The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 230 The Crown Prince Intends to Venture into the Tiger's Den

The emperor seemed to have a lot of free time today. He was in the imperial study, chatting and laughing with his sons for a long time.

It should be noted that as a newly enthroned emperor who had only been on the throne for a year, he was known for his diligence in governing.

He was so busy reviewing memorials that he neglected to eat or sleep, but he rarely had any free time.

I don't know what I was thinking today, but I managed to resist reading the memorials for so long.

The father and his sons chatted and laughed until almost lunchtime, showing no signs of stopping.

It was Xia Shouzhong who, upon seeing the imperial kitchen staff arrive, alerted them from outside the door.

"Your Majesty, it's lunchtime."

Upon hearing this, the emperor glanced outside the court and realized that it was indeed getting late.

However, he did not let Tu Chengyu and the others leave, but instead said to Xia Shouzhong:

"Tell the imperial kitchen staff to prepare extra dishes, as I will be dining with the Crown Prince and the others today."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will make the arrangements immediately."

After giving these instructions, the emperor turned to talk to Tu Chengyu and the others.

Not long after, Xia Shouzhong reported that lunch had arrived.

After the Emperor gave his permission, Xia Shouzhong came in and set up a dining table next to the Imperial Study.

Although the father and his sons felt very much like they were at the Prince An's residence today.

However, since the emperor was sitting at the top, they still ate at separate tables.

It was a simple lunch, nothing particularly noteworthy, but the father and his sons enjoyed it immensely.

After finishing the meal, they returned to the main hall of the Imperial Study.

The Emperor did not return to the previous topic, but instead brought up the important matter at hand.

"The main reason I summoned you here today is to discuss how to resettle the disaster victims."

The Emperor had mentioned this matter from the beginning, so no one was surprised.

So the Emperor continued, "On that day in the court, the Crown Prince accepted this task in front of all the officials. Let the Crown Prince speak first and see what specific measures he may take."

The Crown Prince, presumably prepared for this, immediately replied upon hearing the Emperor's words:
"Father, I have been looking up some records from that time regarding the resettlement of the disaster victims, and I have a plan in mind for how to do so."

Hearing the Crown Prince say this, the Emperor was very pleased and said, "It's good that you're prepared. Now tell me, what are the most important aspects to pay attention to when resettling the disaster victims?"

The Crown Prince replied without hesitation, “Your Majesty, I believe there are several key aspects to consider when settling the refugees.”

Firstly, there is the issue of food. The reason why disaster victims fled was because they had no food at home and were forced to beg for food in the capital. Therefore, solving the food problem would eliminate a large part of the problem.

When resettling disaster victims, attention must be paid to the food issue. Most people know this, and the fact that the Crown Prince puts this first shows that he truly understands what is most important.

The Emperor was very satisfied with this, and nodded repeatedly, saying:

"Since you understand the importance of food, what arrangements do you have regarding food?"

The Crown Prince replied, "Father, this is what I'm thinking. This grain is prepared for refugees fleeing from disaster, so first we need to know approximately how many people have come to the capital to escape."

Knowing the number of people, I will prepare the corresponding amount of food accordingly, so that nothing will go wrong.

The Emperor then asked, "How do you plan to investigate the number of people coming to the capital, and where will this grain be transferred from?"

“Father, I was prepared for this. When I received this task at the last court meeting, I sent people south to wait on the way to the capital for the disaster victims. Once they arrived in the capital, we were able to estimate their approximate number.”

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, the Emperor did not immediately ask him any more questions. Instead, he looked at the Crown Prince with a pleased expression, clearly satisfied with the Crown Prince's foresight.

The other brothers also seemed quite surprised, not expecting the Crown Prince to be so meticulous in his work.

After his initial surprise, Tu Chengyu was genuinely happy for the Crown Prince, because the Crown Prince's actions would obviously improve his standing in the Emperor's eyes.

Tu Chengyu was genuinely happy, but the others looked rather complicated.

The second son, in particular, seemed shocked by the Crown Prince's meticulous approach, and his expression remained unsettled for a long time.

The emperor seemed oblivious to his sons' behavior.

After praising the crown prince, he asked again:

"Do you have any other arrangements regarding food?"

The Crown Prince said, "I also have a similar idea. I think that since I don't know how much grain is stored in the granaries around the capital, I want to take this opportunity to investigate all the major granaries so that I can have a clear understanding of the situation."

The Crown Prince's words left the Emperor silent for a long time before he finally spoke:
"You want to investigate the granary?"

"Yes, Father."

"Do you know that this granary has always been a hotbed of corruption, and many people avoid it like the plague? You actually want to get involved; aren't you afraid of getting yourself into trouble?"

The crown prince shook his head and said, "Father, I am the crown prince of the current dynasty. If I don't even have the courage to inspect a granary, then I have no reason to be the crown prince."

Seeing the Crown Prince say this, the Emperor sighed and said:
"It's not that I'm worried you lack courage, but you're still young and not experienced enough in handling affairs. I'm afraid you won't be able to defeat them and will end up getting yourself into trouble."

The Crown Prince shook his head and said, "With Father Emperor backing me up, I have nothing to fear."

Seeing his determination, the emperor said, "Since you want to go and investigate, then go ahead. I will send you a few capable men."

Upon hearing the Emperor's agreement, the Crown Prince happily said, "Your Majesty, I am very grateful for your kindness. I will certainly do my best to fulfill this task."

Hearing that the father and son had settled the matter in just a few words, Tu Chengyu became somewhat flustered.

He knew all too well the corruption in the granary; it wasn't just those managing the granary who were corrupt, but rather it involved many people from top to bottom.

If corruption occurs in the granaries surrounding the capital, it could very likely implicate high-ranking officials or nobles in the capital.

That could implicate a whole host of people. Before the Crown Prince even begins his investigation, rumors of his downfall might already be circulating in the court.

This is not Tu Chengyu exaggerating or scaring himself.

Rather, he knew that even in later, more advanced societies with strict surveillance and oversight, there were still instances of granaries being emptied and those guarding them setting them on fire to avoid being discovered by investigators.

Moreover, in this era, it wouldn't be surprising at all if grain warehouses were burned down or investigating officers were assassinated.

Even if the crown prince wasn't fully aware of these difficulties, his subordinates would tell him.

Therefore, Tu Chengyu found it difficult to understand why the Crown Prince would willingly go to such lengths. Although he didn't know what the Crown Prince was thinking, the arrangements were already made, and Tu Chengyu couldn't stop him.

What he's thinking about now is how to find a way to take some responsibility for the Crown Prince in this matter.

After thinking for a while, Tu Chengyu had an idea. Taking advantage of the pause between the Emperor and the Crown Prince's conversation, he interjected:
"Father, I have something to say."

The Emperor was about to ask the Crown Prince to continue with the arrangements when he heard Tu Chengyu's words and was somewhat surprised.

However, he didn't stop him: "Why are you in such a hurry? What do you want to say?"

Tu Chengyu said earnestly, "Just now the Crown Prince said he wanted to personally investigate the granaries around the capital, but as far as I know, the task of resettling the disaster victims is entirely the responsibility of the Crown Prince."
So if the Crown Prince focuses all his energy on investigating the granaries, who will take care of the rest?

After Tu Chengyu finished speaking, he lowered his head and waited to see how the Emperor and the Crown Prince would respond.

The Emperor spoke first: "What you say makes sense. So, I ask you, do you have any way to solve this problem?"

Tu Chengyu was waiting for these words, so he immediately said:

"Your Majesty, I believe that since the Crown Prince is in overall charge, he need not handle these specific matters himself; they can be delegated to his subordinates."
Furthermore, Father Emperor knows that my second brother and I will also be assisting the Crown Prince in resettling disaster victims. Therefore, I believe that I should handle the investigation of the granaries, while the Crown Prince can simply oversee the work from behind.

Tu Chengyu rattled off his plans in one breath, and the Emperor unconsciously smiled upon hearing them.

Based on the Emperor's understanding of Tu Chengyu, he naturally understood that this was not Tu Chengyu trying to wrest the position from the Crown Prince.

Tu Chengyu was worried that the Crown Prince would offend too many people in this matter, so he wanted to stand up for the Crown Prince.

In the end, Tu Chengyu will be the one who offends people, while the Crown Prince will be the one to reap the credit.

The Emperor understood that only Xiao Wu would do something so foolish when facing the Crown Prince.

This is also what the Emperor is most satisfied with about Tu Chengyu: he always puts his elder brother, the Crown Prince, first in everything, even if it means he suffers a loss himself.

Apart from the Emperor, the others could also understand the meaning behind Tu Chengyu's words, and the second brother and the others were extremely envious.

However, they were powerless to stop Tu Chengyu from doing what he did.

Because they knew that although everyone here was a brother, Tu Chengyu was also their younger brother.

However, the bond between the Crown Prince and Tu Chengyu was cultivated from childhood, and no one else could replace it.

The situation was different when it came to the Crown Prince.

When he heard that Tu Chengyu wanted to do something for him, he was both touched and anxious.

The Crown Prince was well aware of what would happen if he were to investigate the granaries.

Because he understood this, he didn't want Tu Chengyu to get caught up in this mess at all.

So he said, "Xiao Wu, you don't need to worry about this. I will arrange it properly and make sure that the resettlement of the disaster victims is not delayed."

Besides, I have important things to entrust to you, so you don't need to waste your energy on this.

Tu Chengyu said anxiously, "Big brother, you know I'm trying to help you."

The Crown Prince waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Xiao Wu, I can handle this."

Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, Tu Chengyu couldn't help but look at the Emperor, hoping that the Emperor would intervene and allow him to help the Crown Prince.

However, for reasons unknown, the Emperor did not intend to speak up for Tu Chengyu.

"Since the Crown Prince has other plans for you, just listen to him and don't worry about anything else."

Seeing this situation, Tu Chengyu had no choice but to abandon the idea.

Then he casually asked,
"Brother, since you've assigned me this task, tell me first, what am I supposed to do?"

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince laughed and said, "What's the rush? We'll talk about it later."

Tu Chengyu ignored all of that and said, "Brother, just tell me my arrangements first, otherwise I'll get impatient."

Seeing his state, and recalling how Xiao Wu had rushed to offend people for him earlier, the Crown Prince couldn't bear to disappoint Tu Chengyu immediately.

So he thought for a moment and said, "Since you're so eager to hear, let me tell you about your arrangements first."

"What are your plans, elder brother?"

"This is what I'm thinking," the Crown Prince said, pondering for a moment. "When these disaster victims arrive, there will inevitably be great chaos, and some people from the capital will also take the opportunity to cause trouble among the disaster victims."
Therefore, maintaining the safety of the disaster victims is extremely important. So I plan to ask Father to send some people to you to take care of their safety and, incidentally, to prevent the area around the capital from descending into chaos due to the arrival of the disaster victims.”

Hearing the Crown Prince's words, Tu Chengyu's eyes lit up.

He felt this job was perfect for him, because taking it meant he would have a large number of people at his disposal.

In addition to maintaining stability for the disaster victims, he could also lead his men to become the Crown Prince's support.

If the Crown Prince encounters danger or other problems while investigating the granary, he can bring these people to provide support.

Thinking of this, Tu Chengyu said happily:
"Brother, this is a good job, please give it to me."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at the emperor, waiting for the emperor to make the final decision.

The Emperor did not disappoint Tu Chengyu, and said directly:

"Since you want to do it, then I'll leave it to you."

"Thank you, Father Emperor," Tu Chengyu said, first thanking the Emperor, and then asking, "Father Emperor, I would like to ask where you plan to transfer the men who will accompany me?"

Seeing Tu Chengyu's eager expression, as if he wanted to get to work immediately, the Emperor smiled and said:

"Where do you want me to allocate troops to?"

Tu Chengyu chuckled and said, "If I were to choose, I would like to select some from the Capital Garrison and the Imperial Garrison."

If someone didn't know Tu Chengyu, they might think he made this choice to balance his subordinates and make them easier to manage later.

But the Emperor understood Tu Chengyu; he knew Tu Chengyu must have other ideas. So, after thinking for a moment, he tentatively asked:
"So you want to continue having Quan Xu and Su Xuanbao accompany you on errands?"

Having his thoughts guessed by the Emperor, Tu Chengyu wasn't embarrassed at all and said frankly:
"Isn't it just that it's easy to use? Since Father Emperor knows my plans, I beg you to grant them."

The Emperor did not immediately agree to Tu Chengyu's request, but instead gave an ambiguous answer.

"I'll take a look and then decide."

(End of this chapter)