Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

The city of Kyoto became completely bustling.

With the arrival of feudal lords from all over the country, many royal relatives who came to watch the fun also came to Kyoto to watch the show.

Everyone knew very well that the selection of the chief minister would determine whether they could live comfortably in the future.

After all, the Zong Zheng is in charge of the royal family, and all funerals, marriages and family tree matters are under the jurisdiction of the Zong Zheng. Everyone wants to have a good relationship with the Zong Zheng.

As the kings entered the capital, the time set by Chu Ning arrived and everyone gathered in the East Palace.

In September, the air is less hot and more cool.

On this day, outside the East Palace, there was a lot of noise and a group of people dressed in gold and purple were greeting each other and people they knew.

"Your Highness Prince Chen, it has been almost a year since we last met."

The tall King Wu laughed loudly at a short middle-aged man who coughed from time to time.

King Chen returned the greeting with a smile and was about to speak, but his physical illness seemed to have been aroused and he couldn't help coughing twice.

Using his hands to calm his mind, Prince Chen said with emotion, "Yes, the last time we met was at the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony."

King Wu raised his eyebrows, looked him up and down, frowned and asked: "Why haven't you recovered from this illness yet?"

"It's an old problem."

Prince Chen smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty asked the imperial physician to examine it, and he said that it can only be suppressed, not eradicated."

King Wu curled his lips and said, "I think the imperial physician in this palace is also a mediocre doctor. When you are free next time, please come to me and I will introduce you to some famous doctors."

"By the way, Prince Chen is in Kyoto. I wonder if he knows in advance what the prince's assessment is?"

The concern is fake, and asking about the assessment content is real.

But Prince Chen smiled bitterly and said, "To be honest, I don't know anything about this either. But seeing that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince summoned us today, it's probably because of this matter."

Seeing that nothing could be said from King Chen, King Wu shook his head and said, "If King Chen doesn't want to say it, forget it. I will ask someone else."

Looking at King Wu's departing back, King Chen couldn't help but shake his head.

This King Wu is too anxious.

Look at King Wen and King Yan, they are not in a hurry at all, as if this matter has nothing to do with them.

We still need to learn more from others.

While he was deep in thought, Zhao Yu, wearing silver armor, came out of the hall, glanced at everyone, and when he saw that everyone was present, he said loudly:

"The prince invites everyone into the palace!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces straightened and they filed in according to their age and rank.

In the main seat of the hall, Chu Ning sat in front of a golden nanmu desk.

There are more than a dozen tables and cushions on both sides of the main hall, on which are placed some snacks, fruits, wine and food.

Everyone went up to the palace and bowed, "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Chu Ning smiled and raised his right hand: "You are all royal family members, no need to be polite, please take your seats."

The fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth princes took their seats first, followed by the four princes. After these seven had sat down, the other princes and marquises dared to take their seats.

"Play music~" Chu Ning smiled and gestured to play music and dance.

As the crown prince, he took the initiative to gather everyone together, so naturally he couldn't be petty.

For this purpose, he specially arranged a group of Kabuki.

The musicians played this cheerful little tune, the Kabuki actors sang and danced, and the princes toasted each other.

During this process, Chu Ning also toasted everyone and got to know them one by one.

After three rounds of drinking, everyone was drunk. King Wu, who was the most impatient, could not help but stand up and said loudly:

"I wonder if His Royal Highness the Crown Prince summoned us today for the assessment?"

Chu Ning smiled slightly and gestured for the kabuki and musicians to go down.

The scene became quiet, and everyone put down their wine glasses and looked at Chu Ning with serious faces.

They knew that what Chu Ning was going to say next was related to who would be the Zongzheng position.

"Everyone, in fact, the test I give you this time is very simple."

Chu Ning smiled and said, "Some time ago, there was news from the three states of Jiangnan that was unfavorable to me."

"My test is to find the mastermind behind the scenes. Whoever finds the mastermind will be the chief patriarch."

"Of course, the evidence must be conclusive, otherwise I cannot determine whether it is true or false."

As soon as this was said, the scene fell silent.

The three princes who knew about this in advance were overjoyed at this moment.

They already knew the content of the assessment, and their people had already started investigating; they were one step ahead of others.

Now even if these princes knew the content of the assessment, they would still be one step slower than them!

The other princes looked at each other in bewilderment; no one had expected this kind of assessment.

Don’t underestimate this assessment. If Chu Ning can find out, it will naturally not be their turn.

Chu Ning handed the matter over to them for investigation, which means that Chu Ning could not find out anything!

Since even Chu Ning, the crown prince, couldn’t find it, is it possible for them to find it?

For a moment, the scene was completely silent, and no one dared to be the first to speak.

Chu Ning looked down from a high place, taking in everyone's appearance, but finally fixed his eyes on King Wu!

"King Wu, why are you silent?"

This guy was the first to speak just now, why isn’t he the first to speak up now?

The corner of King Wu's mouth twitched, and he secretly said that he had stepped forward too early and was targeted by the prince.

It is said that the prince holds grudges and will take revenge. Today he has learned something new.

With a bitter smile, King Wu stood up and said helplessly: "Even His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can't find out the truth about this matter. How can I possibly find out with my brain?"

"Really?"

Chu Ning smiled and said, "So, King Wu wants to withdraw?"

"No no no~"

King Wu waved his hands repeatedly: "I just don't have any ideas for the time being, but I don't mean to quit."

Are you kidding? How could he quit at this critical juncture?

This is a great opportunity to seize power. No matter how many difficulties there are, he must give it a try!

Chu Ning chuckled and said, "King Wu is too modest. Everyone knows that you have a Guanxiang Tower below you. I heard that this tower has been built all over the Chu State."

"Among those who patronize Guanxiang Tower, there are not only high-ranking officials, but also people from all walks of life. Perhaps you can get some clues from them."

King Wu's expression changed slightly.

This is definitely a show of force!

Few people know that Guanxiang Tower belongs to him!

But Chu Ning pointed out the matter as soon as he opened his mouth, clearly intending to push him to the forefront.

Revenge, this was definitely revenge for what he had just said.

King Wu lowered his head quickly and said seriously, "Your Highness, the Guanxiang Tower..."

"Alright, I don't want to hear your explanation."

Chu Ning said calmly: "I don't care what Guanxianglou does, as long as you can find the person behind the rumors!"

After that, he slowly stood up and said loudly: "And everyone, I don't care what means you use, or you can join forces!"

"I don't care about the process, I only care about the result. Whoever catches the man behind the scenes and brings him to me will be the chief patriarch!"

Everyone reacted immediately after hearing this.

The prince is reminding them that they can join forces!