Chapter 41: Establishing Zhu Yunwen, The Will Of The People? Seeking Monthly Tickets
Inside the warm pavilion of Huagai Hall, the charcoal fire burned fiercely, dispelling the chill of late autumn but not the heavy atmosphere pervading the air.
Although Old Zhu had issued an imperial decree to dismiss the princes, the stone in his heart had not been lifted.
He understood the principle that prolonged nights lead to many dreams.
Therefore, without delay, he summoned the Hanlin Academy Scholar Liu Sanwu, the Imperial Son-in-Law in charge of the Military Commission Mei Yin, and Huang Zicheng, one of Zhu Yunwen’s tutors, that very night.
These three were carefully chosen by Old Zhu.
Liu Sanwu was seasoned and prudent, a master of Neo-Confucianism, leader of the pure stream faction, and highly respected.
Mei Yin was his favorite son-in-law, holding some military power in the capital region, loyal, reliable, and family.
Although Huang Zicheng was young, his scholarship was solid, and his mind was quick; he was one of Zhu Yunwen’s teachers and represented the future civil official corps.
“A vacant successor position is not a blessing for the state.”
Old Zhu spoke directly, his voice low and hoarse, carrying an undeniable gravity:
“Biao’er is gone, leaving this heavy burden. How much longer can this old body of mine hold up? We must find someone to entrust the empire to.”
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the three men’s faces, examining and inquiring:
“You all know this child Yunwen. He is benevolent and filial, and diligent in his studies. When Biao’er was alive, he doted on him the most. Before his death…”
His throat choked, and he did not continue: “I think the successor position has been vacant for a long time, and it is time to establish one. You discuss it.”
The warm pavilion fell silent, with only the faint crackling of the charcoal fire.
The three ministers lowered their eyes, their hearts in turmoil.
The Emperor summoned them to discuss establishing a successor, directly pointing to the Imperial Second Grandson Zhu Yunwen; this was almost a clear declaration!
However, the Emperor specifically asked for ‘discussion,’ clearly indicating he still had concerns.
Seeing that no one spoke, Old Zhu proactively brought up the two heaviest stones in his heart:
“Firstly, the issue of legitimate and illegitimate birth.”
“Secondly!”
Old Zhu’s gaze became deep and sharp:
“Appointing a youth not yet of age as Crown Prince, will the nobles and veteran generals, the regional officials, and my sons who have been enfeoffed across the realm, accept this? Will they sincerely assist a child emperor?!”
This was his deepest and most realistic concern.
Zhu Yunwen’s benevolence, in the eyes of ambitious warlords and arrogant generals, might be mistaken for weakness and vulnerability.
The silence was finally broken.
The first to speak was Liu Sanwu.
He bowed deeply to Old Zhu, his voice steady and clear, carrying a seasoned clarity: “Your Majesty, please see. While Prince Yunreng is indeed the legitimate son of Consort Chang, according to the rites of Spring and Autumn, lineage is important, but succession is more so.”
“Crown Prince Yiweng was the nation’s heir apparent, hoped for by all the people. After Crown Princess Chang passed away, Consort Lü succeeded to the position of Empress, presiding over the Eastern Palace with proper decorum. Her son, Prince Yunwen, by rites, should be considered the Crown Prince’s eldest legitimate son.”
“This is the principle of ‘a successor by remarriage is like a legitimate son, and their son bears the primary responsibility’.”
“The Book of Rites states: ‘The son of a remarried wife is of equal status to the eldest legitimate son.’ Throughout history, many sons of remarried empresses have succeeded to the throne.”
“Prince Yunwen inherits the Crown Prince’s lineage and succession, his position is already established and beyond dispute. This is the first point!”
Liu Sanwu cited ancient texts and raised the legal status of a son born to a remarried wife to be equal to that of a son born to the principal wife.
He even treated Prince Zhu Yunwen as Zhu Biao’s actual eldest son, fitting the responsibility of being the primary heir, cleverly bypassing Zhu Yunreng’s legitimate son status and legitimizing Zhu Yunwen.
Old Zhu’s tightly drawn jawline seemed to relax slightly.
Liu Sanwu’s words directly addressed the legal issue he most needed resolved.
Although he had already mentally accepted Zhu Yunwen as a legitimate son, he needed others to accept it as well.
Following this, Huang Zicheng stood up. His expression was animated, possessing the boldness of a young warrior and the urgency of defending his disciple:
“Your Majesty! Although Prince Yunwen is young, he is naturally intelligent, benevolent, and filial. His pure filial devotion is witnessed by heaven and earth. When Crown Prince Yiweng was gravely ill, the Prince attended to him day and night with medicine, never leaving his side for months on end, to the point of becoming emaciated.”
“Such supreme filial piety is moving, how could an ordinary youth achieve this? This is the foundation of great virtue!”
He first set the tone with filial piety, transforming Zhu Yunwen’s benevolence and gentleness into a moving virtue.
“As for his studies!”
Huang Zicheng’s voice became clearer and more confident: “The Prince is eager to learn and never puts down a book. He has delved into classics, histories, and collected works, particularly excelling in the Book of Documents and The Great Learning, deeply understanding the ways of governing a nation and cultivating oneself.”
“As I served as tutor in the Eastern Palace, I personally witnessed the clarity of his reasoning and the depth of his insights, often leaving us in awe.”
“Given time, he will surely become a wise ruler and a sagely sovereign.”
“Your Majesty, with your discerning eye and wisdom, selecting this virtuous ruler for the empire is truly fortunate for the state and a blessing for all the people.”
Finally, Mei Yin, who had been silent, also stood up.
His position was special; he was both a noble and held partial military authority.
His endorsement was crucial.
Mei Yin did not cite ancient texts but cupped his fist in a salute to Old Zhu, his voice steady and powerful:
“Your Majesty! I am in charge of the Rear Military Commission and deeply understand the loyalty of the troops. The soldiers yearn for a wise ruler and lasting peace. Prince Yunwen’s reputation for benevolence has also been heard among the ranks. The Prince is of the Crown Prince’s direct lineage, inheriting his benevolence; this is the will of the people!”
His gaze was bright, and his tone was decisive:
“As for those nobles, veteran generals, and regional officials, and even my sons who have been enfeoffed. Your Majesty’s divine might is overwhelming, and your authority is absolute. Who would dare to disobey?! If anyone harbors ill intentions, dares to question your sacred will, or disrespects the heir apparent, I, Mei Yin, will be the first to object!”
“My troops will also pledge their lives to defend the legitimate succession for Your Majesty and for His Highness the Imperial Grandson!”
His words were sonorous and powerful, filled with the backing of military might and the resolve of loyalty.
Not only did it convey the military’s stance, but it also reassured Old Zhu:
With military power in hand and loyal ministers supporting him, those who disobey? We will fight until they submit!
The three ministers, with their different perspectives, built upon each other, their arguments seamlessly connected.
Liu Sanwu resolved the most critical issue of legal identity: Zhu Yunwen was the rightful eldest legitimate son and heir of the Crown Prince!
Huang Zicheng argued that Zhu Yunwen’s virtue and capabilities made him suitable to be a ruler.
Mei Yin, representing the loyalty of the military and nobles, used the most direct declaration of force to dispel Old Zhu’s final worries about dissent.
Old Zhu listened quietly, his face expressionless, only the deep-set eyes flashing with sharp light, indicating the intense turmoil within him.
The words of the three officials were like three strong torrents, continuously eroding the last vestiges of his hesitation and worry.
Until he saw the small memorial tablet for Zhu Biao on the desk.
All his concerns, all his calculations, all his imperial strategies, at this moment, could not outweigh a father’s promise to his deceased beloved son, nor the near-obsessive fixation on leaving the best of everything to Zhu Biao’s bloodline.
Old Zhu took a slow breath.
That breath seemed to inhale all the heaviness and hesitation from the warm pavilion.
“You are right! The throne belongs to my Biao’er! If Biao’er is gone, his son should sit on it!”
“Yunreng is incapable of taking on this great responsibility! Yunwen is benevolent and filial, and is the only choice for the successor!”
“Liu Sanwu!”
“I am here!”
Liu Sanwu’s spirit lifted.
“Tomorrow, at the court session, you shall be the first to propose the establishment of the successor. We will then gauge the ministers’ attitudes before making a final decision!”
“Your subjects obey your command!”
Liu Sanwu, Huang Zicheng, and Mei Yin bowed simultaneously, their voices loud, filled with the excitement and gravity of a decision made.
Old Zhu’s gaze passed over them, looking towards the dark night sky outside the hall, his expression complex and unreadable.
For some reason, he suddenly thought of Zhang Biao.
That rascal should also support Yunwen, shouldn’t he?
Perhaps he should let him attend court tomorrow?
The thought flashed and was immediately dismissed; Old Zhu was shocked by his own idea.
No, no! Such a momentous occasion, what if that rascal once again begs to die in court?!
“Alas, forget it. Yunwen is the popular choice anyway, and his presence isn’t essential.”
Old Zhu sighed heavily: “Biao’er, Father has kept his promise; the throne belongs to your lineage!”
