The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 57 The Brothers Are Guilty, But the Guilty Lies with the Crown Prince

The Eighth Prince, Yinsi, was in turmoil.

It would be unreasonable for him not to step in, as the two younger brothers were the ones who received the whipping.

However, if he were to step forward, his father was currently in a rage, and if he said something wrong, he might be punished.

He had painstakingly schemed for so many years to become a good son in his father's eyes.

Is it worth standing up for ten lashes and displeasing the Emperor?
Just as the Eighth Prince hesitated, the First Prince, Prince Zhi, was also wavering.

He had naturally seen the irritable Emperor Qianxi before, and he knew that if he were to step forward at this time, he would likely anger the Emperor.

If it weren't for these things, he might have stepped forward.

After all, the persona he had cultivated as the eldest son who shared his father's burdens required him to help his father manage the household.

However, the words the Crown Prince had just asked for his opinion on had already reached the ears of his father.

Will my father have a problem with me?

If I step forward at this moment, won't I be asking for trouble?

The two men each had their own thoughts, and the other princes were also feeling uneasy.

For them, this matter today has little to do with them; they can just sit back and watch the show and not try to get involved.

Moreover, it's not like they haven't been whipped before.

Of course, in the eyes of several princes who disliked the Ninth and Tenth Princes, these two really deserved to be taught a lesson.

Even the older brother wouldn't dare to be so arrogant, so why are you all starting to show yourselves?

Just as Tu Lishen was walking towards the Ninth Prince, Shen Ye quickly stepped forward and said solemnly, "Father, I have something to report!"

Emperor Qianxi's expression softened when he saw Shen Ye's solemn demeanor.

However, he said in a calm voice, "If you're pleading for the two of them, then there's no need to say anything."

Hearing this statement that directly blocked any path to pleading for leniency, Shen Ye inwardly scoffed.

Emperor Qianxi was quite arrogant. He clearly regretted whipping his son, yet he spoke so arrogantly. Wasn't he trying to have his cake and eat it too?

Shen Ye solemnly said, "Father, I am not pleading for them."

"Your subject believes that the punishment for the two of them is justified."

"Yuntang and Yune not only have a poor attitude towards learning, but they also refuse to listen to advice. I think they should be punished more severely."

Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince and the Tenth Prince glared angrily at Shen Ye.

That prince is kicking me when I'm down!

When Prince Zhi heard this, his first thought was that the Crown Prince was still the same Crown Prince he had always been!

For a disrespectful younger brother, even the slightest disagreement is met with punishment.

Emperor Qianxi scoffed inwardly, feeling that the Crown Prince showed no brotherly affection whatsoever, but outwardly remained calm and asked, "How do you suggest they be punished?"

“Father, as the saying goes, our bodies and hair are given to us by our parents. When we are beaten, it hurts our parents even more.”

"Your subject believes that we should record these ten lashes for now."

Emperor Qianxi was very pleased to hear this.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Crown Prince was demonstrating his love for his son.

But he still waved his sleeve and said, "If it's time to fight, then fight. I don't care."

Shen Ye grumbled inwardly, "I gave you a way out, but you didn't take it easy. You're just making things more difficult for me!"

However, despite thinking this in his heart, he appeared even more solemn and said, "Father, my brothers are guilty. The fault lies with me, the Crown Prince, for failing to manage them properly."

"Your Majesty, I implore you to spare them this beating for the sake of the upcoming birthday of the Empress Dowager."

Emperor Qianxi felt a surge of satisfaction; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

It's not that I'm unwilling to hit my son, it's that I'm unwilling to hurt the Empress Dowager.

However, he still angrily said, "Your Highness, it's right that you're worried about upsetting the Empress Dowager, but if these two scoundrels aren't disciplined strictly, who knows what kind of trouble they'll cause?" "Tell me, how should we deal with them?"

Upon hearing this question, Shen Ye's desire to be promoted surged three thousand feet into his heart.

This is the difference between the emperor and the crown prince.

The emperor wanted to be both the emperor and the emperor himself, and he wanted to have it all!
But the Crown Prince? That's a different story! He not only has to be willing to take the blame, but also be good at solving problems and striving to satisfy the Emperor.

If it weren't for teaching those two bastards a lesson, I wouldn't care about you!

After making a complaint, Shen Ye said, "Since Yuntang and Yun'e lack the desire to learn, I think they should be punished for this reason."

At this point, his voice suddenly rose considerably as he said, "Since they don't want to study, then punish them by making them study in the Imperial Study for a few more years."

"Your Majesty's stern criticism alone is not enough to urge them to focus on their studies."

"In order to enhance their enthusiasm for studying, I believe that we can conduct an assessment of their studies in three years."

"If you fail the assessment, you will continue studying in the Imperial Study."

"Until they are able to pass the assessment."

At this point, Shen Ye hesitated for a moment and said, "Or, when they reach the age of forty, Father, you can grant them permission to establish their own households."

The age of forty!

That's forty years old!

Shen Ye's punishment doesn't sound like much, just a three-year extension of graduation. If he doesn't pass, then it will be another three years!
But compared to ten lashes, are you scared yet?
Neither Yuntang nor Yun'e were stupid. When they heard about the punishment of studying in the Imperial Study for three more years, they felt a chill run down their spines.

Not to mention that the Crown Prince plans to have them study until they are forty years old.

If they really studied in the Imperial Study until they were forty, not only would their reputation be ruined, but everything else would also be too late!
The Crown Prince's move was extremely vicious!
"Father, I am willing to accept the punishment of ten lashes." Yun'e stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Please grant me your permission, Father."

“Your subject is also willing to be whipped,” Yuntang added.

Although the whip is painful, the pain is only temporary.

However, the punishment of having to study for several more years, and having to continue studying if he failed the exam, was simply too torturous.

However, Emperor Qianxi did not see it that way.

Shouldn't my son be disciplined for not studying hard?

As a parent, I am not angry when faced with a teacher who has high expectations; on the contrary, I am extremely grateful.

In Emperor Qianxi's view, the Crown Prince was doing this for the good of the Ninth and Tenth Princes.

You're worried about failing the test? Haha, then study hard!

If you study hard, you'll pass naturally.

As for your efforts, that's all; you haven't tried hard enough!

Emperor Qianxi snorted and said, "Being whipped? You've got a good idea."

"I will remember this lash for you."

"But the studies in the Imperial Study shall be conducted as the Crown Prince has instructed."

At this point, he glanced at Shen Ye and said, "Since this academic assessment was proposed by the Crown Prince..."

"Your Highness, I'm entrusting this matter to you from now on."

“Not only those two, but also the other princes studying in the Imperial Study should be punished if they don’t study hard.”

Upon hearing this arrangement, Shen Ye felt as if he had shot himself in the foot.

He targeted the ninth and tenth brothers because he wanted the eighth brother to have less ability to cause trouble, so that his life would be easier.

Little did he expect that this would lead him to such a troublesome situation.

Having already declared that his brother was guilty and the Crown Prince was guilty, he seemed unable to refuse this task that had been handed to him!
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(End of this chapter)