The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 185 The Hall of Supreme Harmony: Brotherly Rift

In the autumn of the first year of the Qihe era, on the 27th day of the seventh month.

The weather was overcast with occasional light rain.

Before the sun rose in the early morning, the sky was still dark.

At this time, when people are sleeping soundly, the front hall of the palace is already brightly lit and bustling with people.

From the Meridian Gate to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the roadsides were already lined with palace guards holding torches.

Along the path illuminated by the guards' torches came one after another important court official.

Today is not the day of the grand court assembly, so there shouldn't be so many officials entering the palace.

However, today is the day the Emperor issued an order to finalize the date for the appointment of the Imperial Commissioner for Disaster Relief.

Therefore, the ministers who were able to attend today's court assembly all entered the palace early, waiting for the assembly to begin.

Tu Chengyu was also among those waiting, but because he lived in the palace, he didn't get up as early as the officials, nor did he travel such a long distance.

Even so, when he stood at the very front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he couldn't help but yawn a few times.

Tu Chengyu was probably used to being free and unrestrained in Jiangnan, so when he yawned, his movements became somewhat unrestrained.

This attracted the attention of many people in the court, which made the fourth prince, who had just met Tu Chengyu, remind him to pay attention to his image.

Speaking of the fourth brother, Tu Chengyu had some questions.

Tu Chengyu originally thought that only the Crown Prince and himself would be attending court today.

He didn't expect to see the second, third, and fourth princes there as soon as he entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

This left Tu Chengyu somewhat puzzled. Did the three of them also have something to discuss in court today?

Although he didn't know what they had to do, it didn't stop Tu Chengyu from going over to greet them.

No matter what people say, these are all Tu Chengyu's brothers, and brothers he hasn't seen for half a year.

When the three men saw Tu Chengyu enter, they all looked incredulous, as if they couldn't understand why Tu Chengyu would appear in the court.

With their own questions in mind, the brothers greeted each other in the brightly lit imperial court.

During this process, Tu Chengyu subtly observed the second brother's expression.

Tu Chengyu still remembered that his second brother was the most composed among his brothers when they were in the Prince An's Mansion.

Moreover, because he was the second son, he didn't have to help his younger brothers educate them like the crown prince did, so he had a very good relationship with his brothers.

In addition, he is usually unassuming and takes good care of his younger brother, so he is also very kind to Tu Chengyu.

So when his father ascended the throne and became emperor, Tu Chengyu always thought that the struggle for the throne in the royal family would not happen to the second son, or at least not so soon.

However, reality slapped Tu Chengyu in the face. Less than a year after his father ascended the throne, the second son had already developed the ambition to seize the throne and even boldly expressed it.

So when Tu Chengyu saw the second son again, he didn't know for a moment that the second son in the past was too young to fight for what he wanted.

Or perhaps the emperor's ascension to the throne made the second son see the possibility of becoming the supreme ruler of the world, and he became blinded by power.

With this thought in mind, Tu Chengyu was unsure how to react when he suddenly met the second brother, and he was also curious about how the second brother would react when he saw him.

So when he was paying his respects, Tu Chengyu took the opportunity to observe his second brother and see what kind of attitude his second brother would have.

However, after observing for a while, Tu Chengyu did not find any changes.

The second brother in front of me did exactly the same thing as before, in his manner and tone.

Even her enthusiasm upon seeing Tu Chengyu was no different from before.

Despite the change in their relationship, the second son should have been different from before, but he didn't show any change at all.

For Tu Chengyu, the fact that he didn't see any changes is precisely the biggest change.

Because everyone knows that the second son has shown his ambition to seize the throne.

In reality, he was already the Crown Prince's enemy.

As the Crown Prince's younger brother, Tu Chengyu was also a staunch defender of the Crown Prince's position, so Tu Chengyu and the second prince could be considered enemies.

Although these two enemies have never publicly opposed each other, they are still on the surface like loving brothers.

But in their hearts, everyone knew perfectly well what was going on.

With such a barrier in place, even if their meetings aren't tense, they'll at least feel somewhat awkward.

Tu Chengyu felt particularly awkward and didn't want to talk to the second brother.

However, he showed no sign of anything amiss with the second brother, and even inquired about Tu Chengyu's affairs in Jiangnan with great interest.

Even when Tu Chengyu yawned, they said a couple of words of concern.

This shows that the second child has already mastered the skill of hiding his true thoughts very well.

In other words, the second son that Tu Chengyu sees now is no longer the real second son.

When the second brother faced Tu Chengyu, he no longer simply regarded him as a brother, but instead became wary of him.

Thinking about all this, Tu Chengyu felt very helpless. His good brother had turned out like this in just half a year.

So after exchanging a few pleasantries with the second brother, Tu Chengyu lost all interest in talking.

The second brother probably realized that Tu Chengyu didn't want to talk to him, so he wisely shut his mouth and stood aside without saying a word.

The second brother fell silent, but the others didn't seem to care much.

The fourth prince, being quite bold, disregarded the increasing number of ministers entering the court and took over the topic the second prince had just discussed, constantly asking Tu Chengyu about his affairs in Jiangnan.

Tu Chengyu felt quite helpless in the face of his fourth brother who kept asking him questions.

He repeatedly hinted that he didn't want to talk, but the man seemed not to notice and kept asking questions.

Moreover, when asking the question, it seemed as if he was doing it on purpose, pulling the second and third sons into the conversation as well.

Tu Chengyu talked to him for a while before he understood that he wanted to act as a peacemaker and ease the tension between himself and his second brother.

Unfortunately, the fourth brother, a rough and unrefined man, is not usually the type to do this kind of thing. Now that he's forcing himself to do it, it's quite embarrassing.

Finally, Tu Chengyu was so embarrassed that he had no choice but to forcibly change the subject and take the initiative to ask:
"Fourth Brother, why are you all here at court today? Is something the matter?"

The fourth brother didn't seem bothered by Tu Chengyu interrupting him; he slowly replied:

"Nothing special, just attending court."

Upon hearing this, Tu Chengyu was taken aback at first, then, as if realizing something, asked:

"Fourth Brother, are you now attending every court assembly, just like the ministers in the court?"

The fourth brother shook his head and said, "That's not it. My second brother, third brother, and I usually only attend the monthly grand court assembly, and only occasionally with Father's permission do we attend this kind of court assembly."

From these words, Tu Chengyu could tell that the second son and the other two had already participated in court affairs.

Although he may not have any specific tasks to do yet, he is certainly learning how to handle state affairs.

I don't know if this was specially permitted by the Emperor or requested by the Second Prince and the others.

Thinking of this, Tu Chengyu continued, "Fourth Brother, when did you start attending court?"

The fourth brother was completely unguarded when Tu Chengyu inquired about him, and he said:
"It hasn't been long. Speaking of this, I have to thank my second brother. It was because my second brother pleaded with Father that my third brother and I had the opportunity to participate in the court assembly."

Upon hearing him mention the second son again, Tu Chengyu glanced at the second son discreetly.

Unexpectedly, when Tu Chengyu looked over, the second brother also looked over as if by telepathy.

The two locked eyes, and in that unexpected moment, Tu Chengyu clearly saw a hint of embarrassment flash in the second brother's eyes.

However, the second brother quickly realized what was happening, and the embarrassment in his eyes was only fleeting.

Then, he looked at Tu Chengyu and said, "Fourth brother, you flatter me. How could I possibly have the ability to get Father Emperor to allow us to participate in court affairs?"

Actually, Father Emperor had already made up his mind. We older ones would participate in court affairs and help the Crown Prince with his duties. I just happened to have the opportunity to make a request once.

Upon hearing your words, Tu Chengyu had already rolled his eyes inwardly.

The Emperor sent you out to work to help the Crown Prince with government affairs, not to compete with him for the throne.

Now he's doing a good job but acting innocent, even showing off his achievements in front of the third and fourth brothers.

For some reason, upon hearing these words, Tu Chengyu suddenly felt a sense of disgust towards the second son.

Moreover, this feeling of disgust grew stronger and stronger. Although Tu Chengyu tried very hard to suppress this feeling, he could only suppress most of it after a long time.

Finally, a hint of resentment appeared on his face, and he couldn't help but retort.

"I'm sure Second Brother will be of great help to the Crown Prince." The second brother, seemingly oblivious to the hostility in Tu Chengyu's tone, replied calmly.
"Xiao Wu is joking. I'm just running errands for the Crown Prince. How could I possibly be of any great help?"

Tu Chengyu said irritably, "Second brother is too modest. Just the fact that you were able to get Father to allow you to work in the court shows that Father recognizes your abilities."

And it also shows that the second brother holds a significant position in the Emperor's heart.

At this point, Tu Chengyu paused for a moment, then continued, "I just wonder if my second brother could also plead with Father Emperor on my behalf."

The second son did not refute Tu Chengyu's words, but simply said calmly:

"Little Five, you're being too kind to your Second Brother. Everyone in the palace knows that between us brothers, Father Emperor favors you more. Little Five, why don't you just tell Father Emperor what you want?"

Tu Chengyu said, "Father may dote on me, but I want to participate in court affairs like my second brother and you, but Father will not allow it."

Tu Chengyu lied about this statement.

Since returning to the palace, he hadn't had a chance to see the emperor, nor did he know that the second prince and his group were involved in court affairs, so naturally he wouldn't have asked the emperor about participating in court matters.

However, for the second son, who had already moved out of the palace, it was difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood in these matters.

Moreover, the second son wouldn't dare to ask the emperor about such a matter.

Therefore, after Tu Chengyu said it, the second prince couldn't tell whether it was true or false for a while, and he couldn't figure out whether Tu Chengyu had really told the emperor about it.

Despite his doubts, the second son still answered Tu Chengyu's question.

“Since Xiao Wu wants to help the Crown Prince with government affairs, I, your second brother, can certainly plead with Father on your behalf. However, given your young age, I doubt Father will agree.”

Tu Chengyu didn't care about the second brother's answer; he had only meant to provoke him.

Whether he would actually tell his father about it or not was irrelevant.

So he said, "In that case, I thank you in advance, Second Brother."

The second brother calmly replied, "There's no need for formalities between brothers."

After they finished speaking, they fell silent once again.

At this point, the fourth brother probably sensed the unseen spark between Tu Chengyu and the second brother, and stopped trying to mediate.

Then, the four brothers stood together in silence.

Taking this opportunity, Tu Chengyu observed the situation in the imperial court.

He quietly turned his head around and spotted many familiar faces in the court.

Take Zhang Henian, for example, who was originally the chief secretary of the Prince of An's mansion and is now the vice censor-in-chief.

There was also Shang Yuanfeng, a high-ranking official in the State Council, who was almost impeached and dismissed from office before he left Beijing.

There was also Shen Weiyan, who left a very good impression on Tu Chengyu.

Finally, there was Grand Secretary Shen, who had just entered through the main gate of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

As Tu Chengyu looked at Lord Shen, the big shot also looked up at him.

Then he smiled gently and nodded to Tu Chengyu.

Tu Chengyu nodded in response.

Upon seeing this powerful figure, Tu Chengyu remembered that he had come to the court today to help clear this figure's name from impeachment.

But judging from the situation just now, this bigwig seemed very calm and composed, and did not appear to be impeached at all.

Moreover, Tu Chengyu didn't see any intention in asking for his help from his eyes.

Could it be that the big boss hid his thoughts too well, preventing Tu Chengyu from noticing?

Just as Tu Chengyu was thinking about these things, the sound of greetings came again from the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Tu Chengyu turned his head and saw that the Crown Prince had appeared at the door.

The Crown Prince returned the greetings to the officials in the court as he walked towards Tu Chengyu.

With the arrival of the Crown Prince, the four brothers, who had been silent for a while, broke their silence once again.

They bowed and greeted the Crown Prince together.

At this moment, Tu Chengyu once again secretly observed the expressions of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.

Upon observation, Tu Chengyu discovered that the two of them acted as if nothing had happened.

They all maintained their composure well, unlike Tu Chengyu who showed an unnatural expression.

Tu Chengyu sighed inwardly once again, realizing that struggle was truly a powerful medicine that spurred people to mature.

In less than a year, two originally innocent teenagers were transformed into deep and scheming individuals.

Perhaps sensing Tu Chengyu's thoughts, the Crown Prince, who was originally standing at the front, suddenly turned around, looked at Tu Chengyu, and said:
"Xiao Wu, how was your court attendance today?"

Tu Chengyu didn't understand why the Crown Prince would ask this question, so he could only answer truthfully: "I'm used to it."

The Crown Prince ignored Tu Chengyu's puzzled look and continued:
"You'll get used to it. Have you prepared everything I asked you to prepare yesterday?"

Tu Chengyu was even more puzzled by this. Hadn't the matter been agreed upon in person yesterday? Why would the Crown Prince ask such a question?

"I have no idea what the Crown Prince is up to," Tu Chengyu said cooperatively.

"I have made all the necessary preparations for what the Crown Prince instructed me to do."

The Crown Prince continued, "That's good. After all, today's matter is of great importance, and you can't hold me back."

The more Tu Chengyu listened, the more confused he became. The Crown Prince had sent him to help the Grand Secretary escape punishment, wasn't it supposed to be kept secret?

Why did you say it in front of the second prince now? Does the crown prince think that now that he's in the court, he's not afraid of the second prince and his ilk finding out?
Or perhaps the Crown Prince deliberately brought this up in front of the Second Prince.

Tu Chengyu carefully guessed the Crown Prince's intentions, but said aloud, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly not delay your affairs."

Upon hearing this, the crown prince nodded in satisfaction and then turned back.

The moment the Crown Prince turned around, Tu Chengyu, who had been paying close attention to his expression, noticed that the Crown Prince glanced at the Second Prince almost imperceptibly as he turned.

The glance at the second prince was a very slight movement; if Tu Chengyu hadn't been watching the crown prince the whole time, he might not have even noticed it.

Upon this discovery, Tu Chengyu felt that the question the Crown Prince had just asked him must have been meant for the Second Prince.

Thinking of this, Tu Chengyu also quietly turned his head and glanced at the second brother.

At first, Tu Chengyu did not notice any obvious change in the second son after hearing the crown prince's question.

But when he looked closely, he discovered that the second brother was giving a wink to someone diagonally behind him while he was twisting his neck and yawning.

His little action was very subtle; if Tu Chengyu hadn't followed the Crown Prince's gaze, he definitely wouldn't have noticed it.

The second son did this little trick three times in a row.

Although Tu Chengyu couldn't understand what he meant, he couldn't figure out who he was winking at.

But it is clear that the second brother is passing on messages to others.

This news is very likely related to his attendance at court today.

At the same time, Tu Chengyu suddenly realized that the Crown Prince had deliberately mentioned the matter they had discussed yesterday to the Second Prince.

It might be an attempt to provoke the second son into making this gesture of conveying a message.

Or perhaps the crown prince had other ideas, intending to use this as a smokescreen to lure his second son into a trap.

Regardless of what the Crown Prince meant, Tu Chengyu felt that he suddenly couldn't keep up with his older brothers' pace.

Others have reached the point where they have eight hundred thoughts behind every word they say, while Tu Chengyu himself is still at the point of guessing what others are thinking.

Not long after the Crown Prince arrived at the court, the officials who had been standing outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony also entered one by one.

They stood in their respective positions according to their respective identities.

At this moment, the Hall of Supreme Harmony was filled with people, but it was even quieter than before.

It seems the Emperor is arriving soon.

Sure enough, as several crisp cracks of whips rang out outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a loud shout came from the side of the hall.

"His Majesty has arrived; all the officials come to greet him."

As soon as the shout fell, eunuchs and palace maids carrying ceremonial staffs appeared before the crowd.

Then, the Emperor's figure emerged from the side.

(End of this chapter)