Volume One, Chapter 20: The Turmoil of Naming the Crown Prince

"Yes, Your Majesty." The young eunuch hurriedly responded, going to notify the Noble Consort to prepare for the imperial bedchamber. At this moment, Emperor Zhou wore a look of radiant satisfaction and departed the Hall of Mental Cultivation with hearty laughter. The old Taoist watched the emperor's retreating figure, a mocking smile curling at his lips.

…

The following morning, at the Prince Jing’s Residence.

"Your Highness, you are scheduled to enter the palace today. It is time to rise."

Li Tianqing slowly opened his eyes and sat up from the couch. Upon opening his eyes, he saw Steward Lin standing respectfully nearby.

Li Tianqing offered a faint smile. "I understand. Thank you, Steward Lin."

He rose, washed, took his meal, and changed into his court attire. Steward Lin waited on the side, and seeing Li Tianqing was properly dressed, gently reminded him, "Your Highness, the carriage is ready."

Li Tianqing nodded at his words. "Let us go," he replied, then headed out of the residence.

He boarded the carriage, which moved forward at a measured pace toward the imperial palace.

…

In the Hall of State Affairs, the civil and military officials had already assembled, awaiting Emperor Zhou’s arrival.

Li Tianqing stood among the ranks, his gaze lowered, concealing his emotions.

"His Majesty arrives—" came the sharp cry of the eunuch, announcing Emperor Zhou’s entrance into the hall.

"Long live the Emperor! May His Majesty live ten thousand years!" The officials bowed in unison.

"Rise, my loyal subjects," Emperor Zhou intoned, settling himself on the Dragon Throne, his gaze sweeping across the assembled ministers.

Today, the emperor seemed especially spirited, a barely perceptible flush upon his cheeks.

"Since my accession, it has been over forty years. It is only through the efforts of you, my loyal ministers, fighting beside me, that the Great Zhou stands as it does today." Emperor Zhou suddenly uttered this seemingly unrelated statement.

At these words, the ministers were momentarily taken aback.

Li Tianqing’s heart sounded a silent alarm; he felt that something was off with the emperor today.

After a brief silence, the officials exchanged glances, then hurried to reply, "We dare not claim credit; it is only Your Majesty’s wisdom and the unity of your subjects that has brought about today’s prosperity for Great Zhou."

The emperor seemed quite pleased, laughing heartily.

But then, his tone shifted abruptly.

"I have grown old—I am already sixty-five! It is time to rest."

As his words fell, a heavy silence descended upon the hall.

Li Tianqing lowered his gaze further, masking his expression.

Was the emperor about to name his heir?

All the officials harbored the same thought, and for a moment, everyone’s mind whirled with speculation. The atmosphere became strangely tense.

At last, Emperor Zhou spoke again, breaking the silence.

"My loyal subjects, I am now advanced in years. Do you have any recommendations?"

Once more, silence reigned. The civil and military officials looked at each other, but no one spoke. The quiet was so profound that a pin drop could be heard.

Emperor Zhou waited for a long while, yet no one answered. His brow furrowed in displeasure.

He looked at his ministers and repeated, "Is there truly no suitable candidate in your minds?"

Still, none dared to speak. The matter of the crown prince was fraught with peril—no one wished to be the first to voice an opinion. The air grew heavier with tension.

Seeing this, the emperor’s face darkened.

"Your Majesty, you are still in your prime; there is no need to hurry in this matter," one minister ventured, steeling himself.

The emperor snorted coldly. "I am already half-buried in the earth. What harm is there in making early preparations?"

At that moment, a military official stepped forward, bowed, and declared, "Your Majesty, I believe the Second Prince, Prince Xuan, is innately intelligent, skilled in both civil and military matters, and fit for great responsibility."

As expected, the first to speak up was from Prince Xuan’s faction.

Li Tianqing observed the court coldly, calculating his next move.

Upon hearing this, the officials aligned with Prince Xuan quickly voiced their agreement.

"Your Majesty, the Second Prince is both virtuous and capable; he is the only true choice for crown prince!"

For a moment, the hall resounded with support for Prince Xuan, while the other princes looked on with varying expressions.

"Your Majesty! I must disagree! The Ninth Prince, Prince Yan, possesses both virtue and talent, and is compassionate at heart; he is the best candidate!" At last, Prime Minister Xiao could remain silent no longer and stepped forth.

His words were like a drop of cold water in boiling oil, instantly igniting the court in heated debate.

The officials backing Prince Yan also stepped forward to support Prime Minister Xiao.

The hall became a cacophony of argument, the factions for the Second Prince and the Ninth Prince each refusing to yield.

"Prince Xi, the Eighth Prince, is also an outstanding choice!" Those supporting other princes could no longer remain silent.

Li Tianqing watched all of this with detachment, quietly noting the court’s factional alignments.

"Your Majesty! The Fourth Prince—"

"The Fifth Prince—"

At this point, every prince save the Tenth, Prince Jing, had ministers recommending them.

The hall was soon alive with debate, the officials each voicing their opinions, none willing to back down.

Emperor Zhou’s expression grew darker as he watched the tumult below.

Finally, his gaze fell upon Li Tianqing, who had remained silent throughout.

"Prince Jing, what is your opinion?" the emperor inquired.

At this, the previously clamorous court fell instantly silent.

Every eye turned to Li Tianqing.

He had not anticipated the emperor calling on him, and was momentarily taken aback.

But he quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and bowed deeply.

"Replying to Father Emperor: your humble son is limited in knowledge and understands little of court affairs. All my royal brothers are exceptional men; the choice of crown prince should be left entirely to Father’s wise judgment."

Li Tianqing’s words were masterfully chosen—offending no faction, removing himself from the dispute, while giving full deference to the emperor. Not a drop was spilled.

Though it seemed he said nothing at all, in truth he had deftly handed the matter back to Emperor Zhou.

The emperor inwardly cursed Li Tianqing’s cunning, then turned to the other princes. "Do you all agree?"

"We dare not presume to comment on the matter of the crown prince. We defer wholly to Father’s decision," the princes responded in unison.

The emperor surveyed his ministers; seeing no one else speak, his expression gradually eased.

"Since that is so, let us set this matter aside for now," he finally declared. "If anyone has petitions, present them now. If not, court is dismissed!"

"Your Majesty, I have a matter to present!" This came from the Minister of Rites.

All eyes turned to him.

"Your Majesty, the delegation from Northern Yan will soon arrive in the capital. As for the reception protocol…"

Northern Yan was not a friendly neighbor of Great Zhou.

This was indeed a thorny matter. If the reception was too modest, in these tense times, it could spark direct conflict between the two states; but if too grand, it would only embolden their arrogance.

"Your Majesty, this is a difficult issue indeed. What are your thoughts?" The Minister of Rites inquired humbly.

Emperor Zhou rubbed his temples, clearly troubled, then glanced at the officials arrayed before him. "Prince Xuan, you shall handle this matter with full authority. The Ministry of Rites and the Court of Diplomatic Reception will assist you."

"Your son accepts the decree!" A flash of delight crossed Prince Xuan’s eyes as he stepped forward to receive the order.

The emperor waved his hand. "I am weary!"

"Dismissed!" came the sharp cry of the Chief Eunuch, and the civil and military officials bowed to take their leave.