The issue of succession is an unavoidable issue for any dynasty. The position of prince and half-king is related to the foundation of the country and must never be ignored. Even the newly emerging Later Han Dynasty had to put this issue on the agenda. Especially when Liu Zhiyuan is already quite old, even if he is not in a hurry, his civil and military subordinates will still be anxious for him.
At the beginning, when Liu Zhiyuan appointed a queen and conferred titles on princes and ministers, someone mentioned the matter of establishing a prince, but Liu Zhiyuan dismissed it lightly.
Initially, for Liu Zhiyuan, this was not a difficult decision. Liu Chengxun's status as the heir apparent had been established very early on. Even when he first proclaimed himself emperor and founded the country, there was probably no controversy on this point. However, , Liu Chengyou’s sudden rise became an unexpected factor.
In this era, anyone with a little knowledge knows what it means to be a prince who can fight and win wars. What's more, it's people like Liu Zhiyuan.
Originally, no matter from any aspect, Liu Chengxun was a qualified heir. His age, ability, and reputation were all suitable. However, he was too weak. In troubled times, this was a flaw.
Liu Chengxun's supporters naturally saw the threat posed by Liu Chengyou, especially Yang Bin. In fact, when Liu Chengyou defeated Geng Chongmei and just captured the two states of Lu and Ze, they secretly sent people to him on the grounds that they had few troops. It is said that Liu Zhiyuan tried to recall Liu Chengyou, but failed. Later, after entering Hebei, Liu Zhiyuan intended to recall Liu Chengyou, but he was also influenced by others.
Before Liu Chengyou came south, the public opinion against him in Beijing was accompanied by the trend of proposing the establishment of the East Palace. However, Emperor Liu Zhiyuan's attitude was ambiguous and he suppressed it.
After Liu Chengyou entered the court, the undercurrent of the dispute over the country's origins in Kaifeng City completely surged. It was just that it was covered up by the somewhat chaotic situation in Tokyo. Now, as the situation has eased slightly, some people immediately stood up and regained their control. Old question.
Inside the Chongyuan Hall, it was eerily quiet. The autumn wind penetrated through the doors and windows, and the coolness seemed to wake up the tired ministers in the hall. Even Feng Dao, the "drowsy" old guy, opened his eyes. He stared at the official who spoke in surprise.
When Feng Dao arrived in Tokyo, as expected, he was warmly praised by Liu Zhiyuan and treated well. He was appointed as Grand Master. Although he did not gain actual power, he was given the qualification to go to court to listen to and discuss government affairs. However, this old man is very knowledgeable. , very restrained, only listening but not speaking, basically not taking the initiative to express any opinions, and acting particularly deferential.
The official who went out to petition was named Wang Jingchong. Liu Zhiyuan came to Beijing and was appointed General Youwei, but he was in vain. This man had very senior qualifications. He was once the general of Li Siyuan, Emperor Mingzong of the later Tang Dynasty, and he was well appointed. By the end of the Tang Dynasty, he had not been able to get away with it. In the early years, he was neither promoted nor demoted. As for those in the later Jin Dynasty, he was not reused, and he often lamented that his talents were not recognized.
When Xiao Han took charge of the military affairs of the Southern Kingdom and established Li Congyi as emperor, Wang Jingchong actively defected to him and obtained a high-ranking official as the Hui Envoy with bribes. However, this man was very smart and had known that Xiao Han would not be able to defend the Central Plains. When Liu Zhiyuan was still in Luoyang At that time, he secretly sent someone to send money and registered his name with Liu Zhiyuan. After entering Bian, he was appointed an official.
Sensing the "weird" atmosphere in the palace, besides Wang Jingchong, there seemed to be more people behind him eager to try. After drinking some water to moisten his throat, Liu Zhiyuan slowly put down his teacup, looked at Wang Jingchong, and said, "It's Wang Qing. "
"It's my minister." Wang Jingchong lowered his head and spoke in a humble tone.
"Since the founding of the country, people have been admonishing me about the prince's affairs. Since Wang Qing mentioned this matter again in the court today, let's discuss it." Liu Zhiyuan didn't wait for a flurry of voice to be heard in the palace, and said calmly He looked at Wang Jingchong and said: "Since Wang Qing, among my descendants, who can be my heir?"
After saying this, the ministers became more energetic, and most of them looked at the Liu Chengxun brothers in front of them intentionally or unintentionally. Liu Chengxun was in high spirits and had abandoned his negative physical state. Liu Chengyou had an indifferent face, his eyelids were slightly drooped, and his body was relaxed. , as if he didn't hear it and didn't care. He was more Buddhist than Feng Dao.
Upon hearing the question, Wang Jingchong looked prepared. He lowered his head and opened his mouth: "The second prince, Chengyou, is wise in civil and military affairs, has great ambitions, has prospered the country, and has made outstanding achievements. He can be established as the crown prince."
As soon as Wang Jingchong said this, Liu Chengyou was slightly reserved, unable to maintain the state that it had nothing to do with him. He glanced at Wang Jingchong from the corner of his eye and was very surprised. He had no contact with this Wang Jingchong before, and even met him. I know. However, at this moment, in this hall, this person is so diligently recommending himself, is it to sell himself well?
For some reason, Liu Chengyou felt a little unhappy.
"Oh." Liu Zhiyuan responded, his eyes swept over Liu Chengyou, without stopping on him, and glanced around the courtiers: "Wang Qing thinks Chengyou should be appointed, what about the other beloved ministers?"
"I second the proposal! The second prince is brave and resolute. He has personally experienced Rongxuan and is a powerful hero. He can be his heir."
Somewhat unexpectedly, after Wang Jingchong, a group of people followed suit, saying that Liu Chengyou should be elected. Of course, there are also some people who firmly support Liu Chengxun, but their voices are much weaker than Liu Chengyou's.
Liu Zhiyuan, who was obviously a little surprised, automatically ignored the calls and looked at his two sons, observing their reactions.
Liu Chengxun's face turned pale, but he could not hide his astonishment. His hands tightly grasped the armrest, and his white knuckles showed that he was not calm. As for Liu Chengyou, he had regained his composure and just stood there silently. Nothing could be seen on his face, but the hands under the sleeves of his robe were subconsciously pinched together. And Liu Zhiyuan also believed that his second son was not as calm as he showed on his face.
Liu Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly and did not express his position for a while, letting the air in the hall settle for a while. When the atmosphere became more and more gloomy, he looked at Yang Bin and said, "Yang Qing, what do you think?"
Previously, powerful people like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang were very stable and did not speak. It can be said that the courtiers who stood up basically had no say.
Facing Liu Zhiyuan's inquiry, Yang Bin had a serious face, clasped his fists without hesitation, raised his voice very high, and firmly expressed his support for Liu Chengxun: "The eldest son is orderly, the eldest prince is modest, filial, lenient and courteous. If you are good at governing, you can become a prince!"
Yang Bin's reaction was not unexpected. After all, Yang Bin's friendship with Liu Chengxun had been going on for some years. Many people knew that he supported Liu Chengxun, including Liu Zhiyuan.
What was a little surprising was that Shi Hongzhao took the initiative to stand up, glanced at Liu Chengyou, and said loudly and slightly proudly: "I also think that the eldest prince should be established."
As soon as these two people spoke, the effect of Liu Chengyou's "overwhelming" advantage was immediately weakened. Those who supported Liu Chengyou, no matter how enthusiastic they roared, could not match the attitude of Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao and others.
"Privacy Guo, what do you think?"
Guo Wei's waist was slightly bent, his expression as usual: "The appointment of a crown prince is both a state matter and a family matter. Please give your Majesty's approval, and I will give my full support."
"Fengji, what about you?"
Su Fengji had wanted to speak for a long time. His shrewd eyes wandered around twice. Thinking of Liu Chengyou's previous show of kindness to him, he glanced at Yang Bin, took a step forward, and said respectfully: "I think that the second prince is very talented. , Your Majesty, we should be our heirs."
"Prince Wang, what do you think?"
Wang Zhang cupped his hands and answered more cautiously: "The matter of the crown prince cannot be rushed, but must be done with caution. Your Majesty is in the prime of life, so you can conduct more inspections of your two highnesses to determine the best candidate."
After listening to the opinions of several important ministers, Liu Zhiyuan's expression suddenly relaxed. He leaned back and leaned slightly on the throne. His eyes suddenly flew to Feng Dao, who was waiting with his head bowed: "Grand Master, what do you think, my two sons? Who is in charge of the East Palace?"
Feng Dao, who was below, was watching the melon-eaters with great interest when he suddenly heard the emperor's inquiry. He was very surprised. Could he express his opinion casually on such matters? Each of the two princes was easy to offend.
After thinking for a while, he walked out of the queue "tremblingly", his old eyes seemed to be even more cloudy, and said: "Your Majesty, I think that both Your Highnesses are outstanding people in the world and have outstanding talents. I am stupid, so I really don't care. Judgment, please His Majesty’s Holy Judgment..."
It is estimated that Liu Zhiyuan did not intend to hear an exact name from Feng Dao. After pondering for a while, he turned his head, looked at Liu Chengyou, looked at him, and asked quietly: "Erlang, most of the ministers in the court prefer you to be the leader." Prince, what do you think about yourself?"
At this time, everyone in the Chongyuan Hall paid attention to Liu Chengyou. This question put huge pressure on Liu Chengyou. Others didn't care, but Liu Zhiyuan's eyes made Liu Chengyou feel a little nervous.
At the beginning, Liu Chengyou was a little confused, confused, and confused, but as courtiers he knew and didn't know spoke out in support, he couldn't react. Perhaps not all of the courtiers who spoke just now could communicate well. Some of them followed the crowd and followed the crowd when they saw the opportunity. However, he did not believe that those people were impressed by his "domineering spirit".
Before this, he had no foundation in the court. It would not be too surprising if so many people voted to appoint Liu Chengxun. However, the reality is exactly the opposite. So many people were organized and worked together to support him as the prince. He didn't know it beforehand.
Praise and kill!
Someone is plotting against him behind his back. His eldest brother Liu Chengxun probably doesn't have the intention yet, so Yang Bin is the only one.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Yang Bin coldly. The man's face was calm, but Liu Chengyou always felt that there was a bit of pride in the corner of his mouth.
"Does my question embarrass you?" Liu Zhiyuan asked again, his tone slightly impatient.
He raised his eyelids, made slight contact with Liu Zhiyuan, and blinked hard. Liu Chengyou took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "Since ancient times, when it comes to establishing a heir, the eldest son has been given priority, followed by the virtuous. However, The sons and ministers are not as good as the eldest brother in terms of merit and virtue. The son has no virtue and dare not compete with his elder brother."
Liu Chengyou's deep voice was very steady, but when he finished his words, there was some uproar in the palace. Especially those who followed the crowd. Hearing what he meant, the righteous master no longer wanted to argue with his brother. Do you want to change your words?
"Your Majesty, my second brother is far more intelligent and resolute than me. Please make me the crown prince!" What was even more unexpected was that Liu Chengxun almost immediately followed Liu Chengyou's words and expressed humility.
Looking at his two sons, Liu Zhiyuan suddenly chuckled and said in an incomprehensible tone: "You two are so humble!"
After saying this, a look of exhaustion appeared on his old face, and Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand in disinterest: "I'm tired, I'll just come here today and retreat from the court!"
After saying that, he left without giving anyone any time to respond.
...
After going to court, Liu Chengyou did not go to the Privy Council, but went directly back to the mansion. On the way back to the mansion, his expression was gloomy. From the appearance of today's court, it was basically that he, Liu Chengyou, was interested in the East Palace, united with the courtiers, and presented himself to the prince. The position launched an attack.
Liu Chengyou has no control over what other people think, but what about Liu Zhiyuan?
"Your Highness, Tao Ji wants to see you in this matter!" After returning home, before he could take a sip of water, Li Chongju came to report.
"Bring him in!" Liu Chengyou couldn't suppress his anger.
After Wei Renpu was assigned to the Privy Council, Tao Gu couldn't sit still. This man was very interesting. When he met Liu Chengyou, he gave him a "hint". In order not to favor one thing over another, Liu Chengyou also worked for him. Gu was appointed to Shizhong due to his previous qualifications.
Tao Gu probably came directly to Liu Chengyou after going to court. Before he entered the hall, he heard the sound of a porcelain cup breaking. He couldn't help but be shocked. He could imagine that Liu Chengyou was at this time. , how angry.
"Your Highness." After entering, Tao Gu called in a low voice after glancing at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground.
"You're here. Sit down." Liu Chengyou closed his eyes, took a few breaths, opened his eyes, looked at him, and said, "What do you think about the upward trend?"
"This is someone's plot." Tao Gu sighed and frowned: "Such a group discussion will only be counterproductive. The person behind the plot is very scheming!"
"I looked up at the court today, and my heart was filled with fear!"
"I was careless!" Liu Chengyou sighed.
"Such things are impossible to guard against!" Tao Gu shook his head and analyzed it for Liu Chengyou: "The other party is trying to flatter and kill him, which is very poisonous. Before that, His Majesty was already wary of His Highness. Above the court, This is not His Highness’s advantage, but this incident has made His Majesty even more wary. On the contrary, the First Prince shows his humility and filial piety, while Your Highness is very scheming..."
As Tao Gu said, Liu Chengyou actually knew very well that he had "seen" and "heard" too many such things before.
However, it was precisely because of this that he was angry. Besides being angry, he was also a little aggrieved and ashamed.
Liu Chengyou didn't do this, he knew it in his heart, but Liu Zhiyuan was not sure. Maybe in his opinion, Liu Chengyou secretly bribed a group of courtiers, and on the day of the great dynasty, he suddenly Initiated, intended to have the final say.
"Next, what about being alone?" Liu Chengyou had a straight face and a cold light in his eyes, as if he wanted to cause trouble.
Seeing this, Tao Gu quickly advised: "Your Highness, at this moment, you must not act rashly. Otherwise, in the eyes of Your Majesty, the situation will become even worse."
Tao Gu is a very thoughtful person, but he has already boarded Liu Chengyou's boat. At this time, he is also planning for him carefully: "Next, let's wait and see the development and changes of the situation for a while, and then work on the area. Today, your Majesty, you take the initiative to resign, It's an excellent response. His Majesty is obviously hesitant about the prince's matter. As long as it hasn't been decided yet, there are plenty of opportunities..."
"This time I was tricked and fell into the inferior position. What if the position of the East Palace is determined by this?" Liu Chengyou had calmed down and asked suddenly.
Upon hearing the question, Tao Gu was stunned, but seeing Liu Chengyou's indifferent expression, his eyes flashed, and he gritted his teeth and whispered: "Even if it is decided, he is only the prince! Since ancient times, anyone who can succeed to the throne with the dignity of a prince , how many can there be?”
"Tao Gu, what you said is very bold!" Liu Chengyou stared at Tao Gu sharply.
Under Liu Chengyou's gaze, Tao Gu's body trembled and he fell to his knees: "I'm lying, I'm just loyal to His Highness..."
"That's it!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, surprisingly showed a smile, and murmured: "You are right, even if it is settled, so what."
"Tell me something you may not believe."
Tao Gu was stunned: "What?"
"The humble words I expressed alone in Chongyuan Hall are somewhat sincere!"
"I don't want to make trouble, but someone is trying to plot against me. I have written this down!"