Chapter 196: Designating an Heir

Chapter 196: Designating an Heir

On June 17th, the emperor celebrates his birthday.

The second and third princes, away in Jinzhou, couldn’t return to the capital in time, but they sent early-prepared gifts to the emperor.

The Jinzhou governor reported that the county magistrate of Shanyin County found a miraculous wheat stalk in dry land. It resembled wheat but had double ears, round and full grains, with a green bird circling it, a truly rare sight.

The governor flattered the emperor, declaring it a divine sign of gratitude for the emperor's and princes’ hard work, foretelling a prosperous future for the Great Zhou dynasty.

The implication was unmistakably clear.

The emperor was delighted upon seeing the miraculous double-eared wheat and had Sheng An read the Jinzhou governor's report aloud before the court, gently stating: "I too have been considering appointing an heir. What are your thoughts, ministers?"

With the Jinzhou governor leading the way, those wishing to show loyalty to the future emperor agreed, suggesting their preferred candidates for the heir.

The courtiers were divided into three factions.

One faction favored the Second Prince, praising his seniority, wisdom, and kindness. His diligent efforts during the Jinzhou mission made him the prime candidate for the heir.

Another faction preferred the Third Prince, highlighting his noble birth and seemingly simple but shrewd nature. In Jinzhou, he not only worked effectively with the ministers but also discovered issues in the Yug County granary, demonstrating his intelligence and benevolence.

The Second Prince's supporters criticized the Third Prince for his inappropriate behavior in the Imperial Academy and deemed him unfit for the throne. The Third Prince's faction argued that neither prince was the eldest legitimate son, and thus, the most virtuous should be chosen. They felt the Second Prince's performance in Jinzhou was mediocre compared to the Third Prince and expressed concerns about the future of the Great Zhou if he were appointed heir.

Although both sides were diplomatic in their wording, their intentions were clear.

The last faction remained neutral, observing quietly without expressing a preference.

Among them, some secretly supported the Eldest Prince but felt it inappropriate to mention him now. Others thought the Emperor still vigorous and considered the Fourth and Sixth Princes as potential candidates, preferring to wait and see. The rest chose to remain silent and loyal.

The Emperor graciously accepted the frank opinions of his courtiers. At the end of the banquet, he instructed them to write confidential memorials indicating their preferred prince.

The Emperor's request for confidential memorials, instead of public reports or petitions, left his intentions ambiguous, leading to much speculation among the courtiers.

Some believed the prince with the most nominations would become the Crown Prince and rushed to write their memorials.

Others feared the Emperor would be wary of a prince with too many nominations and deliberately avoided naming their preferred candidate.

A few upright officials genuinely compared the princes and wrote heartfelt essays expressing their views.

This confidential process of selecting an heir wasn't limited to the courtiers at the summer retreat but extended to those in the capital and even regional officials.

Upon returning to the palace, the Emperor designated a special area in the side hall of the Taiyi Palace to store these memorials and assigned the Eldest Prince, Xiaolang, to review them carefully.

In July, the delegation sent to Jinzhou, including the Second and Third Princes, began their journey back to the capital, receiving a "People's Umbrella" as a parting gift. This umbrella, symbolizing the people's respect, was not for the Emperor or the Third Prince, who performed well, but for the Second Prince.

Reportedly, the people presented the umbrella to the Second Prince in gratitude for his kindness and benevolence.

Although the roads were pre-watered, the dust still made the travelers' throats itch uncomfortably.

Sitting in his carriage adorned with red ribbons, the third prince, Xiao Zhen, chuckled and lowered the curtain.

Hearing the prince's laughter, Zhang Sheng, sitting at the front, asked through the curtain, "Your Highness, is there good news?"

“Indeed, there is,” replied the third prince cheerfully. “Once we return to the capital, my mother intends to request a consort for me from the emperor. Isn't your master's wedding a joyous occasion?”

"Absolutely! A great joy!" Zhang Sheng eagerly concurred.

The third prince, seemingly enlightened, began to take initiative in affairs while maintaining brotherly love, hinting at his interest in the crown prince position. Zhang Sheng, his personal eunuch, grew increasingly cautious.

Wiping sweat from his face with his sleeve, Zhang Sheng glanced at the second prince’s palanquin ahead, unconsciously taking a sip from his water flask.

The umbrella of the masses...

The second prince muttered somberly.

Receiving this umbrella, he was momentarily pleased before realizing he had been put in a difficult position. However, given that it was presented in front of everyone and represented the people's affection, he couldn't just destroy it and had to bring it back.

Since his sister was summoned to the palace, his luck had waned. Not only was he overshadowed by his younger brother in Jinzhou, but he also heard that the emperor allowed his elder brother to observe the government affairs in the Ministry of Revenue. Now, as he was about to return to the capital, he had to deal with this hot potato, the "People's Umbrella."

What would the emperor think of him?

The Second Prince took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, murmuring to himself, "If you are unkind, do not blame me for being unjust."

Upon their return to the capital, honors and rewards were naturally discussed. The appointments for the Minister of Revenue, Minister of Works, and other officials were promptly announced. However, the rewards for the Second and Third Princes were delayed, leaving them to attend the government affairs daily.

Everyone speculated that the emperor intended to announce the crown prince and confer titles at the same time.

Amidst these undercurrents, the Third Prince suddenly fell ill with poisoning.

His symptoms were dramatic; during a grand court assembly, in front of all officials, he suddenly experienced abdominal pain and convulsions, his complexion turned cyanotic, and he struggled to breathe. If not for the timely arrival of the imperial physician, he was on the verge of death.

The Third Prince, young and previously healthy, showed symptoms clearly indicative of poisoning. Even without any statement from His Majesty, the courtiers couldn't help but steal glances at the Second Prince standing at the forefront.

Although the Second Prince was perfectly healthy and not poisoned, he couldn't help turning pale under the scrutiny from all sides.

But he had no time to control his expression, harboring a bad premonition that something had gone wrong with Zhang Shuisheng.

He had used castor beans procured by his sister, which do not need to be ingested; mere contact causes immediate poisoning. Yet, the symptoms of poisoning resemble those of typhoid, crucially, once the poison takes effect, not even gods could save the victim.

At that time, the Third Prince would simply be another victim of typhoid, unrelated to him. To be cautious, even Zhang Shuisheng himself didn't know what poison was used. Yet, seeing the Third Prince with cyanotic lips, the Second Prince felt a chill in his heart.

Indeed, after the imperial physician barely saved the Third Prince's life, a tearful and furious Consort De stormed into Yanqing Palace, slapped the Second Prince without a word, and then headed straight to Jianzhang Palace to lodge a complaint.

Tearfully, she said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I personally chose Zhang Shuisheng for Xin'er, but who knew he would betray us, secretly siding with the Second Prince, daring to poison Xin'er! I beg Your Majesty for severe punishment!"

The Emperor was about to retire for the night, sitting in a soft chair drinking a bitter health soup, the flickering candlelight making his lips appear pale.

The Emperor asked Consort De, "Consort De says Xin'er was poisoned under Xuan'er's instruction through Zhang Shuisheng, do you have evidence?"