After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

The uproar over the "succession" controversy caused some interested parties to start contacting each other privately and continue to add fuel to the fire in secret. For a time, the situation seemed to be getting more and more serious.

The two figures at the center of the storm, Emperor Shenzong and Han Ming, the Duke of Anyang, were sitting firmly on the Diaoyutai.

Especially when many people believed that Han Ming could influence the emperor's choice of crown prince, they began to secretly or stealthily go to the palace to ask for an audience under various pretexts.

With people coming and going, it is the most lively place in Bianjing City.

Even when Han Ming was conferred the title of Duke, he was not as popular as he has been these days.

"It seems that our Prime Minister Han is so charming that he has attracted countless people to come and greet him!"

Xu Xi, the Right Minister of Justice, the Academician of Longtu Pavilion, and the Censor, took a sip of tea with a smile and said to Han Ming, who was lying on the first seat with his eyes closed.

Outside, many people brought gifts, all of which were placed in the courtyard. The servants passing by looked at this scene in amazement.

In the inner hall, apart from Han Ming who was resting his eyes, more than 70% of the important officials of the dynasty who were taking advantage of the situation were core members of the Han Party, and the others were some centrist officials.

They are all people who identify more with and are close to the ruling Han Party, and can be regarded as officials that the Han Party has wooed and united with.

"This matter is causing a stir throughout the capital. It seems some people can no longer contain themselves..."

Han Zhen, the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture and the direct scholar of Longtu Pavilion, looked at Han Ming, who remained silent, with a serious expression and said.

He was the younger brother of Han Jiang and Han Wei. All three brothers were Jinshi graduates and joined the Han Party.

"Prime Minister Han, do we need to get rid of this limelight for him?"

Zeng Bu, the assistant minister of Longtu Pavilion and scholar of Jixian Academy, said this in a deep voice, causing everyone present to look at each other in surprise.

The big guys like Wang Jiefu, Lu Huiqing and others drank tea silently without saying a word.

"It's going to rain, my mother is going to get married, some words are better spoken than blocked, and some people you can't control."

Han Ming did not open his eyes, still looking as if he was resting with his eyes closed.

Seeing Han in this state, everyone was a little puzzled, and they looked at each other and discussed in low voices.

"Alright, Han Xiang does things with discretion. You guys are too concerned and confused. Don't overthink it."

Now stepping into the center and serving as the Vice-Chancellor, Lu Huiqing stroked his beard to dispel everyone's talk.

"The implementation of the Second Five-Year Plan is at a critical juncture. If you really have the time, you might as well think carefully about the next policy formulation."

Wang Jiefu put down his tea bowl, glanced around coldly, and decided that no one was allowed to discuss the issue of "establishing a crown prince" anymore.

"Speaking of which, where is the 'Second Five-Year Plan' formulated by your Sansi Yamen?"

Since returning to the center, Han Ming has rarely paid attention to financial issues, so this time it's a good opportunity to listen to them.

Seeing Han Ming looking at him, Wang Jiefu chuckled: "Originally, after the end of the 'First Five-Year Plan', we planned to seamlessly transition to the 'Second Five-Year Plan' in the tenth year of Xining."

"However, the government insisted on the Northern Expedition, so the implementation of the 'Second Five-Year Plan' was suspended."

"Now that the war is over, my colleagues at the Sansi Yamen and I have decided to officially launch the 'Second Five-Year Plan' next year!"

Wang Jiefu's words made Han Ming guess that the next year would be the third year of Yuanfeng, and by the end of the "Second Five-Year Plan", it would probably be the seventh year of Yuanfeng.

It seems that the next Northern Expedition will be delayed for a while.

"We still need to prioritize domestic reforms in the political, economic, military, and educational sectors."

"No matter how much work we do, ultimately, we still have to achieve the basic goal of 'a prosperous country and a strong people.'"

"Then comes the important task of 'expanding our territory.' You and I, along with the emperor and the people of the world, all have only one concern..."

"Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun!!!"

"Therefore, I am here to propose a 'Future Development Outline'. After the 'Second Five-Year Plan', the Song Dynasty will launch a northern expedition to Yanyun and completely unify the country!!!"

"So your next goals and tasks are to make money, update military equipment, and ensure the well-being of the people at the grassroots level!"

As soon as Han Ming finished speaking, everyone was shocked, knowing that the final countdown had finally arrived.

They all thought that the great cause that could be accomplished by the "Yuanfeng Northern Expedition" was destroyed by the Liao Kingdom's trump card.

But now, with Han Ming taking the lead, for some reason, this "Northern Expedition" seems to have greater confidence.

"Everyone, this is the most crucial battle for the rise of the Song Dynasty. I don't have any inspiring words, just one thing..."

"Recover Yanyun and leave your name in history!"

"boom--!"

Everyone in the inner hall couldn't help but show a hint of excitement in their eyes.

"Leaving your name in history"! This is what every scholar dreams of. If you can get a page in the history books of the future, that would be a great success!

"We will remember what Prime Minister Han said and do our utmost to protect the country and the people!!!"

Everyone stood up and bowed solemnly, as if taking an oath.

Looking at the people who were so confident and passionate, Han Ming couldn't help but smile.

. . . . . .

The Han Mansion's discussions were not kept secret. When Han Ming's words were spread, everyone in Bianjing City was extremely excited.

They knew that with Han's character, he would never give up the Northern Expedition easily, it was just that the opportunity had not yet arrived.

When they learned about the 'Second Five-Year Plan' and that Han Ming was about to carry out his final battle, countless people celebrated and discussed the matter heatedly.

When Emperor Shenzong learned of Han Ming's planned timeline for the Northern Expedition, he clenched his fist and laughed, "There is always a way out. I absolutely must witness the unification of the country with my own eyes!!!"

Little did they know that in the face of such a noisy discussion on the "Northern Expedition", the "succession controversy" was eliminated without a trace.

People didn't even have time to react before the incident was exposed, which made all those who were slow to realize it feel a chill in their hearts, and they were horrified at Han's ability to "change the situation at the touch of a button".

"I can't believe Han Ming used a 'Northern Expedition Talk' to quell the rumors surrounding the 'succession'."

"Who said it wasn't? I was originally planning to send someone to contact this Lord Anyang to see if I could get some information out of him, but he ended up just settling the matter."

"It's not simple. I always thought that this Han Xianggong relied on the Han family's family background and the emperor's favor to stand out. Now it seems that he has some tricks up his sleeve!"

"There is only one person in the world who can thrive among the emperor and the court officials, Han Jingyuan."

"Thinking back, he went into the Liao Dynasty alone and caused chaos in another country with his own strength. He is not a good man!"

"Next, I'm afraid it's difficult to bring up the issue of 'appointing a crown prince'. I can only focus on the 'Northern Expedition' first."

"Northern Expedition, it seems we need to prepare and see if we can put some obstacles in the way of this Prime Minister Han."

"Forget about trying to trip them up. The Han Party has already gained the upper hand, both inside and outside the government. We can only slowly wear them down."

"We wanted to use the merits of following the dragon to extend our hand to the imperial court, but Han Jingyuan acted too quickly."

"If we want to regain our dominant position in the court, we must elect an official who opposes the New Deal reforms. Otherwise, any attempt to trip him up would be tactical."

"Have His Royal Highness Prince Yong and His Royal Highness Prince Cao ever had any contact?"

"The two princes seem to have sensed something and have been keeping their doors closed all day, refusing to interact with outsiders or even receiving guests. It's difficult for us to contact them."

"Looks like we can't count on these two. What candidates do you each have? Mention them and see what you think."

"The current emperor has only three sons. In terms of status and position, the two princes born to the virtuous concubine still have a chance."

"Your Highnesses are young, and therefore more suitable for us to control once we take power."

"Then add the two young princes to the list. Anything else?!"

"In fact, the late Emperor Yingzong has a son who is now eighteen years old, which is just right."

"Are you talking about... the son of the late emperor's concubine Liu?"

"That little guy has grown so big now?!"

"Let's get in touch with her, mainly Concubine Liu, to see if she still has any thoughts about the throne."

"In short, in order for us to regain control of the court, seize power, and abolish the New Deal, we absolutely cannot lose this upcoming battle for the crown prince!!!"