For several days in a row, no court meeting was held.
This was completely incomprehensible to the courtiers who had long been accustomed to the diligence of the First Emperor.
Just when the courtiers were secretly thinking about it, the court meeting that had been suspended for several days started again on time. However, for some reason, all the courtiers present felt a little strange, as if this court meeting was very different from the past ones.
All the officials stood at attention, all serious in speech.
No one said a word.
Li Si and others even closed their eyes, as if they knew nothing about the situation around them, but their eyelids moved from time to time, revealing their inner doubts.
In fact, nothing major happened in the court during this period.
The world is also very Xianning.
Apart from not knowing what happened to the First Emperor, the only thing they could think of at the moment was what happened to Hu Hai in the South China Sea. However, Hu Hai had returned to Xianyang for some time, and Zhao Tuo had submitted a Two memorials, if the First Emperor really wanted to be held accountable, why would he have waited so long?
Could it be that there was something wrong with the First Emperor's health?
Baiguan secretly speculated in his heart, but did not dare to show anything on his face.
I do not know how long it has been.
Only the shouts of the visitors were heard in the hall.
"Trendy——"
Groups of guards composed of Langzhong and Bichenlang were then sent out to guard His Highness.
See this.
The courtiers headed by Li Si quickly recovered their minds, looked solemn, and walked through the aisles of guards to reach His Majesty, that is, under the throne. The generals were listed in order of rank and title to the west, facing east, and the civil servants were headed by the prime minister. They are also listed in order from the east to the west.
At this time, the nine protocol officers arranged by Dianke relayed summons in the form of "Lu Chuan" to announce the arrival of the First Emperor.
All the officials lowered their heads and did not dare to look up.
The whole process started with 'police' and ended with 'stop'. When the officials raised their heads, the First Emperor was already sitting on the throne. At this time, the atmosphere in the palace was relatively relaxed, and the officials dared to take a look. Looking at the First Emperor, it's just that he has been fifty steps away recently, so it is really difficult to see clearly what the First Emperor is doing.
The usually spacious and bright main hall was dark with hundreds of people.
The bells and drums at Mao hour are rising.
This time the meeting was officially announced.
All the officials took their seats.
"Everyone, I have been the emperor for nine years."
All the doors and windows of Xianyang Palace were wide open. The Shenchen Palace was quite cool in the early summer morning. Ying Zheng, wearing a crown and belt, continued to speak calmly and majestically: "In the past nine years, the world has been peaceful, and Xianning has been everywhere. In the past, I was busy with political affairs and planning for the future, and I neglected many things."
"We will bring up old matters again at the meeting today."
"I have not done much in the past few years. I killed my tyrants by force, recovered my innocence in literature, accepted the common people's heart, discussed my merits, rewarded cattle and horses, benevolent to the land, men enjoyed their fields, and women cultivated their careers. Everyone is in order, benefits are received by all properties, illuminated by the sun and moon, and carried by boats and carriages. They all live their lives, and no one is dissatisfied."
The officials listened respectfully.
This is the First Emperor promoting his achievements.
After saying "Everyone should live in his own way", the First Emperor changed his subject and said solemnly: "However, I have suddenly felt weak in the past few days, but I dare not be careless at all. All major affairs of the empire are handled by me alone. I will also decide the public discussions of each department. Although I am determined to use my white-headed body to complete the important things that need to be done as soon as possible, I will use my merits and longevity to last for eternity."
"But I really want to live longer than Nanshan."
"But, can it?"
“The rivers never let go of day and night, and the years never leave a gray head.”
"The dead are like this!"
"I conquered the six kingdoms and unified the world. In my opinion, this is far from the greatest achievement. The real greatest achievement in the world is to establish civilization and govern the world. I am old today, but I want to serve the empire. I’ll consider it in the future.”
"Today, the court will only discuss one thing."
"Li Chu!!!"
"When discussing in court, do not avoid differences of opinion. It's okay for all ministers to just say what they say."
One word fell.
The faces of all the officials in the palace changed slightly.
At the beginning of the founding of the Qin Dynasty, court officials proposed to establish a crown prince, but the First Emperor was not happy with it. After Wang Wan, Mao Jiao and other ministers' proposals were shelved one after another, officials gradually did not dare to say anything more.
But this time, the First Emperor went out of his way and took the initiative to mention the matter of establishing a crown prince, which shocked the courtiers.
Especially when they thought that the court meeting had not started a few days ago, they had some speculations and ideas, but they did not dare to express them in public. They just lowered their heads and looked like they were thinking deeply.
Moreover, the matter of establishing a crown prince is related to the future of the Qin Dynasty, and they cannot be tolerated without being cautious.
At this time.
The current Zongzheng, Ying Ben, said: "Your Majesty, Ying Ben dares to ask, Your Majesty's appointment of the Crown Prince is an internal matter of the royal family, so why should you ask the officials for their advice? I think your Majesty's proposal is inappropriate."
Ying Zheng smiled and said nonchalantly: "The establishment of the crown prince is indeed a matter for my family, but it is not a matter for the world, so why not let all officials discuss it?"
"I also want to hear the suggestions from the officials."
Ying Ben frowned.
He wanted to open his mouth to remonstrate, but Ying Zheng raised his hand to stop him.
Ying Zheng said calmly: "Your Majesty, you can speak freely."
Ying Zheng's words echoed in his ears, but the palace was as quiet as a deep valley.
None of the ministers spoke.
Some courtiers with good eyesight saw the First Emperor's demeanor.
The emperor, who was in his forties, already had gray hair on his temples. He also saw that the emperor's body, which had always been stalwart, had become rickety-shouldered compared to the past.
The First Emperor was really old.
But even so.
No one dared to underestimate their emperor.
Even if the tigers and wolves are old, they are still tigers and wolves after all, and they are far from being able to despise them.
and
Did the First Emperor really want to establish a heir apparent?
This doubt arose in the minds of all the officials. In the past, the First Emperor had a very firm attitude towards the appointment of a crown prince and would not talk about it at all. Does he really want to establish a crown prince now?
If they agreed to establish a heir, but the First Emperor only did it as a test, would their rash words be resented by the First Emperor?
Among the hundreds of officials in the palace, no one dared to say anything at this time.
Even Li Si looked serious at this moment, somewhat unable to guess what the First Emperor was thinking.
Inside the palace.
Hu Hai looked filled with emotion and was filled with emotions.
Ji Heng was right this time.
The father indeed had the intention of establishing a crown prince, and he indeed wanted to establish a crown prince.
However, he didn't know why the First Emperor would speak out about this matter in such a big way, but since his father did this, he naturally had his reasons.
I just feel a little disappointed in my heart.
he knows.
His father had already decided on the candidate, and the so-called inquiry at the moment was just a formality. Thinking of this, Hu Hai immediately reacted.
The father may be using this to test the courtiers.
On the one hand, he tested the ministers in the court to be close to Fusu, and on the other hand, he tested the attitude of the courtiers towards the crown prince. Moreover, the matter was decided in public. In other words, as long as the crown prince is finally determined to be Fusu, these courtiers will have to wait until the meeting ends. , will at least verbally support Fusu.
After that, he interfered with it, which left a lot of talk.
In a moment of thought.
Hu Hai's expression became even more depressed.
He felt that his stepping stone seemed to be too successful.
There was a long silence.
Dr. Servant Zhou Qingchen was the first to speak: "Sir, Dr. Servant Zhou Qingchen dares to ask, what do you think of the selection of the crown prince?"
Hearing Zhou Qingchen's question, Baiguan's eyes lit up.
"When discussing matters in the imperial court, it is inappropriate to speculate on the superior's intentions." Ying Zheng coldly rejected the temptation.
Zhou Qingchen sat back with a stern expression.
Although Da Qin Doctoral Academy now exists in name only, this official office has not really been removed, but it has less of a sense of existence than in the past.
"Your Majesty, Hu Wujing has something to say." Hu Wujing from the civil ministerial district in the west stood up proudly and said impassionedly: "His Majesty the Emperor has wiped out six countries, conquered the whole country, has the virtue of three emperors, and has merited more than five emperors. With all the weapons, The text in the same book clearly distinguishes between noble and inferior, men and women are polite, careful in obeying duties, and he is as kind as cattle and horses. He is the greatest emperor in the history."
"However, peace within the sea is easy, but peace within the sea is difficult."
"The nine states in the world have different situations and customs, making it difficult to rule them all under one roof."
"If the Qin Dynasty wants to be at peace, it must stick to its political affairs and not change orders overnight, let alone make coups d'état."
"Among your Majesty's princes, I think the eldest son is a good one."
"If the eldest son is filial, he will definitely be able to adhere to His Majesty's great policies. Moreover, the eldest son is generous and kind-hearted. He has a reputation for benevolence in all the nine states in the world. He can also appease the people of the world. When he implements the rule of unification of the world, he will be more accepted by all people and can be better." Show gentleness.”
"As the eldest son, the eldest son will benefit both the country and the people."
"I suggest that the eldest son be appointed as the heir apparent."
"Your Majesty, please give me a clear warning."
Hu Wujing expressed his opinion calmly.
He is a regular person.
Although he is ranked as the ninth minister, his actual power is not very important. The reason why Feng Chang is ranked as the ninth minister is actually that he is also a prince fu. However, in the past, Da Qin did not have a crown prince, and his prince fu was also in name only. Da Qin established its crown prince, but his prince Fu was different.
Although the official level of the Prince's Mansion is not high.
But he was close to the future prince.
The importance is self-evident.
Therefore, compared to the hesitation of the officials, he was very happy about it, so after hesitating for a while, he spoke decisively.
After the candidate for Hu Wujing was announced, the hall was still very quiet.
All ministers had different ideas.
This year, Fusu has changed a lot.
In the past, they would have been happy to support Fusu as the crown prince, but now Fusu has made them unable to see clearly, which makes them feel a little insecure. In addition, the harsh treatment of Tingwei Mansion last time , which makes people even more fearful and panicked.
What makes them even more uneasy is that Fusu's actions are becoming more and more extreme.
This will undoubtedly create a lot more uncertainty.
At this time.
Shi Lu said: "My lord, Shi Lu seconded the proposal."
"The eldest son is resolute and brave, a believer and a warrior, a benevolent person, with political foresight, and an upright character. Today's situation is turbulent, and the crown prince of Qin should have a certain degree of decisiveness. I believe that the eldest son will have peace in the country and stability in the court. , are the best candidates for long-term governance in the world."
"I also ask you to appoint the eldest son as your heir apparent."
Hearing the two "Jiu Qing" speak, many courtiers sitting at the table immediately paid attention.
They didn't dare to speak first, but as long as someone spoke and His Majesty didn't blame them, the situation of this big discussion would be clear.
Your Majesty is truly determined to establish a throne.
For a while.
Baiguan's mind immediately became active.
After all, establishing Chuzi was a major matter, and it also had a profound impact on them.
(End of chapter)
