At dusk on February 19, the twenty-fifth year of Hongde's reign, Emperor Wei issued an edict in Ganlu Hall without warning, appointing his eighth son Zhao Run as the crown prince.
This incident did not cause much reaction in the officialdom of Daliang. Firstly, under the current circumstances, only King Su Zhao Run had the ability to take charge of the situation. Secondly, King Su Zhao Run temporarily took over the suppression of the rebel army and King Qing's army.
After several armies including the Imperial Guards, Northern First Army, and Shanyang Army, they actually controlled the entire situation.
Of course, it is inevitable that there will be a group of people gossiping about Zhao Hongrun behind his back: He clearly vowed that he did not want to compete for the throne, but now, he has become the prince, right?
It's a pity that such remarks can't shake the general trend of "King Su ascending to the throne". At least in Daliang, the Wei people in the city have almost no objection to Prince Su's ascending to the throne. On the contrary, they are extremely supportive.
It's no wonder, after all, "Su Wang Zhao Run" has always had an excellent reputation among the people. Especially after he gradually changed his original attitude towards the domestic nobility, his support in the aristocratic circle also increased greatly.
The only people to worry about are those small groups of people who have openly expressed dissatisfaction with King Su Zhao Hongrun.
For example, Chao Lidong, the head of the General's Mansion.
This Chao Lidong was born in the Chao family, which was married to the Wang family of the Xu family (formerly the Wang family of Zhengcheng). However, after the eldest prince Zhao Hongli withdrew from seizing the throne, he did not switch to Huan Wang Zhao Hong like many other Wang family's children.
Xuan, instead defected to Prince Hongyu.
It is precisely because of this that even after the eldest prince Zhao Hongli faded away from the government and the public, Chao Lidong was still able to firmly occupy the position of head of the General's Mansion. Although during the regency of Prince Hongyu, the powers of the General's Mansion had actually been greatly reduced.
To weaken, the so-called "enshrinement of the generals" is actually the place where Prince Hongyu gave Baili Ba, Xu Yin, Zhu Hai and other generals to retire.
Today, as the imperial court issued an edict to "consecrate the Eighth Prince Zhao Run as the Crown Prince," not to mention Chao Lidong himself was ashen-faced, and those courtiers who had a good relationship with him have also severed ties with the general.
Communicate.
As long as they are in Daliang, who doesn't know that Chao Lidong, the head of the General's Mansion, was kicked into the canal of the city by the latter for provoking Zhao Run, the king of Su?
Because of this, some officials who had a bad relationship with Chao Lidong were secretly sneering: Now that King Su is in power, do you (Chao Lidong) still want to live a good life?
In fact, not only Chao Lidong, but also Zheng Tu, the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Tao Ji, the Minister of the Ministry of War, and Yang Yi, the Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, who were promoted by Prince Hongyu before, were also restless at home at this time, thinking: Otherwise, we can figure it out ourselves.
Retreat, lest you be kicked down by the new prince, which will make you look bad.
It's no wonder, after all, the new prince, the former King Su Zhao Run, was a lawless master who went his own way.
As a result, the three ministers in the court hurriedly submitted their resignations to Chui Gong Hall - of course, they did not submit their resignations because they really wanted to resign, but to express their attitude to the newly-appointed Crown Prince.
His Majesty's decision to go or stay was entirely up to him, and they did not dare to complain.
As for the bottom of their hearts, although they knew it was unlikely, they certainly hoped that they could stay in the post. After all, it was the post of the Six Ministers.
However, unfortunately, these few people are destined to worry about gains and losses for a while, because the current Su Wang Zhao Hongrun, or more precisely, the prince Hongrun, has no time to pay attention to such things for the time being.
No, at dusk that day, the great eunuch Tong Xian rushed to Prince Su's Mansion with a large group of eunuchs and maids from the chamberlain, preparing to tailor the newly appointed crown prince's robes and sew the prince's robes.
Originally, this matter did not need to be so urgent, because as usual, the new Crown Prince would not be allowed to appear in the morning until the court, the chamberlain supervisor, and the new Crown Prince were fully prepared.
The main thing is the preparations made by the chamberlain supervisor.
However, Emperor Wei was afraid that his son Zhao Hongrun would suddenly go back on his word after agreeing to this moment, so he hurriedly announced the edict to the outside world. This meant that Zhao Hongrun had to attend tomorrow's morning meeting as the "Crown Crown Prince", which also meant that the internal minister
We must rush to work tonight to make the new prince's robes.
Zhao Hongrun didn't understand this either, so when he returned to Prince Su's Mansion soon, he was a little dumbfounded when he saw Tong Xian leading a large group of people to the mansion.
In the study room of Prince Su's Mansion, under the gazes of Wei Jiao, Lu Mu and other clan guards who couldn't help but laugh, Zhao Hongrun was forced to stand there like a puppet, being manipulated by the eunuchs who were serving in the palace. Well, it was tailor-made.
Outside the study, the eunuchs who were working on the internal affairs seemed to have moved the entire internal affairs to Prince Su's Mansion. With solemn expressions, they quickly sewed the prince's robes for the new crown prince. In terms of intensity, it was simply unbelievable.
Less than the battlefield.
"Eunuch Tong, is it necessary to rush like this?"
After the little eunuchs took the measurements, Zhao Hongrun took the time and said helplessly to the big eunuch Tong Xian.
Unfortunately, he spent the whole night drinking alone in the temple of the Sixth Prince Zhao Yuanli yesterday. He was suffering from a hangover and was dizzy. He was thinking about going back home to have a good sleep.
Tong Xian smiled slightly when he heard the words. Naturally, he did not dare to tell the truth. "Your father is afraid that you will regret it."
According to the edict, according to the rules, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince should go to the palace tomorrow to preside over the morning court and command all the officials in the court... In this way, the court can start functioning as soon as possible."
You must know that the morning dynasty of the Wei State usually takes place at Yin time (3 o'clock to 4 o'clock), and Zhao Hongrun, unless he is on an expedition, will sleep until noon (11 o'clock to 12 o'clock), so let him
Get up at Yinshi and go to the palace to preside over the morning court? This is simply torture. "Note: The ancients' schedule was different from that of modern times. Because there were not so many entertainment activities, they usually went to bed at seven or eight o'clock in the evening, and got up at three or four in the morning, as soon as dawn
It’s time to start work. I’m just talking about most of them, not including those nobles whose private lives are corrupt.』
Thinking of this, Zhao Hongrun felt a little nervous in his heart.
Who is the great eunuch Tong Xian? He has been with Emperor Wei for decades. Naturally, he could tell at a glance that the prince in front of him might have some regrets in his heart. He quickly comforted him and said: "Well, if the prince cannot get up, then
Morning, in the future, His Highness the Crown Prince can postpone the morning court time..."
"Is it really possible?" Zhao Hongrun asked with surprise on his face.
The chief eunuch Tong Xian nodded repeatedly with a smile, indicating that you are the prince and you have the final say.
In fact, according to the ancestral rules, of course one cannot change the time of the morning dynasty without authorization, but in the view of Emperor Wei, as long as this son can be coaxed into ascending the throne, the ancestral rules? What is that?
"But tomorrow's morning court still has to be at the originally scheduled time... As for the future, His Royal Highness can do whatever time he wants." The great eunuch Tong Xian added with a smile.
Hearing this, Zhao Hongrun blinked and asked tentatively: "What if I abandon the morning court system? It's a routine thing anyway, right?"
"This..." A look of embarrassment appeared on Tong Xian's face, but after taking a look at Zhao Hongrun, he decided to leave this problem to the Zongfu: "As long as the Zongfu has no objection to this.
"
"Second uncle..."
Zhao Hongrun couldn't help but think of Zong Zheng, his second uncle Zhao Yuanyan.
To be honest, he was really a little afraid of Zhao Yuanyan, not because of the latter's power, but because of the latter's old-fashioned and serious attitude, which was similar to what he had seen from the officials of the Ministry of Rites, especially the officials of the Imperial Academy.
The same reason why he turned around and left.
After measuring Zhao Hongrun's height, waist and other measurements, Zhao Hongrun finally got relief.
At this time, Tong Xian beckoned the young eunuch who seemed to be about twenty years old from a distance and ordered them: "Why don't you salute His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Hearing this, the two young eunuchs bowed their hands to Zhao Hongrun and said, "Servants Gao Li and Gao He, please pay homage to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Zhao Hongrun nodded and turned to look at Tong Xian: "Eunuch Tong, what is this?"
Tong Xian said with a smile: "These two brothers are the servants under the old slave. They are loyal and diligent. In the future, His Highness the Crown Prince will be able to order them around in the palace." After that, he glanced at where he stood.
Wei Jiao, the Zongwei Chief not far away, added: "Although Mr. Zongwei is also loyal to His Highness, there are some matters where it is not appropriate for Mr. Zongwei to come forward."
Zhao Hongrun followed Tong Xian's gaze and glanced at Wei Jiao, and suddenly understood.
You must know that Wei Jiao, as his clan guard chief, will definitely succeed Li Zheng, the current president of the Three Guards Army, in charge of the palace guards and the general of Lang Wei. Is it possible that the former should follow Zhao Hongrun everywhere?
Waiting before and after? This is too cheap.
"I see."
Zhao Hongrun nodded in relief.
Seeing this, Tong Xian said to the two young eunuchs Gao Li and Gao He with a straight face: "Gao Li, Gao He, you two will follow His Highness the Crown Prince in the future... You must remember that you must be loyal to His Highness the Crown Prince in the future.
No two, serve me wholeheartedly. If anything happens in the future, just report it to His Highness the Crown Prince."
His words were not only a hint to Gao Li and Gao He, but also to express his attitude to Zhao Hongrun and others, so that no one would misunderstand that he had evil intentions of planting cronies around Zhao Hongrun.
Zhao Hongrun just laughed it off. After all, he still trusted Tong Xian, an old eunuch who had served his father wholeheartedly for decades.
"Slave, please obey."
After listening to Tong Xian's words, Gao Li and Gao He were really excited.
What does it mean to assist the Crown Prince? This means that one day, when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, his two brothers can succeed Tong Xian in the future, and Feng Lu and Feng Lu become the eunuchs of the Internal Chamberlain.
For the eunuchs in the palace, this is a great honor and also a great power.
Of course, the premise is to serve the Crown Prince carefully and not to be bored by the latter.
That night, when the eunuchs who were waiting for Zhao Hongrun to cooperate with the eunuchs were preparing to sleep happily, Du You, the Minister of Rites, who heard the news, also came to Prince Su's Mansion with a large group of etiquette officials, with the purpose of explaining to Zhao Hongrun the morning dynasty.
After all, on the first day of the morning court, if Zhao Hongrun made a joke, although the court officials would not say anything in person, it would still not sound good if it spread out.
A comment like "the prince has lost his manners" would be a big stain if it were included in the documents recording the prince's daily life.
It's a pity that Zhao Hongrun was really sleepy at the time, but because he was in awe of Du You, the Minister of Rites, and didn't want this chatty man to continue chattering in his ears, Zhao Hongrun steeled himself and nodded solemnly.
But in fact, he didn't listen to a word of what Du You, the Minister of Rites, said.
It was not until Haishi that Zhao Hongrun was relieved and returned to his dormitory.
Originally, the concubine Zhao Que who was sleeping with him still wanted to work hard. After all, among the female relatives around Zhao Hongrun, except for Qin Shaojun, who was not currently in Wei State, she was the only one who had not made any move. Therefore, it was not only Concubine Shen Shu who urged her.
It was so tight that even she herself was a little anxious.
Unexpectedly, before she could help her husband take off his clothes, Zhao Hongrun had already fallen asleep on the couch.
Around Yin o'clock the next day, Wei Jiao, the chief of the Zongwei, led a group of Zongwei and hurriedly arrived at His Highness's bedroom.
To be fair, today Zhao Hongrun went to the palace to preside over the morning court. In fact, there was no chance for the Zongwei to participate. The most they could do was escort Zhao Hongrun to the palace, and then stand in front of the main hall and enjoy the treatment as the Crown Prince Zongwei - let alone the palace guards.
The guards must treat them with respect, and even the ministers of the court may have to call "Lord Zongwei" when they see them.
Because they were so excited, the Zongwei didn't sleep a wink all night. A group of brothers got together and drank all night long. So at Yin Shi, after bathing and changing clothes, they arrived at the door of His Highness's dormitory on time and prepared to call the door.
Also, as the Zongwei who have followed Zhao Hongrun for more than ten years, they know their Highness very well. If no one reminds him, His Highness will definitely sleep until noon.
Sure enough, when Wei Jiao and others went to call the door, Zhao Hongrun was still sound asleep.
On the other hand, his concubine Zhao Que had long known that her man had to go to the palace to preside over the morning court today, so he woke up early, put on his clothes, and waited for the clan guards to come to remind him.
After inviting the clan guards into the dormitory, the clan guards looked at Zhao Hongrun sleeping soundly on the bed, and none of them dared to step forward.
Just kidding, if I disturb His Highness at this time, he will definitely be resented according to the latter's temper.
"Mu Qing, why don't you go ahead and shout, you're not afraid anyway."
Wei Jiao gestured to Mu Qing.
Seeing this, the other clan guards all agreed.
"I don't want it!" Mu Qing shook his head repeatedly.
It is undeniable that Mu Qing often commits suicide on weekdays, but this does not mean that he does not know the right and wrong - when His Highness is sober, joking is just a joke. After all, Zhao Hongrun has scolded him for several years and has not really taken it seriously.
He was left to the Youma Army to pick up horse manure. But at this moment, it was obvious that His Highness did not have enough sleep. If he were to wake him up, he would definitely get kicked.
After pushing and pushing, Zhao Que finally woke up his man.
Just as the Zongwei had expected, Zhao Hongrun was awakened at this point in his reign, and his mood was really bad, and his whole face looked gloomy and scary.
The Zongwei secretly guessed that it was because of this "Mrs. Bird" that if it were Mu Qing, his Highness would have been kicked out long ago.
"What time is it?" Zhao Hongrun asked gloomily after waking up.
"It's approaching the Yin hour, Your Highness." Wei Jiao, the chief of Zongwei, answered cautiously, and then quickly added: "It's almost the time for the morning dynasty."
"Morning court? Oh, yes, there is also morning court..."
After hearing about the morning meeting, Zhao Hongrun's tense expression relaxed a little, and he sat beside the couch with his forehead in his hands.
Growing up, unless he was being attacked by the enemy at night when he was leading troops on an expedition, how many days did he get up around Yin Shi?
But there is no other way. Since he has taken over the position of prince, he must shoulder the responsibilities of this position.
Taking the wet towel handed by Zhao Que and wiping his face, Zhao Hongrun drove all the clan guards out, and then, under Zhao Que's service, he changed into the clothes of the prince and heir apparent that the chamberlain had made last night.
To be honest, the prince's clothes did not change much from the clothes Zhao Hongrun wore when he was King Su. They just had more decorative patterns. On the contrary, the jade crown engraved with dragon patterns was more eye-catching.
Of course, this is just Zhao Hongrun's own feeling. As for the concubine Zhao Que who was waiting for him to dress, she could no longer control her cold and charming face. Her eyes were full of energy, she was biting her lips, and she was full of charm. Zhao Hongrun was very attracted by it.
For the heartbeat.
If he hadn't still had sense, he would have hugged Mrs. Que to the bed by now. Morning court? Whoever wants to go will go there!
But having said that, the restlessness in his heart actually made Zhao Hongrun more sober.
After bidding farewell to Zhao Que, Zhao Hongrun took the imperial guards and took a carriage to the palace.
In fact, according to ancestral rules, Zhao Hongrun, who is now the prince, should move out of Prince Su's Mansion and live in the East Palace within the palace.
In fact, after the death of the old Crown Prince Hongyu, the old Crown Princess Cui took her children and moved out of the East Palace and moved back to Prince Yong's Mansion in the city - the original Crown Prince's Mansion which was renamed to this name.
But even though the East Palace has become vacant, Zhao Hongrun still doesn't want to move there, at least, he doesn't want to move there for the time being.
After all, the old prince Hongyu's self-immolation in Jinxiu Palace also touched him greatly.
Around the second quarter of Yinshi, outside the Xuanzheng Hall, the main hall of Daqing Hall, hundreds of officials from the court were already waiting here.
Because today is the first morning of Prince Hongrun's court appearance, all the officials in the court came here early. No one wanted to leave a bad impression on the new Crown Prince on the first day - although they also understood that "
"One emperor, one courtier" principle, but after all, I still thought: What if I can stay in office?
However, as soon as it reached 2:00 p.m., the new crown prince had not yet arrived. The officials waiting outside the palace could not help but start talking among themselves.
Even Du You, the Minister of Rites, rolled his eyes at this moment, helpless: He had talked about his feelings last night, but His Highness didn't hear a word of it.
Just when these officials couldn't help but feel a little commotion, they suddenly saw an official running over in a hurry and saying repeatedly: "The Crown Prince is here, the Crown Prince is here!"
Hearing this, the courtiers outside the palace were in high spirits. Under the instructions of Du You, the Minister of Rites, they lined up on both sides of the Xuanzheng Palace to wait for His Royal Highness.
As a sound of footsteps approached from far away, the former His Highness King Su, now His Highness the Crown Prince, led a group of clan guards and strode towards this place.
"Finally here..."
Du You, the Minister of Rites, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At this time, Zhao Hongrun had also walked outside the Xuanzheng Palace. Seeing all the officials standing on the left and right sides of the palace gate, he murmured in confusion: "Didn't you say it was already Yin Shi? Why are you still standing outside the palace?
?”
"..."
Du You, the Minister of Rites, was so angry.
Just when he was about to whisper a signal to His Royal Highness, Gao Li, Gao and two young eunuchs who had been waiting outside the Xuanzheng Palace quickly came behind Zhao Hongrun. The former whispered: "Your Highness,
You can just go straight into the palace."
Zhao Hongrun understood the words and did not say hello to Du You and other court officials. He led Gao Li, Gao and the two young eunuchs, walked straight through the aisle between the two rows of officials, and walked into the Xuanzheng Hall.
Taking a sneak peek inside the palace, he saw that Zhao Hongrun had already walked to the position belonging to the Prince of the East Palace in the palace under the reminder of Gao Li, Gao and the two young eunuchs. Du You, the Minister of Rites, straightened his clothes, looked back at the ministers present and said: "Everyone
, I will also enter the palace."
The officials outside the palace also straightened their clothes and nodded solemnly.
Immediately, under the leadership of Du You, the Minister of Rites, all the officials from the court walked into the palace one by one.
After everyone had entered and stood in their own places, Du You, the Minister of Rites, said in a deep voice: "All the officials have come to see the prince."
After saying that, he, like all the courtiers present, bowed in front of Zhao Hongrun and bowed in unison with the other ministers: "I, please pay homage to His Highness the Crown Prince!"
After saying this, the courtiers did not get up. It was not until Zhao Hongrun, reminded by the young eunuch Gao Li, said, "Everyone is exempt from the ceremony," that the courtiers headed by Du You, the Minister of Rites, accepted the gifts and stood up.
At this time, there was silence in the palace. All the officials in the court looked at Zhao Hongrun, and Zhao Hongrun also looked at them one by one.
Although Zhao Hongrun cannot sit on the empty throne in the palace for the time being, everyone understands that it is only a matter of time - waiting for His Royal Highness Prince Yuan Su to adapt to the rights and duties of the Crown Prince, the one who is recuperating in the Manlu Palace
Your Majesty, if you think about it, you will pass the throne to your Highness immediately.
Because they knew this, the courtiers in the palace treated the newly-appointed Crown Prince with full respect and courtesy. Even if they noticed that the Crown Prince seemed to be distracted at the moment, no one spoke to remind him.
At this time, standing in the only position closest to the throne, Zhao Hongrun looked at the courtiers in the hall, and he felt a little dazed in his heart.
In addition, he also felt a great pressure.
Because he is the prince and the future prince of Wei, his decision will greatly affect the entire country and thousands of subjects in the country.
"The prosperous age...?"
Something flashed through his mind. Zhao Hongrun took a deep breath, looked at the ministers in the palace, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, let's start the palace discussion."
Hearing these words that were calm and somewhat irrefutable, the courtiers in the palace couldn't help but feel shocked. Even though they all knew that today was just a formality to let them 'get to know' His Highness again, but at this moment they heard
They couldn't help but follow Zhao Hongrun's words.