Chapter 262

Chapter 0262: The Difficulty of Being the Crown Prince

"Your Majesty, I also think we should fight. Great Jin hasn't waged war with Yuanzheng for decades. Now, with their people unsettled, it's an opportunity," General Li said.

"Your Majesty, I agree with General Li. However, before we consider battle, there's another important matter to address," Qi Tongxi said.

"Oh? What's that? Speak, my minister," He Jinli leaned forward.

"Your Majesty has reigned for fourteen years and has many princes but has yet to designate an heir. It's fine under normal circumstances, but not when facing war with Yuanzheng. The people are eager to know who the future crown prince will be. Without an heir, the princes cannot learn to govern. For the stability of the realm and the peace of mind of the people, I urge Your Majesty to appoint a crown prince soon," Qi Tongxi said.

Imperial Censor Song immediately countered: "Now that we're discussing war, why does Qi Xiang bring up the matter of appointing an heir? Although it's important, mentioning it now seems rather pointed, doesn't it?"

"Oh? What do you think I'm implying?" Qi Tongxi asked calmly.

The incident of the past is long gone, and he remains the head of the officials.

Even if some are discontented, they can't deny his competence.

"Everyone knows there are two ladies from the Qi family in the harem. Even if Consort Qi retired for rest years ago. Today's Consort Qiong is also your daughter. The Ninth Prince, born to her, carries the Qi family blood. Bringing up the appointment of the crown prince now, aren't you rallying for the Ninth Prince? Minister Qi, this seems rather biased," Zhao Yushi added.

"I'm baffled by Lord Zhao's words. It's a minister's duty to urge the Emperor to appoint an heir. Just because the harem has a child born of a Qi family woman, should I refrain from speaking? Besides, appointing the crown prince is about choosing the legitimate, eldest, or the most virtuous. The Ninth Prince is neither the eldest nor legitimate, and as for virtuousness, he's but five years old, too young to judge. Isn't it too early for me to champion his cause?" Qi Tongxi retorted.

"I second the motion. Minister Qi considers the welfare of Great Jin. It's indeed time for Your Majesty to appoint a crown prince."

There were those who agreed.

The Ninth Prince is still young and indeed hasn't yet caught the public's eye.

The final consensus was for the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to prepare for war, which was deemed more urgent. As for appointing the crown prince, that wouldn't be decided impulsively today.

However, the news stirred up quite a storm in the harem.

During the next day's greetings, the atmosphere was subtly charged.

"Minister Qi, truly a loyal subject, eagerly brought up the matter of appointing the crown prince. Consort Qiong, what do you think?" Consort Lan led the charge.

"With Yuanzheng restless and war looming, appointing a crown prince would indeed be wise. My opinion? I don't delve into politics, but I understand the importance of having an heir for the nation's stability. What's there to question?" Yunli snorted.

"Well said, Consort Qiong. Still, I wonder which prince Minister Qi intends to support?" Consort Lan inquired.

"Consort Lan seems to have lost all sense of propriety in her speech," Yunli retorted coldly.

"Minister Qi is a servant of His Majesty, duty-bound to speak and act in the interests of his sovereign. What do you mean by 'which prince he wishes to support'? What are you implying?" Yunli scoffed.

"Oh, such a fiery temper, sister. I'm just curious, is all," Consort Lan responded, unfazed and smiling.

"Curious about what? By tradition, the legitimate son should be appointed. This is the ancestral rule. The Empress sits here, and the Fourth Prince is right there. Does Consort Lan not see?" Yunli coldly sneered, looking at the Empress: "Her Majesty indeed has a good temperament. Let me be clear today: I may have a prince, but I and the Ninth Prince naturally support Her Majesty and the Fourth Prince. Legitimacy matters, and I know my place."

Whether the Empress believed her or not, at least such words were pleasing to hear.

"Consort Qiong truly understands the bigger picture, and I acknowledge your sentiment," the Empress sighed. "It's no wonder, Consort Lan, you have your thoughts. The Fourth Prince's frail health is a fact."

Just as Consort Lan was about to defend her stance, Yunli continued: "The Fourth Prince's frailty is a fact, a point I cannot pretend to ignore. But what of it? In the previous dynasty, the Great Ancestor passed the throne directly to his legitimate grandson. Should the Fourth Prince remain frail and unfit for laborious duties, he will eventually marry."

This statement left everyone utterly speechless.

They were hoping for the Fourth Prince's early demise, yet Qi Yunli was actually hoping for him to leave behind legitimate offspring?

How could the Empress not have considered this?

So, hearing these words now, they truly seemed like wise counsel.

Consort Lan was so shocked by these words she forgot what she was about to say.

"My sister has always had my back, and I know it," the Empress said, moved.

"I only wish for Her Majesty's protection for me and the Ninth Prince. If the Ninth Prince could secure a princely title and live comfortably, that would be enough," Yunli said.

"Don't speak such things, sister; it's not good for others to hear. But as long as I am here, I will naturally protect you both," the Empress replied.

Yunli stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone recovered from their shock, feeling a mix of awe and discomfort.

The morning greetings were quieted down directly by Yunli's words, and it wasn't long before everyone dispersed.

During the previous dynasty's tumult, Yunli met her mother, Lady Lin, in the harem.

They hadn't seen each other for half a year.

After greeting, Lady Lin sat down and started with some family talk.

Over the years, Yunli's demeanor towards her remained the same, neither too warm nor too distant. Lady Lin had grown accustomed to it over time.

After the small talk, she mentioned the purpose of her visit: "Your great-uncle asked me to see you. He mentioned his recent plea in the palace to appoint a crown prince and wanted you not to worry. He said the Emperor is still young, and decisions made now may change in the future. I don't know the specifics, but your great-uncle said you would understand."

Yunli smiled, acknowledging Qi Tongxi's shrewdness.

She then said: "It's alright, not knowing is even better. Please relay to him: I have been under the Empress's care for a long time, and I wholeheartedly support the legitimate princes."

Lady Lin was taken aback, wanting to ask something, but ultimately didn't.

Just before leaving, she held her hand: "My child, you must take care of yourself. The path you're on now... I don't understand it at all, nor can I help. I only ask that you walk it well."

Yunli nodded and patted her hand: "I understand."

She might not feel these concerns, but she no longer needs them.

After Lady Lin left, Zhuyu asked: "Your Highness, if Minister Qi also proposes to appoint the Fourth Prince, it might indeed come to pass."

"Isn't that good?" Yunli smiled.

Zhuyu also smiled: "It is. I just worry, what if in a few years, the central palace indeed has a legitimate grandson?"

"How could that be? No one will give him that chance," Yunli smiled, looking at the distant flying eaves and arches: "Being the Crown Prince is harder than being the Emperor, the Eastern Palace more dangerous than the harem. Probably only the Fourth Prince has the means to emerge unscathed. So, this step must be his to take."