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Sow discord and make up rumors.
Obviously, these words of Liu Xiu, the eunuch of the royal study, came from the instructions of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
As for the rumors Liu Xiu mentioned, they were naturally false and were all fabricated by the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
It's not a particularly clever method, it's just a very common tactic to alienate people. For thousands of years, this method has been used countless times by people regardless of whether they are rich or poor, both ancient and modern, at home and abroad, and it is not new at all.
However, although it is a very common method, it is still a very useful strategy as long as you find the right direction to sow discord.
The reason why many alienation plans fail is simply because the provocation is in the wrong direction, or because they fail to find what the other party really cares about, or because the provocation simply cannot withstand scrutiny.
For example, this time, if the rumor was that Prince Zhu Heyu formed a clique to seek power and framed ministers, then Emperor Deqing would not really care even if he believed it to be true. Instead, he would feel that Prince Zhu Heyu had finally grown up, and even Maybe he would be deeply gratified; if this rumor said that Prince Zhu Heyu had evil intentions and coveted the throne, then Emperor Deqing would not believe it at all, because it was completely inconsistent with the character of Prince Zhu Heyu.
However, the rumors mentioned by Liu Xiu did say that Prince Zhu Heyu planned to compile the history of the Ming Dynasty, and also wanted to "objectively" evaluate the merits and demerits of Emperor Deqing, so that Emperor Deqing ended up being evaluated as a "foolish emperor". This is Directly touched Emperor Deqing's reverse scale!
The evaluation of historical records and the reputation of later generations have always been something that Emperor Deqing was extremely concerned about - if Emperor Deqing didn't want to be known as a minister who massacred ministers, so he directly used the power of factory guards or the army, then even Zhou Shangjing would not have resisted Deqing at all. The power of the emperor - therefore, Liu Xiu's words directly touched the sensitive nerves of Emperor Deqing.
However, after Emperor Deqing thought about it carefully, he had to admit that although the rumors mentioned by Liu Xiu were not true or false, judging from the character of Prince Zhu Heyu, this kind of thing was indeed very likely to happen!
In addition, the timing of this rumor was just right. It was just when Emperor Deqing's patience with Prince Zhu Heyu reached its limit. With just one final step, Emperor Deqing would completely give up on Prince Zhu Heyu!
So, it was obviously just a simple divorce plan, a rumor that was not true or false, but it did succeed.
After listening to the rumors, Emperor Deqing had already made up his mind - whether it was for his own reputation for future generations or for the stable inheritance of the Ming Dynasty, Prince Zhu Heyu was indeed not a qualified heir to the throne!
Of course, Emperor Deqing was the most proficient in the emperor's mind, and the city's scheming was extremely deep, so although he made up his mind, he did not show any emotions.
He just stared coldly at the eunuch Zhang Xiu in front of him, and said in a cold and slow voice: "Talk about the prince, sow discord, and spread false rumors...Liu Xiu, do you know how big a crime this is?"
At this time, Liu Xiu was already covered in cold sweat. After hearing Emperor Deqing's inquiry, his face turned pale with fright.
So, Liu Xiu kowtowed repeatedly and said: "Your Majesty, I know that I am guilty of death, but I really can't bear your reputation to be damaged in future generations, so I risked my life to speak out. I beg you to be aware of my generosity." Be loyal!”
Emperor Deqing narrowed his eyes, and suddenly his tone became slightly gentler, and he said softly: "Of course you are bound to die...but if you confess to me, who secretly instigated you to say these things to me, then I Because you have served me for so many years, I will be lenient and spare you the death penalty!"
Emperor Deqing's temperament has always been cautious and suspicious. Although this rumor eventually affected Emperor Deqing's decision, he still remained calm and sharp enough, and subconsciously noticed something fishy. He suspected that someone was using the rumor to Construct the crown prince Zhu Heyu.
Although Emperor Deqing already believed that Prince Zhu Heyu was not a qualified successor to the throne and decided to completely abandon Prince Zhu Heyu, the person behind the use of such destructive means to frame Prince Zhu Heyu was Deqing. The emperor also has no intention of lenient mercy!
On the other side, Liu Xiu hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty is aware that no one is secretly instigating what the slave did. I just don't want your holy name to be stained in the history books of future generations! The slave's loyalty , Heaven and earth can learn from this! I heard this rumor from Dongchang eunuch Feng Desheng... Feng Desheng can testify for this!"
"Feng Desheng? Dongchang?" After hearing Liu Xiu's excuse, Emperor Deqing seemed to be completely unconvinced and sneered: "Since Dongchang has received considerable information, why didn't you report it to me? Instead, you concealed it and let others know. Do you know the news?"
Liu Xiu quickly explained again: "Because this matter involves His Majesty the Crown Prince, and it is a rumor that is not true or false, it is very sensitive. Dongchang naturally did not dare to report it to His Majesty before he could find out the details. After all, Dongchang was also worried. Your Majesty, you will blame Dongchang for instigating the relationship between Your Majesty and the Crown Prince... I have some friendship with Feng Desheng of Dongchang. After Feng Desheng received the information, he was a little hesitant. He also knew that the minion had been serving His Majesty and understood His Majesty's thoughts better, so I asked the slave for advice, and that’s how I learned about the rumor..."
As he spoke, Liu Xiu kowtowed heavily to the ground again. His forehead soon turned blue and purple, but Liu Xiu felt no pain at all. He just sobbed: "Everything I said is true! Your Majesty, you must understand clearly. ah!"
Liu Xiu's explanation can be said to be well-founded and without any flaws. After hearing this, Emperor Deqing's doubts in his heart were slightly reduced.
However, Emperor Deqing was too suspicious, so he would not let Liu Xiu go just like that.
Therefore, after Emperor Deqing heard the explanation, he just asked coldly: "So, you really don't intend to reveal the mastermind?"
Liu Xiu cried again and argued: "Your Majesty, I really don't have a mastermind behind the scenes..."
However, this time, before Liu Xiu had finished speaking, Emperor Deqing had already waved his hand and said: "I gave you the opportunity, but you were unwilling to seize it! In this case, don't blame me for being ruthless! Someone, Liu Xiu will Drag him out and kill him with a stick!"
As Emperor Deqing finished speaking, two eunuchs hurried to Liu Xiu's side, dragged Liu Xiu away from Emperor Deqing, and planned to drag Liu Xiu out and kill him with a stick.
During this period, Emperor Deqing kept looking at Liu Xiu coldly, and Liu Xiu was naturally frightened to death and cried loudly.
"Your Majesty, this servant is completely loyal!"
"Your Majesty, this servant is all for your Majesty's reputation in future generations!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty! This servant is wronged..."
Liu Xiu's cries continued, but Emperor Deqing's expression did not change from beginning to end.
It was not until two eunuchs were about to drag Liu Xiu out of the imperial study, but Liu Xiu still did not confess who was behind it, that most of Emperor Deqing's doubts were finally dispelled.
"Liu Xiu was not a brave person who was not afraid of death. Even when he was about to die, he did not reveal the person behind the scenes. I am afraid that this matter was not framed by someone. At least this matter did not have much to do with Liu Xiu... "
Thinking of this, Emperor Deqing suddenly raised his hand and said, "Wait!"
As Emperor Deqing finished speaking, the two eunuchs also stopped dragging Liu Xiu.
Liu Xiu, on the other hand, crawled to the throne of Emperor Deqing and kowtowed again and again, crying out for his injustice and loyalty.
Emperor Deqing looked deeply at Liu Xiu and said slowly: "That's all, for the sake of your loyalty, I will spare you for now! But if you keep talking nonsense in the future, it won't be so easy!"
Hearing that Emperor Deqing had finally forgiven him, Liu Xiu was naturally overjoyed and said repeatedly: "I thank you for your kindness. I will definitely abide by my duty in the future and never dare to talk nonsense again!"
Emperor Deqing's face became more serious: "Also, don't let anyone know what happened in the Imperial Study Room today. If even a little bit of news gets out, everyone in the Imperial Study Room will be killed with a stick today! You are the Imperial Study Room Eunuch, it’s up to you to keep it secret."
Emperor Deqing certainly made up his mind at this time and decided to abandon Prince Zhu Heyu and find a new heir to the throne.
However, deposing the crown prince is by no means a trivial matter, especially since the prince Zhu Heyu has no obvious misconduct, and his reputation in Qingliu and Shilin is very good. If Emperor Deqing rashly deposes the prince Zhu Heyu, It will inevitably cause great backlash and controversy.
Therefore, this matter needs to be considered in the long term, and we must not act rashly!
Because of this, what happened in the royal study today must be kept secret, otherwise it will easily lead to some speculation.
Before Emperor Deqing officially deposed Prince Zhu Heyu, Zhu Heyu was still the crown prince, and Emperor Deqing still had to support Prince Zhu Heyu to a certain extent, so no one could see any clues!
On the other side, although Liu Xiu was still in shock, after hearing Emperor Deqing's instructions, he still did not dare to neglect and kept making promises.
Finally, when Liu Xiu's mood stabilized a little, Emperor Deqing said again: "Please tidy up. As the eunuch in charge of the imperial study, he represents my face. Now his face is full of tears and runny nose. How unbecoming it is." ? After you clean up, go and find Feng Desheng from Dongchang to see me. I have something to ask him."
After hearing the instructions, Liu Xiu thanked the emperor again, and then left the imperial study room to summon Feng Desheng, the eunuch of the East Factory.
Emperor Deqing, on the other hand, remained in the imperial study with a look of deep contemplation on his face.
After some changes, calm returned to the imperial study room again.
But the calm did not last long. A eunuch carefully opened the door of the imperial study, walked quickly to Emperor Deqing's imperial desk, kowtowed and reported: "Your Majesty, Chen You, Duke of Jing, wishes to see you."
Emperor Deqing was interrupted from thinking, a look of displeasure flashed across his brows, and he said: "Duke Chen You of the State of Jing? What is he doing here? ...Forget it, let him in."
At this time, Emperor Deqing originally did not plan to meet Duke Chen You of Jing State, but considering that the eldest daughter of Duke Chen You of Jing State was betrothed to the seventh prince Zhu Hejian, she was considered his in-laws, and because of the physical condition of the seventh prince Zhu Hejian No, the marriage has not been consummated for a long time, so the royal family owes the Chen family of Jing Guo Gong. In addition, Chen Zhirong, the youngest daughter of Jing Guo Gong Chen You, may also be Zhao Junchen's official wife, so Emperor Deqing hesitated for a moment. , decided to summon Chen You, Duke of Jing.
Soon, Chen You, Duke of Jing State, arrived in the imperial study. After saluting Emperor Deqing and saying hello, he presented his memorial to Emperor Deqing.
Emperor Deqing unfolded the memorial and looked at it with a look of surprise on his face. Then he looked at Chen You, Duke of Jing, and asked: "Do you want me to confer the throne and fief for the seventh prince and let him leave the capital?"
Chen You, Duke of Jing, looked serious and replied: "Your Majesty, according to the rules of our dynasty, except for the crown prince, all the princes must be given titles of princes and fiefdoms when they reach adulthood, and they must be kept away from the capital. They cannot be summoned by the court. It’s easy to return to the capital! The seventh prince has been an adult for many years, but his physical condition is not good and he cannot withstand the fatigue of traveling and horse racing, so he has been delaying it. However, recently, under the diagnosis and treatment of the miracle doctor Zhang Decheng, the seventh prince’s physical condition has improved. Now that things have improved a lot, there is no reason to stay in the capital anymore, so I sincerely request your Majesty to confer the throne on the seventh prince and let him go to the fiefdom to stay!"
After a pause, Chen You continued: "In addition, my daughter Chen Jiarong has been engaged to the seventh prince for many years. However, the seventh prince has not been in good health, so the marriage has been postponed. The request also contains a little selfishness. I feel that the seventh prince has not been in good health." After the prince is conferred a royal title by your majesty, my daughter will be more prosperous when she marries him. I hope your majesty will learn from this!"
After hearing Duke Jing's explanation, Emperor Deqing's face softened slightly, and he nodded: "Duke Jing's request is not unreasonable, but...the seventh prince..."
While speaking, Emperor Deqing showed a thoughtful look on his face and tapped his fingers lightly on the imperial desk.
The Ming Dynasty's system of establishing a prince has always strictly abided by the principle of direct eldest son, which is the so-called "there is a direct eldest son, and there is no direct eldest son." Although the queen of Emperor Deqing once gave birth to a prince, she was He died in infancy. The current crown prince Zhu Heyu and the seventh prince Zhu Hejian were both born to the imperial concubine.
Therefore, among the princes of Emperor Deqing, Zhu Heyu and Zhu Hejian were of the most noble origins, and besides Zhu Heyu, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian was the oldest.
In this way, if Emperor Deqing finally deposes Prince Zhu Heyu, then the seventh prince Zhu Hejian will be the highly anticipated successor!
In addition, Zhu Hejian's superficial character has always been modest and filial, but occasionally he can be seen to be soft yet strong, shrewd and intelligent. He has always been quite popular with Emperor Deqing. If Zhu Hejian is established as the new crown prince, then Emperor Deqing could also accept it.
Thinking of this, Emperor Deqing asked: "I have heard that the seventh prince's physical condition has improved greatly in recent days. Based on your memorial, it seems that the seventh prince's physical condition is better than I imagined. Is it possible? Is his body no longer afraid of the fatigue of traveling and riding?"
Chen You said quickly: "Your Majesty, Zhang Decheng's medical skills are worthy of being used by thousands of families to create Buddhas. They are far superior to those of the royal doctors in the palace. Under his careful treatment, the seventh prince only lasted for just two months." Over time, he has almost completely recovered, and now he is just like an ordinary person, no longer as sick and weak as before, not to mention the ordinary fatigue of traveling and riding, even riding a horse and shooting arrows is probably no problem."
Emperor Deqing smiled and said: "I am used to seeing Lao Qi get sick, and I really can't imagine what it would be like for him to ride a horse and shoot arrows! However, Lao Qi's health has only improved recently, and I don't want him to get too sick. If he leaves the capital early, if his condition relapses, and Zhang Decheng is not around to treat him at any time, it might be a big trouble... That's all, I will stay in the capital for the time being, but Lao Qi will stay in the capital for the time being. , It’s better to continue to observe for a while.”
Upon hearing Emperor Deqing's decision, Chen You's face was full of disappointment, and he lowered his head and said: "Your Majesty is still thoughtful and I obey the decree."
However, when he lowered his head, Chen You's eyes flashed with ecstasy.
He knew very well what it meant for Emperor Deqing to let the seventh prince Zhu Hejian stay in the capital!
It's not far away from the seventh prince Zhu Hejian officially walking to the front desk!
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ps: Well, it’s still a two-in-one chapter! Also, thank you all for your encouragement and keep working hard!
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