Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

Taizong walked around the two of them and said, "Recently, many ministers have written letters, urging me to establish a prince to stabilize the country." Taizong turned to look at Defang. Defang didn't show any expression at this time, just stood there and listened. , So Taizong said again, "I already have a decree here, and I want to hear the opinions of the two of you."

At this time, Defang and Yuan Kan looked at each other again, not understanding Taizong's meaning, Yuan Kan asked, "The appointment of the crown prince is the decision of the father, no matter who the father decides, the ministers and the prince will obey."

Taizong smiled inexplicably, took out the imperial decree from a gold box and said, "Look at it before answering me."

Defang took the imperial decree and slowly opened it. Yuan Kan also leaned closer to take a look. After the two saw the content, Yuan Kan stepped aside in fright. Fang opened his eyes wide in surprise, and his forehead was sweating. This imperial decree was what Empress Song said. It was written in handwriting by Emperor Taizu before his death. The content was the same as what Empress Song had told him. moon.

Defang's hands trembling while holding the imperial decree, he looked up at Taizong "Your Majesty"

Taizong looked at Defang and said, "Does the imperial nephew think this decree should be announced?"

Defang was shocked, knelt down immediately, and kowtowed deeply, "Your Majesty! I dare not"

Taizong walked up to Defang, "Don't dare? How about I announce it for you?"

Defang kowtowed, "Your Majesty, I will die."

"Nephew, this is the imperial pen of the late emperor. How can I go against the will of the late emperor?" Taizong said

"Your Majesty, this is already a thing of the past. I never knew about it, and I don't want to know about it. I implore Your Majesty to take back the imperial decree." Defang panicked.

"Hey, but I also want to abide by the Golden Chamber Alliance established by Queen Mother Du." Taizong pretended to sigh

"Your Majesty, the name of the subject is not above the oath, the elder brother of the subject is dead, and the covenant is over," Defang explained

"Oh? The nephew's words are also reasonable, but this decree..." Taizong looked at Defang

Defang rolled up the decree, put his hands on his head and said, "I have never seen such a decree before."

Taizong picked up the decree, slowly put it back into the golden box and said, "I don't know what the decree is." Turning to Defang, he said, "So I want to make a decree now. I don't know if my nephew Defang can choose For my reference?"

Defang was already sweating at this time. He thought that Emperor Taizong called himself and Yuan Kan to come here. In addition to warning himself not to want to be the prince, Yuan Kan's arrival was for the prince's business, so he said, "Your Majesty, I feel that the birthday The king has the virtue of a prince, and he can be worthy of a heavy responsibility."

Taizong smiled and nodded, "Well, my nephew and I have the same ideas, and Yuan Kan is indeed the best candidate."

At this time, Yuan Kan witnessed and heard a series of things just now, and he was stunned for a long time in surprise. He only recovered when he heard his name. He looked at Defang and Taizong and said, "Father, my son is mediocre, I'm afraid... "

"Hey, I think you are very good. Kou Canzhi and many important ministers also think so. Now your brother Wang also recommends you. I believe there will be no mistakes. Hahaha, okay, then it is decided like this, you two go down and rest Taizong sat on the chair with satisfaction and nodded to the two of them.

Defang and Yuan Kan withdrew from Chongzheng Palace, they walked outside the palace gate in silence, two sedan chairs were parked on both sides, guards and horses all saluted, Yuan Kan looked at Defang and said, "Brother Wang, what happened today. . . ”

"Yuan Kan, remember, nothing happened today" Defang looked at Yuan Kan

Yuan Kan held Defang's hand, "Brother Wang! But you"

Defang also held Yuan Kan's hand tightly, "Yuan Kan, this may be the last time Brother Wang called you like that, do you remember what I said to you? Brother Wang will definitely help you and never let you get hurt"

"Brother Wang!" Yuan Kan was deeply moved, his eyes flushed

In September, Shou Wang Yuan Kan was conferred the crown prince, and the canonization ceremony was held that month, establishing Taizong's final successor. Yuan Kan changed his name to Zhao Heng and moved to the East Palace.

Prince Zhao Heng came to Defang after the state banquet, and Defang saluted Zhao Heng, "Congratulations, Your Highness the Prince."

Zhao Heng put his hand on Defang's and nodded to him and said softly, "From now on, I will also protect Brother Wang."

Zhao Heng and De Fang drank a glass of wine, looked at each other and smiled, never going against their hearts.