The issue of succession is an unavoidable issue for any dynasty. The position of a prince, a semi-king, is related to the foundation of the country and should never be neglected. Even the emerging Later Han Dynasty had to put this issue on their agenda. Especially when Liu Zhiyuan is already quite old, even if he is not in a hurry, the civil and military men under him will still be anxious for him.
At the beginning, when Liu Zhiyuan was appointing a queen and conferring awards to princes and ministers, someone mentioned the matter of establishing a prince, but Liu Zhiyuan dismissed it lightly.
Initially, for Liu Zhiyuan, this was not a too difficult decision. Liu Chengxun's status as the heir apparent had been established very early on. Even when the country was first proclaimed emperor and the country was founded, there was probably no controversy on this point. However, Liu Chengyou's sudden rise became an unexpected factor.
In this era, everyone with a little knowledge knows what it means to be a prince who can fight and win wars. What's more, it's people like Liu Zhiyuan.
Originally, no matter from any aspect, Liu Chengxun was a qualified heir, with the right age, ability, and reputation. However, he was too weak. In troubled times, this is a flaw.
Liu Chengxun's supporters naturally saw the threat from Liu Chengyou, especially Yang Bin. In fact, when Liu Chengyou defeated Geng Chongmei and just captured Lu and Zezhou, he secretly sent people to persuade Liu Zhiyuan to summon Liu Chengyou back because of the lack of troops, but he failed. Later, after entering Hebei, Liu Zhiyuan deliberately recalled Liu Chengyou, but he was also influenced by others.
Before Liu Chengyou came to the south, the public opinion against him in Beijing was accompanied by the trend of establishing the East Palace. It's just that Emperor Liu Zhiyuan's attitude was ambiguous and he suppressed him.
After Liu Chengyou entered the court, the undercurrent of the struggle over the country's origins in Kaifeng City completely surged. It was just that it was previously covered up by the somewhat chaotic situation in Tokyo. Now, as the situation eases slightly, some people immediately stand up and regain control. Old question.
Inside the Chongyuan Hall, it was eerily quiet. The autumn wind penetrated through the doors and windows, and the coolness seemed to wake up the exhausted ministers in the hall. Even Feng Dao, the "drowsy" old guy, opened his eyes and stared at the official who spoke unexpectedly.
After Feng Dao arrived in Tokyo, as expected, he received warm praise from Liu Zhiyuan, generous treatment, and was appointed as Grand Master. Although he did not gain actual power, he was given the qualification to go to court to listen to and discuss government affairs. However, this old man is very knowledgeable and restrained. He only listens but does not speak. He rarely takes the initiative to express any opinions. He behaves particularly respectfully.
The official who went out to petition was named Wang Jingchong. Liu Zhiyuan came to Beijing and became the official Youwei General, but he was in vain. This person had very high qualifications. He was once a general of Li Siyuan, Emperor Mingzong of the Later Tang Dynasty, and was highly appointed. However, in the late Tang Dynasty, he failed to get ahead and was neither promoted nor ranked low. As for the later Jin Dynasty, he was not even used seriously, and he often lamented that his talents were not recognized.
When Xiao Han took charge of the military and political affairs of the Southern Kingdom and established Li Congyi as emperor, Wang Jingchong actively took refuge in him and obtained a high-ranking official position as the Hui Envoy with bribes. However, this man was very smart. He had known that Xiao Han would not be able to defend the Central Plains. When Liu Zhiyuan was still in Luoyang, he secretly sent someone to send money to Liu Zhiyuan and put him on the list. After entering Bian, he was granted an official title.
Sensing the "weird" atmosphere in the palace, besides Wang Jingchong, there seemed to be more people behind him eager to try. After drinking some water to moisten his throat, Liu Zhiyuan slowly put down his tea cup, looked at Wang Jingchong and said, "It's Wang Qing."
"It's you, sir." Wang Jingchong lowered his head and spoke in a humble tone.
"Since the founding of the country, people have been admonishing me about the prince's affairs. Since Wang Qing mentioned this matter again in the court today, let's discuss it." Liu Zhiyuan didn't wait for a flurry of voice to be heard in the palace, and said calmly He looked at Wang Jingchong and said: "Wang Qing thinks that among the sons under my knees, who can be his heir?"
After saying this, the ministers became more energetic, and most of them looked at the Liu Chengxun brothers in front of them intentionally or unintentionally. Liu Chengxun is in high spirits and has abandoned his negative physical state. Liu Chengyou's face was full of indifference, his eyelids were slightly drooped, and his body was relaxed, as if he didn't hear anything and didn't care. He was more Buddhist than Feng Dao.
Upon hearing the question, Wang Jingchong looked prepared. He lowered his head and opened his mouth: "The second prince, Chengyou, is wise in civil and military affairs, has great ambitions, has made the country prosperous, and has made outstanding achievements. He can be established as the crown prince."
As soon as Wang Jingchong said this, Liu Chengyou was slightly indifferent, unable to maintain the state that the matter had nothing to do with him. He glanced at Wang Jingchong from the corner of his eye and was very surprised in his heart. He had little contact with Wang Jingchong before, and even if they met, they might not know each other. However, at this moment, in this hall, this person is recommending himself so diligently, is it to sell himself well?
For some reason, Liu Chengyou was a little unhappy.
"Oh." Liu Zhiyuan responded, his eyes swept over Liu Chengyou, without stopping on him, and glanced around the courtiers: "Wang Qing thinks Chengyou should be appointed, what about the other beloved ministers?"
"I second the proposal! The second prince is brave and resolute. He has personally experienced Rongxuan and is a powerful hero. He can be his heir."
Somewhat unexpectedly, after Wang Jingchong, a series of people seconded the proposal, saying that Liu Chengyou should be appointed. Of course, there are also some people who firmly support Liu Chengxun, but their voices are much weaker than those of Liu Chengyou.
Liu Zhiyuan, who was obviously a little surprised, automatically ignored the calls and looked at his two sons, observing their reactions.
Liu Chengxun's face was a little pale, but he couldn't hide his astonishment. His hands tightly grasped the armrest, and his white knuckles showed his uneasy mentality. As for Liu Chengyou, he had regained his composure and just stood there silently. Nothing could be seen from his face, but his hands under the sleeves of his robe were subconsciously pinched together. And Liu Zhiyuan also believed that his second son was not as calm as he showed on his face.
Liu Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly and did not express his position for a while, letting the air in the hall settle for a while. When the atmosphere became more and more gloomy, he looked at Yang Bin and said, "Yang Qing, what do you think?"
Previously, powerful people like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang were very stable and did not say anything. It can be said that the courtiers who stood up were basically those who had no say.
Facing Liu Zhiyuan's inquiry, Yang Bin had a serious face, clasped his fists without hesitation, raised his voice very high, and firmly expressed his support for Liu Chengxun: "The eldest son is orderly, the eldest prince is modest, filial, lenient and courteous. If you are good at governing, you can become a prince!"
Yang Bin's reaction was not unexpected. After all, Yang Bin's friendship with Liu Chengxun had been going on for some years. Many people knew that he supported Liu Chengxun, including Liu Zhiyuan.
What was a little surprising was that Shi Hongzhao took the initiative to stand up, glanced at Liu Chengyou, and said loudly and slightly proudly: "I also think that the eldest prince should be established."
As soon as these two people spoke, the effect of Liu Chengyou's "overwhelming" advantage was immediately weakened. No matter how enthusiastic those who supported Liu Chengyou roared, they could not match the attitudes of Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao and others.
"Privacy Guo, what do you think?"
Guo Wei's waist was slightly bent, his expression as usual: "The appointment of a crown prince is both a state matter and a family matter. Please give your Majesty's sanction, and I will give my full support."
"Fengji, what about you?"
Su Fengji had wanted to speak for a long time. His shrewd eyes wandered around twice. Thinking of Liu Chengyou's previous show of kindness to him, he glanced at Yang Bin, took a step closer, and said respectfully: "I think that the second prince is very talented. , Your Majesty, we should be our heirs."
"Prince Wang, what do you think?"
Wang Zhang cupped his hands and answered more cautiously: "The prince's affairs cannot be rushed, but must be done with caution. Your Majesty is in the prime of life, so you can conduct more inspections of your two highnesses to determine the best candidate."
After listening to the opinions of several important ministers, Liu Zhiyuan's expression suddenly relaxed. He leaned back and leaned slightly on the throne. His eyes suddenly flew to Feng Dao, who was waiting with his head bowed: "Grand Master, what do you think about me and my two sons? Who is in charge of the East Palace?"
Feng Dao was below, looking at the melon-eaters with interest when he suddenly heard the emperor's inquiry. He was very surprised. Could he express his opinions casually on such matters? Each of the two princes was easy to offend.
After thinking for a while, he walked out of the queue "tremblingly", his old eyes seemed to be even more cloudy, and said: "Your Majesty, I think that both Your Highnesses are outstanding people in the world and have outstanding talents. I am stupid and I really don't care. Please judge, His Majesty’s Holy Judgment..."
It is estimated that Liu Zhiyuan did not intend to hear an exact name from Feng Dao. He pondered for a while, turned his head, looked at Liu Chengyou, looked at him, and asked quietly: "Erlang, most of the ministers in the court prefer you to be the leader." Prince, what do you think about yourself?"
At this time, everyone in Chongyuan Hall paid attention to Liu Chengyou. This question put huge pressure on Liu Chengyou. Others didn't care, but Liu Zhiyuan's eyes made Liu Chengyou feel a little nervous.
At the beginning, Liu Chengyou was a little confused, confused, and confused, but as courtiers he knew and didn't know spoke out in support, he couldn't react anymore. Perhaps not all of the courtiers who spoke just now communicated well, and some were just following the crowd and following the opportunity. However, he did not believe that those people were impressed by his "powerful spirit".
Before this, he had no foundation in the court. It would not be too surprising if so many people proposed to appoint Liu Chengxun. However, the reality is exactly the opposite. He didn't know that he had organized so many people to work together to support him as the prince.
Praise and kill!
Someone is plotting against him behind his back. His eldest brother Liu Chengxun probably doesn't have the intention yet, so Yang Bin is the only one.
From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Yang Bin coldly. The man's face was calm, but Liu Chengyou always felt that there was a bit of pride in the corner of his mouth.
"Does my question embarrass you?" Liu Zhiyuan asked again, his tone slightly impatient.
Lifting his eyelids, his eyes made slight contact with Liu Zhiyuan, and he blinked hard. Liu Chengyou took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "Since ancient times, when it comes to establishing a heir, the eldest son has been given priority, followed by the virtuous. However, The sons and ministers are not as good as the eldest brother in terms of merit and virtue. The son has no virtue and dare not compete with his elder brother."
Liu Chengyou's deep voice was steady, but as soon as he finished speaking, there was some uproar in the palace. Especially those who follow the crowd. Hearing that, the righteous master no longer wants to argue with his brother. Do you want to change your tune?
"Your Majesty, my second brother is far more intelligent and resolute than me. Please make him the crown prince!" Even more unexpectedly, Liu Chengxun almost followed Liu Chengyou's words and expressed humility.
Looking at his two sons, Liu Zhiyuan suddenly chuckled and said in an incomprehensible tone: "You two are so humble!"
After saying this, a look of exhaustion appeared on his old face, and Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand in disinterest: "I'm tired. Let's just come here today and retreat from the court!"
After saying that, he left without giving anyone any time to react.
...
After going to court, Liu Chengyou did not go to the Privy Council, but returned directly to the government. On the way back home, his expression was gloomy. Today's court meeting, from the superficial point of view, it is basically that he, Liu Chengyou, is interested in the East Palace, unites the courtiers, and launches an attack on the crown prince's position.
Liu Chengyou has no control over what other people think, but what about Liu Zhiyuan?
"Your Highness, Tao Gui wants to see you during this incident!" After returning home, before he could take a sip of water, Li Chongju came to report.
"Bring him in!" Liu Chengyou couldn't suppress his anger.
After Wei Renpu was assigned to the Privy Council, Tao Gu couldn't sit still. This man was very interesting. When he met Liu Chengyou, he gave him a "hint". In order not to favor one against another, Liu Chengyou also worked for him, and with Tao Gu's past qualifications, he was appointed as the chief minister.
Tao Gu probably came directly to Liu Chengyou after going to court. Before entering the hall, I heard the sound of a porcelain cup breaking. I couldn't help but be shocked. I can imagine how angry Liu Chengyou was at this time.
"Your Highness." After entering, Tao Gu called in a low voice after glancing at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground.
"You're here. Sit down." Liu Chengyou closed his eyes, took a few breaths, opened his eyes, looked at him, and said, "What do you think about the upward trend?"
"This is a plot." Tao Gu sighed and frowned: "Such a group discussion will only be counterproductive. The person behind the plot is very scheming!"
"I looked up at the court today, and my heart was filled with fear!"
"I was careless!" Liu Chengyou sighed.
"Such things are impossible to guard against!" Tao Gu shook his head and analyzed it for Liu Chengyou: "The other party is trying to flatter and kill him, which is very poisonous. Before, His Majesty was already wary of His Highness. Above the court, This was not His Highness’s advantage, but this incident made His Majesty even more wary. On the contrary, the First Prince showed his humility and filial piety, while Your Highness was very scheming..."
What Tao Gu said, Liu Chengyou actually knew very well that he had "seen" and "heard" too many such things before.
However, it was precisely because of this that he was angry. Besides being angry, he was also a little aggrieved and ashamed.
Liu Chengyou didn't do this, he knew it in his heart, but Liu Zhiyuan didn't know that. Perhaps in his opinion, Liu Chengyou secretly bribed a group of courtiers and took advantage of the great dynasty to launch a sudden attack, intending to have the final say.
"Next, how about being alone?" Liu Chengyou had a straight face and a cold light in his eyes, as if he wanted to cause trouble.
Seeing this, Tao Gu quickly advised: "Your Highness, at this time, you must not act rashly. Otherwise, in the eyes of Your Majesty, the situation will be even worse."
Tao Gu is a person with many small thoughts, but he has already boarded Liu Chengyou's boat. At this time, he is also planning for him carefully: "Next, let's wait and see the development and changes of the situation for a while, and then make arrangements. Today, Your Majesty, you take the initiative to resign, It's an excellent response. His Majesty is obviously hesitant about the prince's matter. As long as it hasn't been decided yet, there are plenty of opportunities..."
"This time I was tricked and fell into the inferior position. What if the position of the East Palace is determined by this?" Liu Chengyou had calmed down and asked suddenly.
Upon hearing the question, Tao Gu was stunned, but when he saw Liu Chengyou's indifferent expression, his eyes flashed, he gritted his teeth and whispered: "Even if it is decided, he is only a prince! Since ancient times, anyone who can succeed to the throne with the dignity of a prince , how many can there be?”
"Tao Gu, what you said is very bold!" Liu Chengyou stared at Tao Gu sharply.
Under Liu Chengyou's gaze, Tao Gu's body trembled and he fell to his knees: "I'm lying, I'm just loyal to His Highness..."
"That's it!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, surprisingly showed a smile, and murmured: "You are right, even if it is settled, so what."
"Tell me something you might not believe."
Tao Gu was stunned: "What?"
"The humble words I expressed alone in Chongyuan Hall are somewhat sincere!"
"I don't want to make trouble, but someone is trying to plot against me. I have written this down!"
