Chapter 236 - You Can Play with Me from Now on
A heavy silence draped over the vast hall, every breath held in anticipation, making even the slightest noise resonate like a pin drop.
“I have four sons,” he began, his voice carrying across the room. “The eldest, born of the former empress, rightfully claims his position as the firstborn. The second, from the esteemed Xiao lineage, bears a lower status. As for the third, he has yet to see his first year…”
However, the Xiao family harbored discontent. Once holders of imperial favor, their fall from grace, particularly of the mother, an erstwhile imperial concubine, seemed to tilt the odds against them. Logically, her son should have stood in better stead than the First Prince, bereft of maternal support. Yet, her demotion to nobility, a consequence of her affront to the Emperor, altered the equation.
“At eight, the First Prince already delves into historical annals and grasps the fundamentals of military strategy.”
Heads bowed in contemplation, minds rife with musings. Long had they pondered how to sway the Emperor's resolve, while those yet to choose sides pondered the Emperor's motives. Was it to preempt future political strife, as seen in the late emperor's reign, by early designation of the crown prince?
“Your Majesty, may this humble servant propose that while you are in your prime, the princes are still in their youth. Would it not be prudent to observe for a few more years?”
“Hmm?” Zhan Yuanfeng descended the dais, fixing his gaze upon the official. “Do you doubt my eldest son's capabilities?”
Terrified, the official prostrated, pleading, “Your Majesty, forgive my impertinence! The First Prince is undoubtedly worthy. Yet, considering your youth, perhaps postponing the designation of the crown prince…”
Zhan Yuanfeng's voice sliced through, cold and authoritative. “I will not have my sons vie for power!”
The delay in appointing a crown prince had emboldened the royal heirs, each vying for the throne, but Zhan Yuanfeng's resolve remained unyielding.
Silence prevailed, prudence guiding those who dared not speak.
Few had aligned themselves, recognizing the youthfulness of the princes and the uncertainties of the future.
Only kin of the crown prince harbored hopes of succession, while others cautioned against premature decisions, mindful of the Emperor's youth and the decades potentially ahead.
“Are there any other objections?” Zhan Yuanfeng scanned the assembly.
“Your Majesty!” The response echoed unanimously.
Satisfied nods followed, until Zhan Yuanfeng shifted attention to Lu Zheng, inquiring about apparent joy.
Unaware of the truth, observers might assume Lu Zheng and his wife had borne a child. Yet, those privy to the facts knew otherwise.
“Indeed,” Lu Zheng responded tersely.
Zhan Yuanfeng's smile broadened, suggesting partnership with the crown prince.
Lu Zheng's response was cautious, fearing any misstep in etiquette might offend the Crown Prince.
“It's not an issue. He's just a child; you can instruct him.” While Zhan Yuanfeng intended to prevent Duke Zhen's title from transferring to Lu Zheng, having Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing present ensured the longevity of Liu Steel Manor. With their safeguard, the Crown Prince's future trajectory would be even smoother.
Moreover, having the child in the palace would foster stronger bonds, wouldn't it?
How could Lu Zheng fail to discern Zuo Xiaolang's intentions? If Zuo Xiaolang were older, he wouldn't mind having him accompany the crown prince for studies. However… My son isn't even three years old yet.
The most beneficial aspect of the Crown Prince's study regimen was to motivate him and enhance his skills. Enlisting a three-year-old child, apart from language barriers, would only impede his progress.
He adamantly opposed Zuo Xiaolang's entry into the palace. Despite the court's ability to groom individuals, dangers still lurked. This naive child was akin to a blank sheet, unaware of potential manipulation.
Upon hearing Zhan Yuanfeng's proposal, “True, but I can arrange different tutors. You need not worry about class, as long as the children get along.”
Concerned about Lu Zheng's objection, Zhan Yuanfeng interjected, “I received an imperial decree from the Ministry of Rites. Lu Aiqing has been designated as the eldest son. Nonetheless, why not proclaim him as Duke Zhen's son?”
Several ministers trembled, believing the emperor to be irrational. Duke Zhen Manor's lineage had barely stabilized, so why elevate an unrelated child?
Could their earlier assumptions have been incorrect? Did the emperor intend for Duke Zhen's title to persist?
Even Lu Zheng's husband was taken aback. Zuo Shaoqing observed his expression, wondering about the emperor's sudden generosity.
After contemplation, “Crown Prince Duke Zhen” sounded appealing, but held no real authority. The emperor determined the future course, and not all heirs would inherit titles.
“We are grateful for your benevolence, Your Majesty.” Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing expressed their thanks, kneeling respectfully.
“In that case, why not let the children decide?” Zhan Yuanfeng arranged for the crown prince and all attendees, along with those under ten, to join the banquet.
Zuo Xiaolang entered with a palace maid. Spotting Zuo Shaoqing, he rushed over, complaining, “Daddy, the food here isn't good!”
Seeing everyone's disdainful gaze, Zuo Shaoqing responded, “Indeed, if it's not to your liking, we'll have something better at home.”
“No need,” Zuo Xiaolang replied, patting his full stomach. “A brother gave me plenty earlier, I'm full.”
Zuo Shaoqing felt increasingly reluctant to send his son to the palace. How could he be at ease knowing a simple offering of food could sway him?
Holding Zuo Xiaolang, Zuo Shaoqing surveyed the arriving children. Each aristocratic child possessed striking features, hardly a one appearing unattractive.
All eyes turned to the crown prince upon his arrival. Few had seen him, and given his potential future role, scrutiny was warranted.
Zuo Shaoqing's eyes brightened at the sight of the child. Clad in silver and white with a winsome countenance, his eyes held a hint of coldness.
“My son respectfully pays homage to his royal father. May his father's blessings be abundant!” Upon witnessing Young Prince's flawless bow, everyone had already affirmed two truths in their hearts.
Zhan Yuanfeng briefed him on the evening's decisions, revealing his status as the Crown Prince and also disclosing his selection as Zhan Yuanfeng's study partner.
Initially, the official anticipated the child's joy, yet upon observing his expression, he noted that Young Prince merely furrowed his brow momentarily upon hearing this, then composed himself. His thoughts remained inscrutable.
Nevertheless, he knelt and kowtowed, expressing gratitude, and uttered before all, “I shall not disappoint the expectations of my royal father.”
It was evident to all that the Crown Prince possessed remarkable composure and prudence. It was exceptional for an eight-year-old to demonstrate such maturity. Many were already forming similar opinions regarding the Crown Prince.
“Very well, rise,” Zhan Yuanfeng Xu assisted him to his feet, then continued, “I intend to select two study partners for you; you may choose one yourself.”
Zhan Yuanfeng likely reasoned that with two options, the likelihood of success increased. Yet, he couldn't fathom how a regular individual could select a reading partner as young as three years old.
Young Prince surveyed the row of children behind him—tall and short, stout and slender, ranging from ten years old to merely two. Some looked eager, some fearful, and some clueless.
Zuo Xiaolang belonged to the latter group. He smiled at Young Prince, his eyes bright and clear, irresistibly endearing.
Young Prince approached him, adopting an adult tone. “Would you be willing to be my study partner?”
“What's a study partner?” Zuo Xiaolang inquired, then glanced at his father.
Zuo Shaoqing harbored a sense of unease. Could these two children possibly already know each other? Anxiously, he grasped Lu Zheng's hand and whispered, “Do we have to send him to the palace if we choose him?”
Lu Zheng rubbed his forehead. “Calm down!”
“A study partner is a friend who can play with me!”
Zuo Xiaolang's handsome brows creased slightly. “No, I prefer playing with Dad.”
Young Prince followed his gaze, finding Zuo Shaoqing. He pursed his lips and persuasively remarked, “Your father is already an adult; he doesn't have time to play with you.”
Zuo Shaoqing silently thought: You're the Crown Prince; you should make time to play with him!
Reflecting on his father's recent busyness, Zuo Xiaolang displayed understanding. “Okay, then you can play with me from now on.”
A hint of a smile crossed Young Prince's eyes. Just as he was about to select the next child, Zuo Xiaolang posed another question, “Will you still give me meat to eat?”
Zuo Shaoqing facepalmed, desiring nothing more than to whisk away this impudent child and administer a stern reprimand.
Unfazed by the unidentified laughter, Lu Zheng fixed his gaze on the crown prince's response.
The young prince's expression softened as he affectionately patted the boy, who stood half a head shorter, “Eat to your heart's content!”
Zhan Yuanfeng's lips curled into a smirk as he observed Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing, incredulous that these astute individuals could sire such naive sons. His son snatched a piece of meat, a surprising turn of events.
Apart from Zuo Xiaolang, the young prince also selected a boy around his age, the son of a minister from the Censor's family, characterized by bright eyes and a cheerful countenance.
After choosing his study partner, Zhan Yuanfeng promptly issued another imperial decree, appointing three advisors for the crown prince: the crown prince's Chief Tutor, Shang Xianyang; the crown prince's Tutor, Wen Shu Ming; and the crown prince's guardian, Lu Zheng.
Shang Xianyang held a prominent position in the court, while Wen Shuming led the Han Lin Institution, renowned far and wide for his scholarly achievements. Madame and Mrs. Wen had enjoyed a longstanding friendship.
The Crown Prince, Young Master Fu, and the Crown Prince's protector were dispatched to three governors, albeit their titles being ceremonial, they were still associated with the crown prince, accompanied by corresponding salaries.
Zuo Shaoqing mentally recited the roster of names, noting Zhan Yuanfeng's favoritism toward the young prince, nearly assigning him the most influential figures in the court. It appeared futile for those attempting to sway Zhan Yuanfeng's decisions.
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