Chapter 139: All Ministers Add Fuel to the Fire

The question of succession is one that no dynasty can avoid. The Crown Prince, holding a position half that of the sovereign, concerns the very foundation of the state and can never be taken lightly. Even the newly risen Later Han had no choice but to put this matter on the agenda. Especially when Liu Zhiyuan was already well along in years — even if he was not anxious, the civil and military officials under him would be anxious on his behalf.

Back when Liu Zhiyuan had established the Empress and enfeoffed his princes and ministers, someone had already raised the matter of establishing a Crown Prince, but Liu Zhiyuan had brushed it aside lightly.

At first, for Liu Zhiyuan, this was not a terribly difficult choice — very early on, Liu Chengxun's position as heir had already been established. Even at the time of first proclaiming the dynasty and founding the state, there was probably little controversy on this point. But Liu Chengyou's sudden rise had become an unexpected variable.

In this age, what a prince who could fight and win battles meant — anyone with even a little insight knew. Let alone men like Liu Zhiyuan.

Originally, from every angle, Liu Chengxun was a qualified heir — his age, ability, and reputation were all fitting. But he was too gentle and bookish. In chaotic times, that was a fatal flaw.

Liu Chengxun's supporters naturally also saw Liu Chengyou's threat, especially Yang Bin. In fact, back when Liu Chengyou had defeated Geng Chongmei and just taken the two prefectures of Lu and Ze, Yang Bin had used the pretext of insufficient troops to secretly have someone advise Liu Zhiyuan to recall Liu Chengyou, but it had not succeeded. Later, after entering Hebei, Liu Zhiyuan's inclination to recall Liu Chengyou was also influenced by others.

Before Liu Chengyou came south, the public sentiment against him in the capital had accompanied the wave of discussion about establishing the Eastern Palace. It was only because Emperor Liu Zhiyuan's attitude was ambiguous that it was suppressed.

From the time Liu Chengyou entered court, the undercurrent in Kaifeng over the struggle for the state's foundation had surged forth completely, only concealed by the somewhat chaotic situation in the Eastern Capital. Now that the situation had eased slightly, people immediately stood up to take up the old topic again.

Inside Chongyuan Hall, it was strangely quiet. The autumn wind crept in through doors and windows, and the chill seemed to startle awake the somewhat weary assembled ministers. Even Feng Dao, that old fellow who seemed "drowsy and half-asleep," opened his eyes and stared in surprise at the official who was speaking.

Since arriving at the Eastern Capital, Feng Dao had, unsurprisingly, received Liu Zhiyuan's warm commendation and generous treatment, being appointed Grand Preceptor. Though no real power was given to him, he was granted the qualification to attend court and participate in deliberations. However, this old man knew his place well, keeping a low profile — listening without speaking, basically never volunteering opinions, and behaving with particular deference.

The official who stepped forward to memorialize was named Wang Jingchong. When Liu Zhiyuan entered the capital, he had been appointed General of the Right Guard, a sinecure post. This man had deep seniority — he had once been a yabing officer under Li Siyuan, Emperor Mingzong of the Later Tang, and had been fairly well employed, but through the entire Tang era he had failed to rise to prominence, stuck in the middle. Under the Later Jin, he was even less favored, often sighing that his talents went unrecognized.

When Xiao Han had taken charge of military and civil affairs in the south and installed Li Congyi as emperor, Wang Jingchong had actively attached himself, and through bribery obtained the high office of Commissioner of Palace Attendants. But this man was clever — knowing early on that Xiao Han could not hold the Central Plains, while Liu Zhiyuan was still in Luoyang, he had secretly sent someone to pledge his allegiance, getting himself registered in Liu Zhiyuan's books. After entering Bian, he was given office.

Sensing the "peculiar" atmosphere in the hall, it seemed that beyond Wang Jingchong, more people behind were eager to step forward. Taking a sip of water to moisten his throat, Liu Zhiyuan slowly set down his teacup, looked at Wang Jingchong, and said: "So it is Minister Wang."

"It is your servant." Wang Jingchong kept his head lowered, his tone humble.

"Since the founding of the state, there have always been those who memorialized to me about the matter of the Crown Prince. Since Minister Wang has raised this matter again in court today, let all of you ministers deliberate on it." Liu Zhiyuan's voice carried not a trace of fluctuation as it sounded through the hall, his gaze calmly fixed on Wang Jingchong: "Minister Wang, in your view, among my sons, who may be established as heir?"

At these words, the ministers' spirits were further roused, and most eyes unconsciously turned toward Liu Chengxun and his brothers at the front. Liu Chengxun's spirits lifted, as if casting off his body's negative state. Liu Chengyou, meanwhile, wore a look of complete indifference — eyelids slightly lowered, body relaxed, as if he had not heard at all, utterly unconcerned, even more detached than Feng Dao.

Upon the question, Wang Jingchong appeared fully prepared, head bowed, opening his mouth to speak at once: "The Second Prince Chengyou is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, with grand aspirations and far-reaching vision. He is the rise of the state, with outstanding achievements and merit — he may be established as Crown Prince."

The moment Wang Jingchong said this, Liu Chengyou was slightly taken aback, unable to maintain his detached demeanor. Glancing sidelong at Wang Jingchong, he was greatly bewildered. He had had no prior contact with this Wang Jingchong — even if they met face to face, they might not recognize each other. Yet this man, at this moment, in this great hall, was so eagerly recommending him — was it to curry favor with him?

For some reason, Liu Chengyou could not feel happy about it.

"Oh." Liu Zhiyuan responded, his gaze sweeping over Liu Chengyou without pausing on him, then scanning the assembled ministers: "Minister Wang feels Chengyou should be established. What of the other ministers?"

"I second the motion! The Second Prince is brave and resolute, having personally experienced military campaigns, his might and heroism established — he may be the heir."

Somewhat unexpectedly, following Wang Jingchong, a string of people seconded the motion, expressing that Liu Chengyou should be established. Of course, there were also some who firmly supported Liu Chengxun, but compared to the chorus for Liu Chengyou, they were far weaker.

Liu Zhiyuan was clearly somewhat surprised as well, automatically skipping over those voices, his gaze shifting between his two sons, observing their reactions.

Liu Chengxun's somewhat pale face could not conceal his astonishment; his hands gripped the armrests tightly, the whitening knuckles revealing his unsettled mind. As for Liu Chengyou, he had already recovered his composure, standing there silently — nothing could be read from his face, though beneath his robe sleeves, his hands unconsciously clasped together. And Liu Zhiyuan believed that this second son of his was nowhere near as calm inwardly as his face suggested.

Liu Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment he made no statement, letting the air in the hall congeal. Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive, he looked at Yang Bin and spoke: "Minister Yang, what do you think?"

Previously, powerful figures like Yang Bin and Wang Zhang had remained very steady, not speaking. It could be said that the ministers who had stepped forward were basically those without real say.

Facing Liu Zhiyuan's inquiry, Yang Bin kept a stern face, unhesitatingly cupped his fists, raised his voice high, and firmly expressed his support for Liu Chengxun: "The eldest legitimate son comes first in order. The First Prince is modest, filial, and righteous, broad-minded and courteous, accomplished in governance — he may be Crown Prince!"

Yang Bin's reaction was not unexpected, after all — Yang Bin's friendship with Liu Chengxun went back many years. That he supported Liu Chengxun was known to many, including Liu Zhiyuan.

Somewhat more surprising was that Shi Hongzhao voluntarily stepped forward, glanced at Liu Chengyou, and said in a slightly proud, loud voice: "I too feel that the First Prince should be established."

Once these two spoke, Liu Chengyou's "overwhelming" advantage immediately diminished greatly. No matter how fervently those supporting Liu Chengyou shouted, it could not match the stance of Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao, and the others.

"Commissioner Guo, what do you think?"

Guo Wei's back bent slightly, his expression unchanged: "Establishing a Crown Prince is both a matter of state and a matter of family. I beg Your Majesty to make the sacred decision — your servant will wholeheartedly support it."

"Fengji, what about you?"

Su Fengji had long wanted to speak. His shrewd eyes rolled around twice, and recalling Liu Chengyou's earlier gestures of goodwill toward him, he shot a glance at Yang Bin, stepped forward, and said in a respectful voice: "Your servant believes the Second Prince possesses talents of a great leader, greatly resembling Your Majesty — he is fitting to be the heir."

"Chancellor Wang, what do you think?"

Wang Zhang cupped his fists, his answer rather cautious: "The matter of the Crown Prince cannot be rushed; it requires prudence. Your Majesty is in the prime of life — you may observe the two princes further to determine the best candidate."

Having heard the opinions of several senior ministers, Liu Zhiyuan's expression suddenly relaxed. He leaned back slightly against the imperial throne, his gaze drifting to Feng Dao, who stood in attendance with head bowed: "Grand Preceptor, in your view, which of my two sons should preside over the Eastern Palace?"

Feng Dao had been below, enjoying himself as a spectator, when suddenly he heard the emperor's inquiry. He was quite startled — was this the sort of matter on which he could casually offer an opinion? Neither of the two princes was someone easy to offend.

After thinking it over, he "tremblingly" stepped out of the ranks, those old eyes seeming even more clouded, and reported: "Your Majesty, this old servant believes both princes are outstanding talents of this age, with exceptional natural gifts. Your servant is foolish and dull, truly daring not to presume to judge — I beg Your Majesty to make the sacred decision alone..."

Presumably Liu Zhiyuan had not expected to hear a definite name from Feng Dao's mouth. After pondering for a few moments, he turned his head, his gaze falling on Liu Chengyou, scrutinizing him, and asked in a low, drawn-out tone: "Second Son, most of these ministers here favor you as Crown Prince. What do you yourself think?"

At this, everyone in Chongyuan Hall turned their attention to Liu Chengyou. With this question, enormous pressure descended upon Liu Chengyou. The others did not matter, but Liu Zhiyuan's gaze made Liu Chengyou feel a trace of tension.

If at first Liu Chengyou had been somewhat bewildered, puzzled, and confused, as those ministers he knew and did not know voiced their support, how could he not have figured it out by now? Among the ministers who had just spoken, perhaps not all had coordinated beforehand — some were just going with the flow, following the crowd. But he did not believe for a moment that these people were won over by his "kingly aura."

Before this, he had no real foundation at court. If so many people had all advocated establishing Liu Chengxun, that would not have been too surprising — but the reality was exactly the opposite. Organizing so many people to exert force together in support of him becoming Crown Prince, without his prior knowledge...

Killing with praise!

Someone was scheming against him behind his back. His elder brother Liu Chengxun probably did not have such cunning — so it could only be Yang Bin.

His gaze swept coldly over Yang Bin. The man's face was full of serenity, but Liu Chengyou felt that at the corners of his mouth there was some complacency.

"Is my question so difficult for you?" Liu Zhiyuan asked again, his tone slightly impatient.

Lifting his eyelids, his gaze briefly met Liu Zhiyuan's. Blinking hard, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and cupped his fists, saying: "Since ancient times, in establishing an heir, the eldest legitimate son comes first, and next the most worthy. However, in both seniority and worthiness, your son is no match for my elder brother. Your son lacks virtue and dares not contend with my brother."

Liu Chengyou's low, suppressed voice was very steady, but when his words fell, the hall erupted in some clamor. Especially those who had followed the crowd — hearing that the very person in question was unwilling to contend with his elder brother, should they change their stance?

"Your Majesty, my younger brother is intelligent, resolute, and far superior to me — I beg that he be established as Crown Prince!" Even more unexpectedly, Liu Chengxun almost immediately followed Liu Chengyou's words, speaking to yield.

Looking at his two sons, Liu Zhiyuan suddenly let out a light laugh, his tone inscrutable: "The two of you are actually yielding to each other!"

Having said this, a weary expression surfaced on his aged face. Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand listlessly: "I am tired. Let us end here for today — court is dismissed!"

With that said, he left first, giving people almost no time to react.

After court, Liu Chengyou did not go to the Bureau of Military Affairs but returned directly to his residence. On the way back, his expression remained gloomy throughout. On the surface, what had happened at court today was basically that he, Liu Chengyou, aspiring to the Eastern Palace, had united with those ministers to launch an assault on the position of Crown Prince.

How others saw it, Liu Chengyou could not control — but what about Liu Zhiyuan?

"Your Highness, Supervising Secretary Tao requests an audience!" No sooner had he returned to his residence than, before he could even take a sip of water, Li Chongju came to report.

"Bring him in!" Liu Chengyou could barely suppress his anger.

After Wei Renpu had been arranged into the Bureau of Military Affairs, that fellow Tao Gu could not sit still. This man was quite interesting — when he met Liu Chengyou, he gave him a little "hint." To avoid showing favoritism, Liu Chengyou had worked some arrangements for him as well, and based on Tao Gu's past credentials, he was appointed Supervising Secretary.

Tao Gu had evidently come straight to Liu Chengyou's place after court. Before he even entered the hall, he heard the sound of a porcelain cup shattering within, and could not help but shudder — he could well imagine how furious Liu Chengyou must be at this moment.

"Your Highness." Entering, Tao Gu swept his gaze over the broken porcelain shards on the floor and called out in a low voice.

"You've come. Sit." Liu Chengyou closed his eyes, took a few shallow breaths, then opened them and looked at him, saying: "What do you make of the matters at court today?"

"This was a calculated scheme against you." Tao Gu sighed, his brows furrowed: "For so many to rise up together advocating your installation—it can only backfire. The one scheming behind this has very deep cunning indeed!"

"Watching from court today, I was alarmed to my very core!"

"I was too careless!" Liu Chengyou let out a sigh.

"Such things cannot be guarded against!" Tao Gu shook his head instead, analyzing for Liu Chengyou: "The other side employed the strategy of killing with praise—most venomous. Previously, His Majesty already harbored wariness toward Your Highness. The court was never Your Highness's strong ground to begin with, and this affair has only deepened His Majesty's caution. As for the Eldest Prince, he instead appears all the more humble and filial, while Your Highness seems scheming and deep..."

What Tao Gu said, Liu Chengyou knew full well in his heart—of such things he had "seen" and "heard" far too many before.

Yet precisely because of this, he was furious—and beyond the fury, there was a sense of grievance and shame.

Liu Chengyou had not done this thing; he knew that clearly in his own heart. But on Liu Zhiyuan's side, it was not necessarily so. Perhaps in his eyes, Liu Chengyou had quietly bought over a batch of court officials in the shadows, and on the great court day, suddenly launched, intending to achieve a decisive, hammer-blow effect.

"What should I do next?" Liu Chengyou kept a stern face, cold glints flashing in his eyes, as if he wanted to stir up trouble.

Seeing this, Tao Gu hastily urged: "Your Highness, at a time like this, you must not act rashly. Otherwise, in His Majesty's eyes, the situation will only worsen."

Tao Gu was a man of many small schemes, but having already boarded Liu Chengyou's ship, he now earnestly plotted for him: "Next, it is best to observe the development of the situation for a while before making any move. Today in the hall, your taking the initiative to humbly decline was an excellent response. As for the matter of the Crown Prince, His Majesty is clearly still hesitating. As long as it is not yet decided, there will always be opportunities..."

"Having been schemed against this time and fallen to the inferior position—what if the Eastern Palace position is settled because of this?" Liu Chengyou had already calmed down, and suddenly asked.

At the question, Tao Gu was startled, but seeing Liu Chengyou's indifferent expression, his eyes flickered, and he gritted his teeth, speaking in a low voice: "Even if it is settled, that only makes you the Crown Prince! Since ancient times, how many have been able to ascend the throne from the position of Crown Prince?"

"Tao Gu, your words are quite bold!" Liu Chengyou suddenly fixed his gaze upon Tao Gu.

Under Liu Chengyou's stare, Tao Gu's body trembled, and with a thud he knelt to the ground: "Your servant spoke recklessly—your servant is merely loyal to Your Highness..."

"Enough!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, and unexpectedly revealed a smile, murmuring: "What you said is also right—even if it is settled, so what."

"Let me say something you might not believe."

Tao Gu was taken aback: "What?"

"My humble refusal in the Chongyuan Hall was partly sincere!"

"I had no intention of making a move, yet someone comes to scheme against me. This matter, I have noted well!"