues, no matter it is for anyone, it will not be a good thing."

"According to the purpose..."

Shu Liang nodded, silently took two steps back, and hurriedly went to work.

However, until he left, he couldn't help but look back at the emperor.

At this moment, the sky suddenly broke, the sun rose, and a round of red sun struggled through the clouds, emitting strands of golden light, which looked warm and warm.

However, even under such a beautiful sunrise, Shu Liang could still feel the faint sadness that filled the whole body of the emperor...

Subtle, but real!

(End of this chapter)