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

Chapter 84 Without me, how could Crown Prince Suo'etu feel at ease?

Soetu was somewhat bewildered!
He had just apologized to the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince's response was exactly what he expected.

The crown prince said he would not blame him.

But... but instead of blaming me, you're advising me to go home and enjoy my retirement!
I am Suo'etu!

I am your staunchest supporter. Without me, you might not even be able to remain the crown prince.

If your mother weren't part of our family, do you really think we have no one to support us?

Soetu was initially alarmed, then became somewhat angry!
This prince really doesn't know what's important.

If anyone else dared to speak to him like that, he would definitely walk away in a huff.

However, the person he was speaking to was the Crown Prince!

He is the crown prince, whose future wealth and status are tied to their family's.

The crown prince is extremely important to their family!
Disobeying the Crown Prince would have unimaginable consequences.

He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and then solemnly said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's care and will remember it forever."

After Shen Ye told Suo'etu to step down, he kept observing Suo'etu.

He first saw anger in Songgotu's expression, which was normal and within his expectations.

Anyone would feel this way. If you're doing a great job as a Grand Secretary and someone suddenly tells you to resign, you probably wouldn't be able to remain calm and unmoved.

Moreover, Songgotu was a rather proud man.

However, Songgotu quickly regained his composure. Every detail of his brows, from relaxing to furrowing, was clearly visible to the Crown Prince, who felt even greater admiration for this powerful minister.

In any case, not everyone can keep their emotions hidden.

It's something most people couldn't do to adjust their mindset so quickly.

Shen Ye didn't believe Suo'etu's initial words at all.

He listened quietly as Soetu continued.

Then Suo'etu said, "This old minister's health is indeed not as good as it was when he was young."

"To be honest, this old minister also longs to enjoy his retirement and be surrounded by his grandchildren, but this old minister cannot put the safety of the Crown Prince aside for his own sake!"

At this point, Suo'etu's voice suddenly became a bit deeper: "The Empress was someone I watched grow up. When she passed away, the person she was most worried about was you, the Crown Prince."

"Even if it is to comfort Her Majesty's spirit in heaven, this old minister's bones will serve Your Highness for a few more years."

Good heavens, those words truly reveal his loyalty and courage.

Moreover, they even brought up the crown prince's birth mother!

These words were spoken with such sincerity and deep emotion that they were truly moving. The implication was clear: the reason I did not step down was to help the Empress take care of you.

Shen Ye sneered inwardly. It wasn't entirely untrue that Suo'etu was looking after the Crown Prince.

However, the fundamental reason why he did not want to retire was that he gathered a group of people, making himself a figure in the court that even Emperor Qianxi had to be wary of.

"The Empress Dowager's spirit in heaven is naturally pleased with the Prime Minister's desire."

"However, I believe that the Empress Dowager would not want to see Prime Minister Suo, who is so old, still working so hard."

"After all, you have worked hard for most of your life. If you can't enjoy a peaceful retirement, I feel that your spirit in heaven will not be at peace!"

"Moreover, Yin Jishan and the others have also begun to mature."

"It's time for Prime Minister Suo to let go and let them take the lead."

"Isn't there a saying? When there's trouble, disciples will do their work!"

"What do you say, Minister Suo?"

Looking at the calm Crown Prince, Suo'etu felt a sense of helplessness.

He came to apologize in order to repair his relationship with the Crown Prince.

However, although the relationship seemed to have been repaired, the crown prince immediately advised him to step down.

How can he retreat!

His current position is that of a top figure in the imperial court, and he is reluctant to give up this feeling: his word is law and his call is obeyed by all.

Does the Crown Prince dislike me?
Feeling a pang of dejection, he solemnly said, "Your Highness has always considered my needs in every way; I am truly grateful." "However, my loyalty to Your Highness will never change."

"For the sake of His Highness the Crown Prince, this old minister is willing to dedicate his old and ailing body to serving him wholeheartedly and at his beck and call!"

Looking at the banner that read "I will absolutely not back down," Shen Ye felt a sense of helplessness.

This is truly a case of "good advice is useless against a damned devil!"

If I weren't worried that your confinement would affect me, I wouldn't bother trying to persuade you!
Soetu was also observing Shen Ye's expression. He looked at the Crown Prince, who was frowning slightly, and felt a sense of helplessness.

Clearly, the crown prince still wanted him to step down.

How could he back out?
It seems that there are some things I can't be too careful about and have to say openly.

He solemnly said, "Your Highness, things may seem fine now, but who knows when things might turn sour."

"My body is still able to withstand the wind and rain."

Soetu's words were already quite clear.

It's telling the Crown Prince that everything seems fine now, but who knows when something might threaten his position as Crown Prince.

He can help protect the Crown Prince from the wind and rain.

Shen Ye curled his lip, thinking to himself, "This guy is really asking for it."

Although you didn't say it outright, who wouldn't understand what you meant?
This is a blatant threat against me!
He no longer wanted to get entangled with Suo'etu. Since the guy was courting death, he couldn't be blamed.

Therefore, Shen Ye said calmly, "Prime Minister Suo, my Yuqing Palace is backed by the Qianqing Palace. No matter how strong the storm, it will not be able to harm Yuqing Palace in the slightest!"

"Prime Minister Suo, a wise man should think thrice before acting."

At this point, Shen Ye picked up the teacup in front of him.

Serve tea to guests!

Looking at the Crown Prince picking up his teacup, Suo'etu felt a mix of anger and helplessness.

He humbled himself and came here this time, originally intending to ease the tension between himself and the Crown Prince.

But now, the relationship doesn't seem to have improved much; in fact, it seems to have become even more strained.

It's like getting a fishbone stuck in your throat before you even get to eat the fish!

The Crown Prince doesn't like him anymore!
He slowly stood up and said solemnly, "Your Highness is right. This old minister will definitely think it over carefully when I get back."

"I wonder if Your Highness has heard that, as the princes have been observing the government, the ministers have been praising them highly."

"For example, the eldest prince was praised by everyone for his knowledge of military affairs when he was in the Ministry of War."

"And the Eighth Prince is even more praised for his wisdom and virtue. Even that old man Tong Guowei said that the Eighth Prince's virtue is like His Majesty's."

"Also, I heard that the Eighth Prince's marriage is about to be finalized; it's with Prince An's niece."

After saying this, Songgotu quietly looked at the Crown Prince.

His meaning was very clear: although you have His Majesty to rely on, your brothers also have His Majesty to rely on.

Even if you have sons, His Majesty might not necessarily favor you.

The power of the princes is growing rapidly. At this time, if you cut off your own arm, you will be in trouble!
Hearing Suo'etu's threatening words, Shen Ye said calmly, "If Prime Minister Suo has nothing else to say, then let's stop here for today."

"By the way, Prime Minister Suo is getting old. From now on, he should not come to Yuqing Palace to pay his respects except during festivals."

"Don't tire yourself out anymore."

If Shen Ye's earlier suggestion that Suo'etu should reconsider his retirement had made Suo'etu quite uncomfortable, then these words now caused Suo'etu's expression to change completely!

It was a rule established by Emperor Qianxi that people should come to Yuqing Palace to pay their respects during festivals and holidays.

Therefore, during festivals, ministers would first go to the Qianqing Palace to pay their respects to Emperor Qianxi, and then go to the Yuqing Palace to pay their respects.

These rules cannot be skipped.

The Crown Prince's current arrangement is to make his stance clear and simply sever the connection between Suo'etu and Yuqing Palace.

Soetu's lips trembled slightly.

At that moment, only one thought remained in his mind: This brat is not worth discussing anything with!

　The second update for today is here! Please support me, everyone! I'll be asking for all kinds of votes! The third update will still be at 10 PM.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)