Chapter 366

Translation...

We must not add any extra lines besides those and the title and glossary sections.

We must output exactly 【N】 for each input line, in order.

Now translate each line faithfully, not adding extra words.

Let's go line by line.

The medicinal incense in the Hall of Nurturing Heart seemed to have grown a bit richer, blending with the distinctive scent of ink and paper to create a heavy, solemn atmosphere unique to this place.

Possible translation: "The medicinal incense inside the Hall of Nurturing Heart seemed to have grown a bit richer, mingling with the distinctive smell of ink and paper, forming a heavy, solemn atmosphere unique to this place."

It seemed to have grown a bit richer, mingling with the distinctive smell of ink and paper, forming a heavy, solemn atmosphere unique to this place.

We'll output: 【1】 The medicinal incense inside the Hall of Nurturing Heart seemed to have grown a bit richer, mingling with the distinctive smell of ink and paper, forming a heavy, solemn atmosphere unique to this place.

Chen Wen wore a dark-colored regular robe and leaned back against the spacious imperial desk.

Translation: "Chen Wen wore a dark-colored regular robe, leaning back against the spacious imperial desk."

He wore a dark-colored regular robe and leaned back against the spacious imperial desk.

On the desk, besides the usual administrative memorials, there was an additional sealed memorial wrapped in bright yellow silk, jointly submitted by several chancellors of the Central Secretariat.

Translation: "On the desk, besides the usual administrative memorials, there was an additional sealed memorial wrapped in bright yellow silk, jointly submitted by several chancellors of the Central Secretariat."

On the desk, besides the usual administrative memorials, there was an additional sealed memorial wrapped in bright yellow silk, jointly submitted by several chancellors of the Central Secretariat.

He had just finished reviewing a memorial about the relief efforts following the drought in Xingzhou; his vermilion brush rested on the edge of the inkstone, making a faint tapping sound.

Translation: "He had just finished reviewing a memorial about the relief efforts following the drought in Xingzhou; his vermilion brush rested on the edge of the inkstone, making a faint tapping sound."

He had just finished reviewing a memorial about the relief efforts following the drought in Xingzhou; his vermilion brush rested on the edge of the inkstone, making a faint tapping sound.

His gaze fell upon that bright-yellow sealed memorial.

Translation: "His gaze fell upon that bright-yellow sealed memorial."

His gaze fell upon that bright-yellow sealed memorial.

Without opening it, he already knew what it memorialized.

Translation: "Without opening it, he already knew what it memorialized."

Without opening it, he already knew what it memorialized.

His mother's words still rang in his ears, and the officials' worries were clearly becoming impossible to suppress.

Translation: "His mother's words still rang in his ears, and the officials' worries were clearly becoming impossible to suppress."

His mother's words still rang in his ears, and the officials' worries were clearly becoming impossible to suppress.

He reached out, his fingertip lightly gliding over the smooth, cool silk surface, and eventually he picked it up and slowly unfolded it.

Translation: "He reached out, his fingertip lightly gliding over the smooth, cool silk surface, and eventually he picked it up and slowly unfolded it."

He reached out, his fingertip lightly gliding over the smooth, cool silk surface, and eventually he picked it up and slowly unfolded it.

The memorial's content was exactly as he had anticipated.

Translation: "The memorial's content was exactly as he had anticipated."

The memorial's content was exactly as he had anticipated.

Led by Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru, several senior officials jointly submitted an earnest memorial citing the classics, with a single core request: appoint a crown prince to secure the foundation of the state.

Translation: "Led by Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru, several senior officials jointly submitted a memorial, earnestly citing the classics, with a single core request: appoint a crown prince to secure the foundation of the state."

Led by Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru, several senior officials jointly submitted, earnestly citing the classics, with a single core request: appoint a crown prince to secure the foundation of the state.

The memorial read:

Translation: "The memorial read:"

The memorial read:

"Your Majesty, having received the heavenly mandate and symbols, rules over all under heaven; your might extends within the seas, your virtue reaches the myriad peoples."

Translation: "\"Your Majesty has received the mandates, reigns over all under heaven, your might extends within the seas, your virtue embraces all creation. \""

We need to keep the quotation marks as in Chinese? The Chinese uses 「」. We'll use English double quotes. We'll keep the content.

Thus: 【12】 "Your Majesty has received the mandates, reigns over all under heaven, your might extends within the seas, your virtue embraces all creation."

"Yet the Eastern Palace stands vacant, the foundation of the state is unsettled—this is not how one honors the ancestral temples, upholds the state altars, and brings peace to the myriad peoples."

Translation: "\"Yet the Eastern Palace stands vacant, the foundation of the state is undetermined—this is not how to honor the ancestral temples, importance to the state altars, and peace of the myriad peoples. \""

to honor the ancestral temples, uphold the state altars, and bring peace to the myriad peoples

Thus: 【13】 "Yet the Eastern Palace stands vacant, the foundation of the state is undetermined—this is not how to honor the ancestral temples, uphold the state altars, and bring peace to the myriad peoples."

"Although the realm has just been pacified, to the north the False Song eyes it like a tiger, to the south disasters recur frequently, and Your Majesty's health is uneasy; it is all the more advisable to early establish an heir, to win the people's hearts and secure a lasting reign."

Translation: "\"Although the realm has just been pacified, to the north the False Song eyes it like a tiger, to the south disasters recur frequently, and Your Majesty's health is uneasy; it is all the more advisable to early establish an heir, to win the people's hearts and secure a lasting reign. \""

To the north the False Song eyes it like a tiger; to the south disasters recur frequently; Your Majesty's health is uneasy; it is all the more advisable to early establish an heir, to win the people's hearts and secure a lasting reign.

Thus: 【14】 "Although the realm has just been pacified, to the north the False Song eyes it like a tiger, to the south disasters recur frequently, and Your Majesty's health is uneasy; it is all the more advisable to early establish an heir, to win the people's hearts and secure a lasting reign."

Every word and sentence were the words of seasoned statesmanship, revealing a deep concern for the nation's future.

Translation: "Every word and sentence were the words of seasoned statesmanship, revealing a deep concern for the nation's future."

Every word and sentence were the words of seasoned statesmanship, revealing a deep concern for the nation's future.

Chen Wen gazed at it silently, his face revealing no expression.

Translation: "Chen Wen gazed at it silently, his face revealing no expression."

Chen Wen gazed at it silently, his face revealing no expression.

He had certainly considered this matter.

Translation: "He had not failed to consider this matter."

He had certainly considered this matter.

Thus: 【17】 He had certainly considered this matter.

But since his accession, he has had to put internal order in check and contend with powerful enemies abroad.

Translation: "But since his accession, he has had to put internal order in check externally and deal with powerful enemies abroad."

Better: "But since his accession, he has had to settle internal chaos and confront strong enemies abroad."

Thus: 【18】 But since his accession, he has had to settle internal chaos and confront strong enemies abroad.

Moreover, the enigmatic and unfathomable Iron Crow Army lurks in the shadows, watching.

Translation: "Moreover, the enigmatic and unfathomable Iron Crow Army lurks in the shadows, watching."

Moreover, the enigmatic and unfathomable Iron Crow Army lurks in the shadows, watching.

He has poured nearly all his energy into the struggle to ensure the survival of this fledgling dynasty.

Translation: "He has poured nearly all his energy into the struggle to ensure the survival of this fledgling dynasty."

He has poured nearly all his energy into the struggle to ensure the survival of this fledgling dynasty.

As for the inner palace…

Translation: "As for the inner palace…"

As for the inner palace…

His thoughts drifted somewhat.

Translation: "His thoughts drifted somewhat."

His thoughts drifted somewhat.

At the beginning of his reign, under the repeated urgings of senior officials such as Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru,

Translation: "At the beginning of his reign, under the repeated urgings of senior officials such as Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru,"

At the beginning of his reign, under the repeated urgings of senior officials such as Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru,

in order to stabilize the court and appease the forces of those officials who had surrendered.

Translation: "in order to stabilize the court and appease the forces of those officials who had surrendered."

in order to stabilize the court and appease the forces of those officials who had surrendered.

He indeed followed the old system, taking into the palace several daughters of meritorious officials or ladies from distinguished families, and, as customary, granted them the titles of consorts.

Translation: "He indeed followed the old system, taking into the palace several daughters of meritorious officials or ladies from distinguished families, and, as customary, granted them the titles of consorts."

He indeed followed the old system, taking into the palace several daughters of meritorious officials or ladies from distinguished families, and, as customary, granted them the titles of consorts.

To him, these women were more symbols of political marriage, pieces to balance the court.

Translation: "To him, these women were more symbols of political marriage, pieces to balance the court."

To him, these women were more symbols of political marriage, pieces to balance the court.

He gave them the honor and treatment they deserved, but rarely invested in the affection of ordinary marital relations.

Translation: "He gave them the honor and treatment they deserved, but rarely invested in the affection of ordinary marital relations."

He gave them the honor and treatment they deserved, but rarely invested in the affection of ordinary marital relations.

In this tumultuous age, struggling to survive step by step to reach his present position, his heart has long been hardened.

Translation: "In this tumultuous age, struggling to survive step by step to reach his present position, his heart has long been hardened."

In this tumultuous age, struggling to survive step by step to reach his present position, his heart has long been hardened.

Romantic love and private familial affection are, to him, too luxurious.

Translation: "Romantic love and private familial affection are, to him, too luxurious."

Romantic love and private familial affection are, to him, too luxurious.

Yet, offspring came to him unexpectedly.

Translation: "Yet, offspring came to him unexpectedly."

Yet, offspring came to him unexpectedly.

Among them, the eldest legitimate son born to his first wife, Chen Hong, is already eight years old.

Translation: "Among them, the eldest legitimate son born to his first wife, Chen Hong, is already eight years old."

Among them, the eldest legitimate son born to his first wife, Chen Hong, is already eight years old.

Additionally, each of two consorts has borne a son, still young in age.

Translation: "Additionally, each of two consorts has borne a son, still young in age."

Additionally, each of two consorts has borne a son, still young in age.

He is not particularly fond of daughters, and his meetings with these few children can be counted on one hand.

Translation: "He is not particularly fond of daughters, and his meetings with these few children can be counted on one hand."

He is not particularly fond of daughters, and his meetings with these few children can be counted on one hand.

He only knows that the eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong, seems of a relatively tranquil disposition, studying under the Hanlin scholar he appointed, and is said to be quite clever.

Translation: "He only knows that the eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong, seems of a relatively tranquil disposition, studying under the Hanlin scholar he appointed, and is said to be quite clever."

He only knows that the eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong, seems of a relatively tranquil disposition, studying under the Hanlin scholar he appointed, and is said to be quite clever.

As for the two younger sons, his impression of them is even more vague.

Translation: "As for the two younger sons, his impression of them is even more vague."

As for the two younger sons, his impression of them is even more vague.

Perhaps in his subconscious, he has never truly regarded himself as a 'father' who needs to pass on his bloodline.

Translation: "Perhaps in his subconscious, he has never truly regarded himself as a 'father' who needs to pass on his bloodline."

Perhaps in his subconscious, he has never truly regarded himself as a 'father' who needs to pass on his bloodline.

He is more like a protector, a tool existing to end the chaotic age and establish order.

Translation: "He is more like a protector, a tool existing to end the chaotic age and establish order."

He is more like a protector, a tool existing to end the chaotic age and establish order.

Until he vomited blood beneath the walls of Heroic Prefecture, until he felt the fragility of life on his sickbed, until his mother's anxious admonition…

Translation: "Until he vomited blood beneath the walls of Heroic Prefecture, until he felt the fragility of life on his sickbed, until his mother's anxious admonition…"

Until he vomited blood beneath the walls of Heroic Prefecture; until he felt the fragility of life on his sickbed; until his mother's anxious admonition…

Only then did he have to confront this issue.

Translation: "Only then did he have to confront this issue."

Only then did he have to confront this issue.

He, Chen Wen, is not merely an emperor, but also a warrior.

Translation: "He, Chen Wen, is not merely an emperor, but also a warrior."

He, Chen Wen, is not merely an emperor, but also a warrior.

He is also a son, a… father.

Translation: "He is also a son, a… father."

He is also a son, a… father.

This dynasty cannot rely solely on his person.

Translation: "This dynasty cannot rely solely on his person."

This dynasty cannot rely solely on his person.

Should he fall, there must be someone able to take up this burden, continue his unfinished endeavors, and guard this hard-won tranquility.

Translation: "Should he fall, there must be someone able to take up this burden, continue his unfinished endeavors, and guard this hard-won tranquility."

Should he fall, there must be someone able to take up this burden, continue his unfinished endeavors, and guard this hard-won tranquility.

Establishing a crown prince is no longer a matter of optional timing, but an urgent necessity.

Translation: "Establishing a crown prince is no longer a matter of optional timing, but an urgent necessity."

Establishing a crown prince is no longer a matter of optional timing, but an urgent necessity.

His gaze once again fell upon the names of the several princes on the memorial.

Translation: "His gaze once again fell upon the names of the several princes on the memorial."

His gaze once again fell upon the names of the several princes on the memorial.

The eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong.

Translation: "The eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong."

The eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong.

According to clan law, establishing the eldest legitimate son is proper and just, best able to prevent other princes from harboring improper aspirations and avoid future fratricidal tragedy.

Translation: "According to clan law, establishing the eldest legitimate son is proper and just, best able to prevent other princes from harboring improper aspirations and avoid future fratricidal tragedy."

According to clan law, establishing the eldest legitimate son is proper and just, best able to prevent other princes from harboring improper aspirations and avoid future fratricidal tragedy.

Moreover, Chen Hong is somewhat older, having begun his early studies, whereas his younger brothers are still in swaddling clothes, making him evidently more suitable to be cultivated as heir.

Translation: "Moreover, Chen Hong is somewhat older, having begun his early studies, whereas his younger brothers are still in swaddling clothes, making him evidently more suitable to be cultivated as heir."

Moreover, Chen Hong is somewhat older, having begun his early studies, whereas his younger brothers are still in swaddling clothes, making him evidently more suitable to be cultivated as heir.

Although he knows little about this son, according to reports from the Hanlin scholar and palace attendants, the child's disposition is steady, he does not indulge in extravagant play, and his studies are fairly diligent.

Translation: "Although he knows little about this son, according to reports from the Hanlin scholar and palace attendants, the child's disposition is steady, he does not indulge in extravagant play, and his studies are fairly diligent."

Although he knows little about this son, according to reports from the Hanlin scholar and palace attendants, the child's disposition is steady, he does not indulge in extravagant play, and his studies are fairly diligent.

Perhaps… he is a suitable candidate.

Translation: "Perhaps… he is a suitable candidate."

Perhaps… he is a suitable candidate.

But once made crown prince, this merely eight-year-old child would bear a burden and expectations grossly disproportionate to his age.

Translation: "But once made crown prince, this merely eight-year-old child would bear a burden and expectations grossly disproportionate to his age."

But once made crown prince, this merely eight-year-old child would bear a burden and expectations grossly disproportionate to his age.

He will no longer have a carefree childhood; he will constantly be under the scrutiny of all, his words and deeds endlessly magnified and examined.

Translation: "He will no longer have a carefree childhood; he will constantly be under the scrutiny of all, his words and deeds endlessly magnified and examined."

He will no longer have a carefree childhood; he will constantly be under the scrutiny of all, his words and deeds endlessly magnified and examined.

For him, is this fortune or misfortune?

Translation: "For him, is this fortune or misfortune?"

For him, is this fortune or misfortune?

Chen Wen let out a soft sigh.

Translation: "Chen Wen let out a soft sigh."

Chen Wen let out a soft sigh.

This is the fate of imperial houses.

Translation: "This is the fate of imperial houses."

This is the fate of imperial houses.

There is no choice.

Translation: "There is no choice."

There is no choice.

He picked up the vermilion brush and slowly wrote the character "ke" (approval) on that sealed memorial.

Translation: "He picked up the vermilion brush and slowly wrote the character 'ke' (approval) on that sealed memorial."

He picked up the vermilion brush and slowly wrote the character 'ke' (approval) on that sealed memorial.

The stroke was steady, showing no hesitation whatsoever.

Translation: "The stroke was steady, showing no hesitation whatsoever."

The stroke was steady, showing no hesitation whatsoever.

Having decided, there is no need to delay further.

Translation: "Having decided, there is no need to delay further."

Having decided, there is no need to delay further.

Issue the decree.

He put down his brush and said to the attendant standing at his side.

"Summon Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian; have them come to the palace immediately to discuss affairs."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

……

Approximately half an hour later, the five core ministers gathered in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

They saw the opened bright-yellow memorial with vermilion annotations on the imperial desk, and each already understood.

"I have read all your memorials."

Chen Wen's voice still carried the weakness after illness, but his tone was quite clear.

"Establishing a heir apparent to secure the foundation of the state is indeed the words of an experienced statesman; I... approve."

Although they had anticipated it, hearing the emperor's personal assent, Zhang Cheng and the others still secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and in unison bowed: "Your Majesty is sagacious!"

"My decision is final; I will appoint the eldest legitimate son, Chen Hong, as Crown Prince."

Chen Wen continued speaking, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"What do you all think?"

"Your Majesty's decision is clear!"

Zhang Cheng spoke first.

"Establishing the eldest legitimate heir is proper ritual; it can settle the hearts of all officials and commoners, and extinguish any hopes of usurpation."

Wang Ru also said:

"We will devote ourselves wholeheartedly to assist the Crown Prince, educating him to become a wise heir."

Shi Dun and Qian Gui likewise expressed agreement.

Only Zhao Lao Nian seemed somewhat uneasy, rubbing his hands as he spoke:

"Your Majesty, this humble servant is a coarse man who only knows how to tinker with small mechanical devices; this great matter of educating the Crown Prince..."

Chen Wen looked at him, his tone softening somewhat:

"Minister Zhao, you are being overly modest."

"The Crown Prince is young and needs broad exposure; investigating things to extend knowledge is also a way of governing."

"My intention is to have Zhang Cheng also serve as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, overseeing Eastern Palace affairs and teaching him the essentials of classics, history, and statecraft."

"Wang Ru shall also serve as Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, instructing him in virtue and conduct, and distinguishing right from wrong."

"Zhao Lao Nian shall be given the title of Junior Mentor to the Crown Prince; he may impart some principles of investigating things and arithmetic, suited to his nature, to broaden horizons."

"Shi Dun and Qian Gui also need to frequently explain military matters and defense essentials to the Crown Prince."

This is an arrangement made after careful consideration.

It combines civil and military, values both virtue and talent, and even includes the increasingly important study of investigating things.

The five ministers looked at each other, all feeling the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, and responded in unison:

"We have received the edict; we will surely not fail Your Majesty's great trust!"

"The Crown Prince is young; you ministers are the pillars of the state, and also my arms and legs."

Chen Wen's gaze grew deep.

"I hope you will properly instruct him so that he understands the way of a wise ruler, knows the people's conditions, comprehends military affairs, and is versed in practical matters."

"The future of Great Chen will ultimately be placed in the hands of this generation."

"We understand!"

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and reverent.

A major decision concerning the dynasty's fortune for the next several decades, even a century, was made here in this side hall permeated with the scent of medicine.

Chen Wen felt a wave of fatigue wash over him; he leaned back slightly and waved his hand.

"The specific rites and regulations shall be drafted by Minister Zhang and Minister Wang together with the Ministry of Rites."

"I am somewhat weary."

"We request to take our leave."

The five ministers bowed and withdrew from the hall.

Chen Wen sat alone behind the imperial desk; his gaze fell once more on that memorial, landing on the name 'Chen Hong'.

"My son... the Crown Prince."

He silently murmured in his heart.

"This path, as father I can only pave for you up to this point."

"The rest, you must walk and bear yourself."

Outside the window, autumn deepens.

A withered yellow plane tree leaf, spinning, silently drifted down.