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

Chapter 75 Discussing the Prince over Green Plum Wine

When Emperor Qianxi mentioned Suo'etu, Shen Ye was picking up a piece of stir-fried pork.

Although he believed he had separated himself from Songgotu, he was still startled when he heard Emperor Qianxi's words.

I almost dropped the chopsticks in my hand.

We can't let our guard down, otherwise, where will we find thunder?
Although the two people present are father and son, not the two who shared plum wine, their relationship will become increasingly complicated.

According to Shen Ye's understanding, Emperor Qianxi became more and more suspicious as he grew older.

For example, when he was young, he fell ill during a campaign and asked the former crown prince to visit him. However, because the former crown prince did not show any sadness on his face, Emperor Qianxi severely reprimanded him.

At the time, the former crown prince was only given a lecture and thought the matter was over. Little did he know that this would become evidence of his future filial impiety.

Even after twenty or thirty years, they can still bring up old grievances.

If I were to be startled and drop my chopsticks this time, it would surely be remembered by Emperor Qianxi and become irrefutable evidence that I was colluding with Suo'etu and had something to hide.

So, while gripping the chopsticks tightly, Shen Ye tried to appear calm and composed, saying, "Your subject has recently grown somewhat disliked Suo'etu."

As he spoke, he gently put the stir-fried pork into his mouth.

When Emperor Qianxi asked about Suo'etu, he was also keeping a close eye on the Crown Prince's movements.

For the father and son, Songgotu was a taboo subject in their conversations.

After all, Songgotu was not only a Grand Secretary whom Emperor Qianxi had employed for many years, but also the Crown Prince's maternal great-uncle and the Crown Prince's most important supporter.

In the eyes of the Songgotu family, only the ascension of the crown prince to the throne could ensure their family's wealth, happiness, and long-term peace.

Even the ascension of the crown prince to the throne can elevate their status to a higher level.

In the eyes of many, Songgotu was often enough to represent the Crown Prince.

The fact that the Crown Prince said he no longer liked Songgotu surprised Emperor Qianxi.

He glanced at the Crown Prince without changing his expression before asking, "Why?"

Shen Ye said, "Father, I feel that Suo'etu has strayed somewhat from his original intentions."

"Besides, he is not young anymore. I think it would be better for him to enjoy his retirement."

Emperor Qianxi suddenly stopped using his chopsticks.

He asked Songgotu because the Crown Prince said that he was his greatest support, which restored much of the warmth Emperor Qianxi had shown towards the Crown Prince.

Some things that people were previously reluctant to discuss were now being asked.

Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince directly suggested that Suo'etu retire to a life of leisure.

In fact, as the Crown Prince grew older and Songgotu became more and more entrenched in power, Emperor Qianxi's desire to remove Songgotu from his position grew stronger.

However, Songgotu's involvement was too extensive, and his influence was quite extensive.

Not only did he have many subordinates and followers, but he was also the Crown Prince's staunchest supporter.

Emperor Qianxi felt that the crown prince could not be without support.

A crown prince without wings is unlikely to be able to support the overall situation.

However, as the crown prince's power grew, his imperial instincts filled him with intense unease.

He was well-versed in history and had a deep understanding of the psychology of emperors.

They also knew that once an emperor lost power, his life and death were in the hands of others.

Even a servant can humiliate him!

For example, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was incredibly powerful and arrogant back then.

However, upon returning from Sichuan, he was humiliated by Li Fuguo.

Li Longji could tolerate such humiliation, but Emperor Qianxi could not!

Therefore, he gripped power tighter and tighter, and he had to hold on firmly!
His previous confidence in controlling everything by having Mingzhu and Suo'etu check and balance each other has begun to slowly dissipate.

Emperor Qianxi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "Without Suo'etu, aren't you afraid that the scene of you fighting alone in the court today will repeat itself?"

“Father, with you here, I never feel like I’m fighting alone.” “On the contrary, I believe that as long as you support me, the only one fighting alone is my opponent!”

At this moment, Shen Ye spoke with utmost sincerity.

He knew that at this moment, he absolutely could not say the wrong thing.

Because the consequences of saying the wrong thing are too great!

He came over for dinner thinking he was going to talk about the stone-paved road he had suggested.

As a result, Emperor Qianxi mentioned Songgotu.

This made Shen Ye, who was originally quite calm, tense up.

He didn't want to be confined prematurely!
Whether Emperor Qianxi believed it or not, his expression grew increasingly gentle.

"You know, I don't know if you've learned any other skills from observing the government these past few days, but your flattery skills have certainly improved!"

"Not bad!"

Hearing the praise, Shen Ye didn't bother to refute it. Rather than wasting his time, he decided to eat a few more bites of food.

"Once you ascend the throne, what are your plans for Yunshi?" Emperor Qianxi picked up a glass of watermelon juice and took a small sip.

Shen Ye was speechless.

I'm just here to freeload a meal, so you can just talk about Suo'etu.

Why is Yoon-sik being dragged into this again?!

Do you really want to have a friendly discussion with me about heroes over plum wine?
Thinking this to himself, he said aloud, "Father, with your love for your sons, I believe you will make proper arrangements for my eldest brother."

"Your son will certainly follow the rules and act according to Father's arrangements."

After saying this, Shen Ye did not lower his head, but looked at Emperor Qianxi.

He knew very well that if he bowed his head at this moment, it would make him appear insecure and guilty.

Only by looking at Emperor Qianxi with such openness and honesty can one be truly selfless.

Emperor Qianxi picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and did not comment on Shen Ye's words. Instead, he continued, "Third Prince Yunzhi, what do you think he is suited for?"

Having come this far, Shen Ye felt he had no way out.

At this moment, he increasingly felt that his understanding of Emperor Qianxi was still quite biased.

He solemnly said, "My third brother loves reading. I think he could compile a few books, which would not only fulfill his wish but also leave his name in history."

"What about the fourth prince, Yunzhen?" Emperor Qianxi didn't give Shen Ye any time to think before asking.

Shen Ye thought of the fourth brother's usually serious face and wanted to say that this guy was cunning and ruthless, and that he should be more careful. However, he was facing his father, Emperor Qianxi.

He said sincerely, "Fourth brother is capable of handling affairs and is fair in his dealings. I think he can be entrusted with important responsibilities."

Emperor Qianxi nodded, clearly satisfied with Shen Ye's assessment.

Just as Shen Ye was pondering about the fifth prince, Yunqi, Emperor Qianxi continued, "Then what about the eighth prince, Yunsi? How do you think we should arrange things so that everyone can make the best use of their talents?"

Shen Ye was thinking of the fifth brother, but now he's suddenly jumped to the eighth brother, leaving him a little confused.

However, at this moment, Shen Ye no longer had much time to think.

He considered it carefully for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "My eighth brother is intelligent and eager to learn. He has always been learning from you, Father, but his personality means that he can't quite replicate your teachings."

"Your subject believes that it would be best for your eighth brother to become a wealthy and virtuous king."

"This is good for him and for the legacy of his ancestors."

After saying that, Shen Ye felt a dampness on his back.

After all, what he just said was a bit bold.

Despite his earnest words, what should Emperor Qianxi think when he hears them?

　The second update for today is here, and there will be a third update at 10 PM. Please support me!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)